◆Exhibition game: The Giants 1-8 Nippon-Ham (March 14, Tokyo Dome)

Nippon-Ham pitcher Kota Yazawa (25) hit a massive home run on the 14th at the retirement game of his childhood idol, Nagano. Starting as the sixth batter and right fielder, in his fourth at-bat in the eighth inning, he hit a massive blast off Funasako to the upper deck of the right field stands, estimated to have traveled 124 meters. "I was talking with the scorekeeper about whether it would be better to pull the ball and swing with all my might, and it was perfect." The speedster, who has only two Home Run in his professional career, showed off his increased power.

A native of Kanagawa Prefecture, he was such The Giants fan in his childhood that he frequently visited Tokyo Dome to cheer on the team. After the game that day, he stayed in the dugout until the very end, imprinting the star's back into his memory. "I was so happy to be able to see him from such close range." When Nagano was at bat, the cheering songs were sung with great enthusiasm, and he was moved, saying, "The pressure of the voices felt really good. I thought it was a truly wonderful time." number 12, who has also developed his power-hitting ability, aims to become someone that children can look up to. (Haruki Kawakami)