It was revealed on the 22nd that Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes pitcher Soichiro Yamazaki (27) has gotten married. His wife is a woman one year older than him who is not a celebrity. After about six years of dating, they submitted their marriage registration in March, before the start of the season. The 160 km/h right-hander, who joined the team in the same 2016 draft as Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (27), is extremely popular, especially among female fans. With his beloved partner by his side, he is heading into his 10th year as a professional, aiming for a complete comeback.

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Orix Buffaloes have an annual event called "Bs Orihime Day." First held in 2019, it's a popular event where female fans vote for their favorite players. Yamazaki made it into the top 7 in the inaugural year, while Yamamoto came in 9th.

"Making sure our fans have fun is also part of our job." His apron-clad character, which he portrayed at the fan festival and became a hot topic as "a housewife from Suita," demonstrates his service-oriented spirit, making him a regular in the top 10. In 2023 and 2024, when he adopted an idol and musician concept, he achieved "two consecutive victories." While some Orix fans are congratulating him on his marriage, many are undoubtedly shocked. "I want people to feel my charm when they see pitch. I need to become pitcher that fans will support through my play," he said, a big goal now emerging in his mind.

It wasn't until the summer of '25 that he said he was too ambitious and inquisitive, "I do too many things and change my approach. Last season, when he learned to think calmly, he won 1 4 hold in 8 games after September, and also succeeded in two consecutive no-decision bases loaded super relief games. The handsome right fielder who has become a mainstay of the team is aiming for a return to a winning pattern. With his improved appearance, he will protect his family and win his home.

◆Soichiro Yamazaki: Born June 15, 1998, in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Age 27. At Tsuruga Kehi High School (Fukui Prefecture), he was on the bench from his first year in spring, and participated in Koshien in the spring and summer of his second year and the spring of his third year. He joined Orix Buffaloes in the 2016 draft as the 6th pick. He was added to the Japanese national team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic and experienced winning the world championship. His career record is 5 wins, 7 losses, 10 saves, 37 hold, and ERA 3.02 in 112 games. 190 cm, 93 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter. Annual salary of 45 million yen.