Orix Buffaloes Yoshihisa Hirano pitcher (42) achieved the feat of "first-time". "Just throw hard where you are entrusted." Tajima left the mound in the first inning and played the role in the fifth inning. He is the 4th place in the 8-person relay. Sato was hit by one shot, but from one out, Nakajima was swung in the air with a treasured sword fork struck out. He cleared a total of 250 saves and 1000 strike out that even the same closers Iwase, Takatsu, and Sasaki could not do.

He entered his 21st professional season while also serving as pitcher coach. "How did you manage to juggle both roles?" I asked former manager Nakajima during last fall's training camp in Kochi. "If you lose heart, you won't be able to come back..." A specialist who experienced nine years of "playing roles" during his time with Nippon-Ham, he also taught me about the importance of continuing to work hard as an active player with persuasive words.

Hirano taught the second-year player Teranishi, a promising prospect, the trick to fork. He gave him the idea of "placing it and dropping it." Before the season started, a pep rally was held for players and support staff. It was Hirano who took on the role of motivating them at the request of head coach Haru. "I was a starter (when I was younger), and I wouldn't have achieved this (achieved this) if I had only been a reliever," he said, showing his humility, which is proof that he is able to persevere at the forefront. His close friend, manager Kishida, who secured the win with a desperate "epic relief" of eight pitcher, praised him, saying, "I was reminded once again that he is our legend." The team also won the opening series for the second year in a row. His unique contributions continue. (Toru Nagata)