◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles vs. Softbank Hawks (31st, Rakuten Eagles Mobile)

Rakuten Eagles Kenta Maeda pitcher (37) started the home opener against on October 31. It was the first time in 3828 days in Japanese baseball since October 7, 2003 when he was at Hiroshima (Mazda), and he gave up his first in the 3rd inning. Softbank Hawks mound Chunichi runs

If he wins, it will be the first "return match" in Japan since the Chunichi match (Mazda) on October 2 of the same year, and it will be the first white star in Japan in 3833 days. In the first inning, he closed it with a three-way retirement, but in the second inning. He allowed a left-handed hit to No. 4 Yanagida in the lead, and carried the runner for the first time. Since the 13-year exchange match in the Hiroshima era, it was the first time in 13 years that he was upset by Yanagida of the same "88 generation", but he was hit Walk by Yamakawa and Kurihara hit a right-handed hit and was considered a bases loaded without a hit. However, I persevered. No. 7, Nomura's three straights flew in front of fielder, and third base runner Yanagida couldn't return. Lucky double play with 2 outs, 1st and 2nd base, Umino was slashed with a struck out and did not score. Ken Maeda let out a loud roar and expressed his emotions.

The third inning immediately after receiving one run of support. From the first out, Shuto hit in the middle, Kondo Walk to first and second base, and again carried runner in scoring position. No. 3 Yanagimachi took a swing struck out in slider and made it 2 outs, but Yanagida caught a 147 km fastball and hit a timely hit to the right. So far, "It's been a long time since I've been able to play against Gita. There are still a few classmates left, but I want to do my best for each other."

On this day, it was raining in Sendai from the morning. However, by the time the game started at 4:01 p.m., it had stopped, and fans in Tohoku, who were eagerly awaiting the start of the season, cheered for Ken Maeda. The right-hander, who has 165 wins in Japan and the U.S., said on the 30th, "This is my first appearance here in Tohoku since joining The Eagles. I hope I can show everyone a good time. Kenta Maeda I hope to make a good showing so that people will know about pitcher," he said.

He had a 0-0 record with a 3.18 ERA in three exhibition games. In the game Seibu Lions on the 17th of this month (at Belluna Dome), he delivered a masterful pitch strike out six innings, allowing only one hit and no runs while striking out six. In a minor league game on the 24th where he made a tune-up appearance, he gave up six runs in the middle of the third inning, but he said, "I'm perfectly prepared. I'll be in great shape for my own opening day," as he approached this game.

Last season, after leaving The Tigers, he signed a minor league contract with the Cubs in May and played for the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, Scranton, from August. After the season ended, he announced his intention to return to Japanese baseball in 2026. After a bidding war among multiple teams, including The Giants and Yakult he decided to join Rakuten Eagles. He chose number "18" for his uniform, inheriting it from Masahiro Tanaka (currently The Giants), a teammate of his age who played for the team until 2024.

At his signing press conference last December, Kenta Maeda stated, "I am prepared to end my career with Rakuten Eagles. I didn't choose this team half-heartedly." The final chapter of baseball career has now begun.

◆Kenta Maeda: Born April 11, 1988, in Osaka Prefecture. Age 37. Played in Koshien in his first year (summer) and third year (spring) while attending PL Gakuen High School. Drafted in the first round of the 2006 high school draft by the Hiroshima Carp. Moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason of 2015. Played in MLB until last season. Represented Japan in the 2013 WBC and the 2015 Premier12. Two-time Sawamura Award winner, two-time most win ERA strike out three-time Best Nine selection, and five-time Golden Glove Award winner. 185 cm, 83 kg. Right-handed pitcher, right-handed batter. Estimated annual salary this season: 150 million yen.