◆ Pacific League: Nippon-Ham vs. Seibu Lions (18th, ES CON FIELD)

Nippon-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) made a shocking retirement announcement during pre-game practice! He walked over to the press and said, "20 years ago today, I announced my retirement and we became the best in Japan, so maybe I should announce my retirement today (laughs). Then we'll become the best in Japan, right?" 20 years ago, on April 18, 2006, in a game against Orix Buffaloes (Tokyo Dome), he hit his second solo home run in the second inning and commented, "I've enjoyed playing baseball to the fullest for 28 years. This year I'll be taking off my uniform." In a post-game hero interview, he said, "Today, on this best stage, the hero interview, I have something I want to report to everyone. I've spent 11 years with The Tigers, 3 years in America, and 3 years with Nippon-Ham. I've decided to take off my uniform at the end of this season. Please come to the stadium and burn the image of me in my uniform for the last time into your memory. For the rest of the season, I'm going to enjoy it more than ever." Even his teammates were left stunned as he made this shocking announcement. That year, the team won the league championship and became the best in Japan before he took off his uniform.

The team is currently on a three-game losing streak. In his fifth year as manager, he tried to motivate the team with a joke in his signature style, as they strive to achieve their long-held dream of winning the league championship and becoming the best in Japan.