Orix Buffaloes Hiroshi pitcher made an "emergency appearance" in the middle of the second inning against Chunichi on May 31 (Kyocera Dome). He got the team's second win of the season pitch and contributed to the team's winning streak in May.

"I've pitched in situations like this many times. But since I was there as a 'fire putter' (relief pitcher), I wanted to closer scoreless," Hiroshi said, looking a little regretful as he reflected on the game.

His turn came unexpectedly. In the middle of the second inning, with one out and runners on second and third, he took the mound after starting pitcher Yasuto Takashima had given up the lead with a two-run lead. He allowed sacrifice fly to left field to Kaito Muramatsu, but managed to limit the runs to just one run, and in the third inning, he retired three hitter with just 10 pitches. Although he gave up one run in the fourth inning, he helped his team take the lead in the bottom of the inning. He says, "I'm always ready to pitch," making him a reliable presence for pitcher staff.

Hiroshi is a native of Shizuoka, Japan. He joined Chunichi in the first round of the 2017 draft from Iwata Higashi High School and Yamaha. He has been playing for Orix Buffaloes since the 24th year of the current draft. He is a valuable multi-player who can pitch multiple innings, not only as a starter and 1 inning reliever, but also as a "go-around" pitcher. I don't remember him ever being out with a serious injury. The only time I've taken a day off with a high fever was when I contracted a new type of coronavirus. It's my job. It's the same for salarymen, isn't it? Toughness is something he developed during his time at Chunichi. I was originally working in that kind of environment. I was told to 'run,' 'throw,' and 'practice more. In the old days, that would have been normal. Chunichi It was an asset of the times. For that reason, this victory was also a way of "repaying a favor" to his old team.

He has high hopes for this season. In his first year after transferring teams, he appeared in 32 games, but last season he was limited to just 15. Despite pitching well in the minor leagues with ERA of 1.21, his opportunities to play in the major leagues were limited due to team circumstances. This feeling of "frustration" led him to improve his diet during the offseason. After learning that his junior teammate, pitcher Yuito Mae, was toning his body by limiting his fat intake, he stopped eating his favorite fried foods. He also stopped putting dressing on his salads. By reviewing his diet, he also changed his awareness of his body, incorporating things like going to bed early, waking up early, taking early morning walks, and doing aerobic exercise.

I changed my form as well; I started throwing with my arm at the shoulder line after a poor back runs against the second team. I tried to throw from the top and got covered, so I started throwing with a sideways roll. I don't think about form, I just throw where my arm can swing, but even though I don't feel like I'm throwing with all my might, I'm able to get 151 or 152 km/h." The position where he steps on the ball, his posture, and the position of his arms are all important. plate He says that he changed his stance and the position where he steps on the ball and the way he holds his arm.

"I want them to treat me roughly," Hiroshi says. He's appealing to the team management to use him freely, without hesitation, no matter the situation. "It's fine if I'm a worn-out rag. I might get dirty as I use him, but I'm easy to use and I won't tear." In the hero interview with pitcher, Komatsu Kenta, a former TV Shizuoka announcer and old acquaintance, suddenly asked him to give the closing remarks, saying, "Hiroshi, please." Hiroshi replied, "It's Hiroshi," and was met with applause from the crowd. He's strong and durable, and his mind, body, and technique are all in top form. He'll be on mound at full speed as they compete for first place.

Interview and text by Masaki Kitano