◆ Sports Hochi Journalist Column "From Ryogoku"
Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ren Mukunoki (26) is on his way to a major breakthrough. In his fifth professional season, he has established himself as the "eighth-inning man," and so far in 24 games he has recorded one save, 18 hold, and ERA 2.74 (stats as of the 13th). The right-hander, whose weapon is a fastball that consistently exceeds 150 km/h thrown from a unique arm angle, has a reason to be a part of Kishida's Orix Buffaloes.
He joined the team in 2021 as the first overall pick in the draft from Tohoku Fukushi University. In his rookie year, 2022, he got off to a smooth pitch as a professional, including no hitter through 9 innings with 2 outs as a starting pitcher against Nippon-Ham on July 20th. However, on September 8th of the same year, he complained of discomfort in his right elbow during a game Seibu Lions and had to leave the game. He underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow and was placed on a development contract the following year, 2023.
The surgery generally requires more than a year to recover from. "baseball is a sport where injuries happen. Just keep going straight and don't give up!" These were the words of encouragement he received almost every day from pitcher coach Mamoru Kishida. Kishida, affectionately known as "Mamo-san," who would later become the manager of the first team, was a senior alumnus of Mukunoki's university. During his rehabilitation, which was a mix of progress and setbacks, those words provided a sense of reassurance, like a lucky charm.
After he resumed throwing, it was the same coach who repeatedly took on the role of "bullpen catcher" with a mitt in hand. Power returned to his throws, and he was reinstated to the main roster in 2024. "I was truly grateful. I could even say that he was a huge presence in my life, as he was the reason I was able to work so hard during my rehabilitation." Even now, more than three years after the surgery, his gratitude remains undiminished.
Mamoru has changed his title to "Manager Kishida," and this is his second year. "This year, I have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the manager's success." With determination in his heart, he will do everything he can to repay the kindness he has received. (Orix Buffaloes correspondent, Shunta Nanbu)
◆Shunta Nanbu: Joined the company in 2024. Has held his current position since 2025.
