Saburo Kawabuchi, former president of the Japan Football Association (currently an advisor) and the first chairman of the J.League, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the professional baseball game between the Lotte Marines and the Rakuten Rakuten Eagles held at ZOZO Marine Stadium on the 19th.

Mr. Kawabuchi, who is said to be an old acquaintance of Lotte's manager Saburo, appeared in a uniform with the name 'SABURO' on his back and the number '89,' showcasing a bold form that raised his glove high. Though he narrowly missed bounce, the stadium was in a state of uproar at age 89 at pitch. Afterwards, he received a bouquet from Coach Saburo and smiled. After the ceremonial first pitch, he said, "It was the third ceremonial pitch in three consecutive years, but I set this as my goal and trained my body hard, so I was able to pitch well. I share the same name as Manager Saburo and am close, so I always support him for winning at this stadium. When I threw the ceremonial first pitch, I had already won two games in a row, so I hope for The Marines win today as well," he commented.

Regarding the Japanese national football team, which drew 2-2 against the Netherlands, a strong team ranked 8th, in their first match of Group F in the CONCACAF World Cup, he offered his support, saying, "I think it's absolutely essential for them to advance to the knockout stage. I have very high hopes that the players will unite and do their best to achieve that."