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.

Kawabuchi, who is an old acquaintance of Lotte manager Saburo, appeared in a uniform with "SABURO" as his name on the back and the number "89," and showed off a powerful pitching form with glove raised high. Although the ball unfortunately bounce in front of the plate, the stadium erupted in cheers at the 89-year-old's pitch. Afterwards, he received a bouquet of flowers from manager Saburo and smiled.