[Softbank Hawks] Jockey Seina Imamura Throws First Pitch—A Left-Handed Throw, No bounce pitch Also… Seibu Lions ・ Masayuki Kuwahara features "Hit by Pitch" “I couldn’t throw it at all the way I’d practiced.” In May’s Oaks, she became the first female JRA jockey in history to win a G1 race | Pacific League.com

[Softbank Hawks] Jockey Seina Imamura Throws the First Pitch—A Left-Hander, No bounce pitch Also… Seibu Lions ・ Masayuki Kuwahara" Hit by Pitch" “I couldn’t throw it at all the way I’d practiced.” In May’s Oaks, she became the first female JRA jockey in history to win a G1 race.

Sports Hochi

July 1, 2026 17:58

Jockey Seina Imamura threw the ceremonial first pitch (Photo by Hidekazu Toyoda)

◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Seibu Lions (August 1st, Mizuho PayPay)

Jockey Seina Imamura (22) = Ritto, Terashima Ryo Stable = who achieved the unprecedented feat of becoming the first female JRA jockey to win a Grade 1 race in the Oaks in May while riding Juuryoku Pierrot, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The high-arcing ball she threw from her left hand hit Seibu Lions outfielder Masashi Masayuki Kuwahara who was at bat. It was an unexpected hit-by Hit by Pitch, and she admitted, "I couldn't throw it like I practiced at all," but she smiled after completing her important role.

When it was announced that she would be throwing the first pitch, she posted on her Twitter account, "I'm practicing right now. Thank you for your support."

Last July, jockey Manami Nagashima (23) of the Ritto/Yasuyuki Takahashi stable threw out the first pitch at Softbank Hawks-Lotte game as part of the "Fight! Kyushu Day in Kitakyushu" event sponsored by the JRA. On June 11th of this year, jockey Mikoma Kobayashi (21) of the Miho/Nobuhiro Suzuki stable threw the first pitch at Rakuten Eagles-The Giants game (Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi) held as part of the "JRA Fukushima Racecourse & VIESTA Sendai Night Game".