[Seibu Lions] Former Player Yuji Kaneko Throws the First Pitch Seibu Lions 12 Years with the Same Team number Wearing the Same "7" as in His Playing Days—His Refreshing Smile Remains Just as It Was Back Then | Pacific League.com

[Seibu Lions] Former player Yuji Kaneko throws the ceremonial first pitch Seibu Lions Twelve years with the same team number Wearing the same "7" as in his playing days, his refreshing smile remains unchanged from back then

Sports Hochi

July 15, 2026 18:14

Yuji Kaneko threw out the ceremonial first pitch (Photo by Miyoko Tonsho)

◆ Seibu Lions Pacific League: Seibu vs. Lotte (15th, Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions Former player Yuji Kaneko threw out the first pitch at the game against the Lotte Marines (at Belluna D).

The game was held as part of "Go! Go! Leo for d Value Pass Day." When Kaneko took to mound wearing number "7" jersey he wore during his playing days, the crowd erupted in cheers. The ball he threw from just in front of mound went high, but catcher Yuto Koga jumped and catch.

Kaneko joined Seibu Lions in 2012 as the third overall pick in the draft after graduating from Ritsumeikan University. He played his entire 12-year career with Seibu Lions, appearing in 1020 games and recording a batting average of .241, 729 hit, 21 Home Run, and 223 RBI before retiring at the end of the 2024 season.

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