Nippon-Ham Nao Miyanishi pitcher Naoki Miyanishi (41) wrote on the 26th in his column "Yuou Maishin" (Charging Forward with Courage), expressing his feelings about being promoted to the first team this season and the way of life he wants to show his younger teammates as a professional. He also wrote in his own words about the gratitude he felt for the fans and the exhilaration he felt amidst the roaring cheers at the farm league exchange game in Hakodate (on the 4th against DeNA).

The farm team's theme has remained as it has since early spring on improving the accuracy of new pitches and cutter. Since July, by combining pitches like slider and change-up with other pitches, we have been able to pitch more practically. Also, as I work on cutter, I feel like my slider has returned to its old feel. I noticed how I used to use my overgrown body and realized, "This is how I used to throw in the past." Due to repeated elbow surgeries and other factors, I have fine-tuned the form shifts that had appeared unnoticed, and recently, my slider numbers have also improved.

On the 4th, I pitched in a minor league game in Hakodate. I never thought I'd be able to pitch again in the "place of memories" where I earned my first professional win (*) 18 years ago. When my name was called and I stepped onto mound, the loud cheers filled me with adrenaline for the first time in a long time. I also receive great support in Kamagaya, but the "Miyanishi chants" from 7,000 people made me genuinely happy and excited. After the game, many fans told me, "We'll be waiting for you at Escon," which made me feel even more determined to do my best "for the fans."

In the first half of the season, I pitched in 18 games for the farm team, recording 3 saves and ERA 1.00. As I continued to adjust, I wanted to show the younger players that I would never give up until the very end. Living with players who are more than 20 years younger than me, I make an effort to communicate with them actively. We've exchanged LINE IDs, and we sometimes go out for meals when our schedules align. I want to be a role model for the younger players, showing them that "Miyanishi did it so well," and for the players in their mid-30s who are at a crucial point in their careers, I want to set an example that you can play until you're 40. I would be happy if seeing me struggle until the very end makes them think, "I want to try again."

I turned 41 last month (June 2nd). I truly believe that the reason I've been able to continue in the professional world this far is because I hate to lose. My streak of 50 consecutive appearances was broken in 2022, and I achieved 400 hold in 2024. For the past few years, I've been driven solely by the pure desire to "contribute to the team just one more time." Also, my motivation comes from the desire to stand on the first-team mound again for the fans who support me. I believe all I can do is prepare to the best of my ability so that I can return to the first-team stage as soon as possible. (Naoki Miyanishi)

*Miyanishi’s Pro Debut win … On May 11, 2008, in a game against the Softbank Hawks held in Hakodate, rookie Miyanishi came in as the second reliever mound in the tied 7th inning and struck out the side hitter.In the bottom of the inning, Kizuki Morimoto’s go-ahead hit secured Miyanishi’s first win in his 14th professional appearance, and he smiled, saying, “It finally happened.” That year, he appeared in 50 games, posting a record of 2 wins, 4 losses, and 8 hold. He continued to appear in 50 games for 14 consecutive years until 2021.