A batting master with 1520 career hit in his 19th professional season.

Akira Nakamura, infielder, who has decided to retire at the end of this season, held a press conference on the 3rd at MIZUHO PayPay Dome. The slugger, who has racked up 1,520 hit career hits, has decided to hang up his bat, much to the regret of fans. During the press conference, his voice choked up and tears welled in his eyes as he delivered a message to his family. 　At the retirement press conference, which began at 11:00 a.m., Akira Nakamura spoke about his decision, which he made in early July. “I feel a bit relieved now that I’ve been able to make this announcement. But since the season isn’t over yet, I know I can’t let my guard down,” he revealed. Reflecting on his 19 years with Fukuoka Softbank, he said, “Those 19 years flew by.I met so many people, and I’ve grown tremendously as a person. I feel I’ve been blessed with wonderful people throughout my professional baseball career,” he said gratefully. When asked by reporters about the day he decided to retire, he replied, “I made the decision on June 4—The Dragons right after the game. That was the day I made up my mind to end my playing career.”“I had planned to continue if I could produce results around the time of the interleague games, and if I couldn’t, I would make that decision. That’s when I made up my mind,” he said, reflecting on his state of mind at the time. He revealed that he informed Manager Yuki Kokubo four days later, on the 8th. When asked about his feelings toward his family, who had supported him throughout his playing career, his eyes welled up with tears.“My child was born, and my family supported me and always cheered me on. I also felt truly sorry for them. (His voice choked up, and he fell silent.) Even when I didn’t produce results, they always greeted me cheerfully when I came home, so I’m filled with gratitude,” he said, expressing his thanks to the family that had supported his playing career. 　He also expressed gratitude to the The Hawks fans, who continued to send him passionate cheers whether he was on the first or second team. “I think of the fans as people who fight alongside me. They cheered me on and gave me so much encouragement. I’ve said it many times, but I’m just filled with gratitude,” he said, conveying his feelings. 　Akira Nakamura He joined the team as the third overall pick in the 2007 draft. In his sixth season, 2013, he reached the required number of at-bats for the first time, and the following year, he recorded 176 hit hits to win the title for most hit hits. He secured a starting position and, alongside Yuki Yanagita outfielder and Kenta Imamiya infielder, contributed to numerous league championships and Japan Series titles. 　This season, his 19th as a pro, he made the first-team roster at the start of the season but batted .129 in 23 games. His role was primarily as a pinch hitter, with just 4 hit. He was removed from the active roster on June 9 and joined the farm team on the 10th.On June 28, in a game against the Oisix (at Tamasta Chikugo), with his team trailing by three runs in the ninth inning with no outs bases loaded, he hit a game-winning walk-off grand slam to complete the comeback, demonstrating that he was still in top form. 　The team had just finished the first half of the season in first place after 73 games. This decision came unusually early, in July. One of the team leaders who helped build an era of dominance is hanging up his uniform. Article provided by: Full-Count