Joichiro Fujiwara of Naniwa Danshi takes the mound for a super-luxurious special opening pitch ceremony, scoring "72.8 points with 'Naniwa'" alongside Orix Buffaloes player Yoshio Itoi and T-岡田, but unfortunately the ball bounce before reaching the plate. | Pacific League

Joichiro Fujiwara of Naniwa Danshi takes the mound for a super-luxurious special ceremonial first pitch, scoring "72.8 points with 'Naniwa'" alongside Orix Buffaloes player Yoshio Itoi and T-岡田, but unfortunately the ball bounce before reaching the plate.

Sports Hochi

August 3, 2026 18:51

Joichiro Fujiwara throws the ceremonial first pitch (Photo by Aki Takematsu)

◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Rakuten Eagles (3rd, Tokyo Dome)

Joichiro Fujiwara (30) of Naniwa Danshi took the mound for a special ceremonial first pitch before the game.

This was the first game of the annual "Bs Summer Battle 2026" and the first home game at Tokyo Dome in 17 years. Following the opening game against Rakuten Eagles on March 27th (Kyocera Dome), this was his second time taking on this important role this season. With former team members T-岡田 (38) at bat on the left and Yoshio Itoi (45) serving as umpire, pitch to infield defense base running coach Ryoichi Adachi (38), who was acting as catcher, unfortunately bounce before reaching the plate. "I'd give it 72.8 points in 'Naniwa'... (laughs). Let's all cheer loudly and win the league championship," he called out.

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