Orix Buffaloes ・ It was revealed on the 8th that Yoshihisa Hirano pitcher, who also serves as a coach for pitcher (age 42), will retire from active play at the end of this season. He has already communicated his decision, and the team has respected the decision of this veteran player. His retirement has been officially approved, and the announcement is scheduled for today, the 9th.In 2023, Orix Buffaloes, he became the first player to be inducted into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame, and his combined total of 250 saves and 200 hold across Japan and the U.S. is an unprecedented record. This legendary closer, who has charted a one-of-a-kind career, will bring his 18-year tenure with Orix Buffaloes and his 21-year professional baseball career to a close.

Hirano has always valued "running." This season, he has also taken on the role of pitcher coach, passing on his knowledge to the younger pitcher. "There is a decline in pitching ability, and it's something everyone goes through. I feel that too," he said a few years ago. He has learned to throw two seam fastball and cutter, searching for a way to make a living.

His last appearance on the farm league was on July 9th. This coincides with the time he complained of discomfort in his right hamstring. It was a feeling he had never experienced before. It was a muscle strain. His right leg cramped up while playing catch, and it significantly affected his running. He had accumulated experience and achievements over 21 years. Younger players who dreamed of playing on the first team respected the legend and looked up to him.

"pitcher has to be able to run." The fact that he, who should have been a role model, could no longer perform this fundamental training, which could be considered the starting point, became the trigger for his decision to retire. "I have never once said that I wanted to be closer," he said, showing the pride and self-respect he had for having risked his life to fulfill the role that was asked of him. Even in his closing out, there was a style befitting a top-class player. (Toru Nagata)