Orix Buffaloes pitcher Alen Kuri (34) vowed on the 10th to deliver a great performance as a way of "repaying" his coach, pitcher and pitcher coach Yoshihisa Hirano (42). Kuri played alongside the right-hander, who announced his retirement at the end of this season on the 9th, for two years starting in 2013 when Kuri joined the team as a free agent. Ahead of his start against Rakuten Eagles on the 11th (Rakuten Eagles Mobile), Kuri revealed his true feelings, saying, "It's very sad to see someone who has played in the majors and achieved so much retire..." but renewed his resolve.

"He's someone who has shown us so many different sides of himself. I'm older than him, so I have to do my best." He recalled that he had once asked him how to throw fork, and that "he taught me everything without hiding anything." His attitude when facing hitter on mound, his attitude in practice, and his consideration for younger players. "He's a senior I truly respect. I want to inherit his good qualities and show them to my juniors," he said, carefully choosing his words.

On this day, he trained in Maishima, Osaka. "I'm aiming for Hirano's age, but I also have to work hard to surpass him. That feeling has become even stronger," he said, showing that his motivation to "remain active at 40" has also begun to grow. The team, which is 6 games behind third-place Seibu Lions, has lost all 6 games in Sendai this season. "We are always aiming for a higher standings. No one has given up." They will use this jinx to gain momentum and prepare the best possible send-off for the legend. (Shunta Nanbu)