◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles Orix Buffaloes (12th, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

He didn't give in to the unfavorable conditions. Kenta Maeda, who never lost his concentration, reached a milestone. In the 7th inning, immediately after his teammates had taken the lead, with one out and a runner on first base, he got Noguchi to hit into a double double play, roaring with joy multiple times. Despite a 33-minute rain delay in the middle of the 4th inning, he pitched 7 innings, allowing 7 hit 2 runs. He earned his 100th career win in NPB, becoming the 145th player in history to do so. "I'm happy that I was able to achieve this in front of everyone at home," he said, beaming as he held up the commemorative board.

Having fought his way through a tough world, the right-handed pitcher has an unwavering belief: "win." There was a day when he demonstrated that philosophy to his teammates. It was June 19th, at the first team meeting since Manager Yoshii's reign began. Manager Yoshii called on them to "act like professionals" and asked, "What does it mean to act like a professional?" The players each answered, "Self-awareness," and "Playing with all our might." All of these are correct answers, and are the kind of mindset that anyone on ground should have. Then the manager pressed further, asking, "Is there anyone who absolutely wants to say what they think?" "Can I?" It was Ken Maeda who broke the silence.

"What you all said is correct, absolutely true, but as a professional, I think winning is the most important thing."

The two words "win" were something no one had uttered. "The person who spoke before me hadn't used the word 'win,' so I thought I should say it." He raised his hand and deliberately put it into words.

He spoke passionately about the true meaning behind his comments at the meeting: "As a professional, you have to do everything to win. Preparing and fighting hard are all the right things to do. But I believe that all of that is done in order to win." It is because he is so committed to "winning" that he has been able to achieve so many victories.

The veteran's passionate pitching snapped the team's two-game losing streak. Manager Yoshii praised him, saying, "He continues to pitch consistently." The right-hander, with 168 career wins in Japan and the US, is now setting his sights on 200 wins. "I want to keep adding to it." The challenge is far from over. (Kota Miyauchi)