◆ Pacific League: Nippon-Ham vs. Seibu Lions (13th, ES CON FIELD)

Before the game, a commemorative ceremony was held for Hideki Kuriyama, Chief Baseball Officer (CBO), who was inducted into baseball Hall of Fame in the expert category this January.

Nippon-Ham headquarters presented a robotic lawnmower, with the "Kuri no Ki Farm," a natural grass youth ball park created by CBO Kuriyama in mind, and unveiled a statue created as a symbol to pass on his achievements to the future.

CBO Kuriyama said, "Although my contribution may be small, I will do my best to contribute to baseball in any way I can. And to all the fans, your support is absolutely essential for the further development of baseball. I ask for your continued support The Fighters and The Lions, and for baseball in general."

Kuriyama, the current CBO, played for Yakult during his playing career. In 2012, he became the manager of Nippon-Ham leading them to two league championships and one Japan Series title. As manager of the Samurai Japan national team, he led them to their first World Baseball Classic title in three tournaments in 2011. He also nurtured Shohei Ohtani (now with the Dodgers) into a two-way player, helping him become one of the world's top stars.