Nippon-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) proposed the development of new equipment in the 'Shinjo style' on the 24th. On the 19th, during a game against the Softbank Hawks (at Es Con Field), Isobata, one of the league's fastest players, suffered a bruised right ankle after being hit by his own batted ball. After missing two games to monitor the injury, he was removed from the active roster on the 22nd. In response, Shinjo pondered a new type of leg guard that does not affect base running, saying, 'I know people say to wear a leg guard, but players that fast really hate them. It's about that subtle difference of whether it becomes a doble or a triple after hitting the ball.'

While many ordinary foot guards are secured by passing a rubber strap or similar under the spike, he requested new product development, saying, 'I'm going to have them make a little adjustment. Put four Velcro strips on the spike so it doesn't make that flapping sound. Make it fit snugly. A "peta" or a "click" is fine. Mizuno will make something like that for us. After all, these are the spikes of the most-watched player.'

The manager has been very particular about his equipment, such as gloves, since his playing days. "I usually do it myself. If I think a product is good, I ask to see the sample. That's why since high school, for glove orders, I would draw a picture on paper, put it in an envelope with a request for embroidery, and send it to the baseball manufacturer Slugger. I didn't have tape to seal it, so I used a bandage (laughs)." It was an idea characteristic of a manager who hopes to prevent injuries and enable players to perform at their best.