
◆ Seibu Lions Pacific League: Seibu vs. Rakuten Eagles (30th, Belluna Dome)
Seibu Lions outfielder Takumi Kuriyama (42) started as the number 6 DH in his retirement game against the Rakuten Eagles. In his first at-bat in the second inning, facing former teammate Takayuki Kishi, he flew out to left field on the fourth pitch, a 142 km/h fastball, with a count of 1 ball and 2 strikes. In the fourth inning with two outs and runners on first and second, he hit the first pitch and flew out to left field.
Prior to his retirement game, at a press conference held at a hotel in Tokyo starting at 9:00 AM, he had declared, "As for my best play, although I've only had one hit so far this season, I'd say it's that one in front of the center fielder and my first hit after turning pro. I think the best one will be the hit I get today. The hit count will definitely increase."
◆Takumi Kuriyama: Born September 3, 1983, in Hyogo Prefecture. Age 42. Drafted in the 4th round of the 2001 draft by Seibu Lions Lions from Ikuei High School. His first appearance was on September 24, 2004, against Kintetsu Buffaloes. He achieved 2000 hit in 2021. He has been selected to the Best Nine four times and won the Golden Glove Award once. As of August 29, his statistics are 2322 games played, 2151 hit, 128 Home Run, 3001 total bases, 914 RBI, and 1052 Walk. His career batting average is .277. 177 cm, 85 kg. Right-handed pitcher, left-handed batter.