Multi-talented personality Mei Izumoto (54), a huge fan of the Orix Buffaloes, carried out a "scouting mission of the enemy." Following visits to Yokohama Stadium and Tokyo Dome where interleague games were held, he traveled to Hokkaido in early August. He visited ES CON FIELD for the first time and watched a game between Nippon-Ham and the Rakuten Eagles. He contributed his first support column since June, titled "Ori ni Isshoken-Mei." He declared "never give up" regarding a comeback to reach the Climax Series.

To everyone who loves the Orix Buffaloes and Sports Hochi, late summer greetings to you. Without further ado, I have visited Hokkaido. ES CON FIELD was a truly wonderful stadium. The distance between the stands and the ground was close, and the sense of realism was amazing. The environment for enjoying baseball was perfectly set up.

Reyes was impressive. Not just home run, but his ability to get hits depending on the situation. In his third year in Japan, he has completely adapted to Japanese baseball. Personally, fielder’s choice is a threat. He's not particularly tall at 171cm, but his swing and hits are powerful. Plus, he's fast. Kiyomiya and Nomura have plenty of experience, and Gunji has been in good form since July. To be honest, there are so many players to be wary of, it's a problem...

The Orix Buffaloes are in a difficult situation. In addition to pitcher Miyagi and pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita in early spring, Tomoya Mori has also been sidelined. However, it doesn't mean the possibility has become zero. As the saying goes, "If you give up, the game is over right then and there." The reality is that even with a succession of injuries, they are competing with a winning percentage around .500. Let's all have a never-give-up spirit!

Along with supporting the Orix Buffaloes, I will also do my best in my individual activities. My program is "Frank Club A" on Cable TV Baycom. It used to be broadcast on the first Monday of every month at 10:15 PM, but starting in September, it will be broadcast every Monday. We are renewing the show and will be enhancing the planning and content. Please be sure to check it out as well. (Mei Izumoto)

◆Mei Izumoto Born May 31, 1972, in Sakai City, Osaka. Age 54. She is mainly active as a personality on local Kansai television and radio, and also appears in dramas and movies as an actress. She is also an avid Orix Buffaloes fan, and in "Frank Club A" (cable television Baycom), in which she appears, she has featured many segments related to Orix Buffaloes. Her stage name "Mei" comes from the fact that she was born in May.