Pacific League: Seibu Lions 4, Rakuten Eagles 1 (30th, Belluna Dome)

On the occasion of Seibu Lions' Takumi Kuriyama's retirement game, Norio Tanabe (60), the current third-team fielder coach who served as the second-team batting coach when Kuriyama joined the team, contributed a memoir to this newspaper on the 30th. He paid tribute to his former pupil, who grew into "Mr. Leo" during his 25 years solely with the Seibu Lions and became the club's first homegrown player to achieve 2,000 hits.

I think it was before the contract negotiations (last December) when I heard him say, 'I'll retire at the end of next season.' We were just standing and talking in the parking lot behind the dormitory. There always comes a time when you absolutely have to hang up your uniform as an active player. Twenty-five years—a quarter of a century. He really did a great job for a long time.

When he first joined the team, my impression was that he was a quiet player. But once he put on his uniform and stepped onto the ground, the look in his eyes would change completely. He had an intense, hungry look about him. He possessed that drive—wanting to get better, wanting to be promoted to the first team quickly. He was a bit different from the players around him.

Even after 25 years, his attitude toward baseball hasn't changed. Back when he was a rookie, he would practice the same things over and over again. Even now, he continues to practice the same things, repeating them diligently time and time again. I sometimes think he could cut a few corners, but he works thoroughly until he is personally satisfied, and only then is he finally done. He never wavers in that regard. He simply won't allow himself to do things half-heartedly. Preparing perfectly and heading into a game—I think that's what it means to be top-tier. It's incredible that even after turning 40, he never thinks, 'This is good enough.'

He improved year by year and earned a regular spot. He's not just a player named Takumi Kuriyama; he's a player for the whole nation. 'Amazing' is the only word for it. It was an honor and a point of pride for me to have been involved with him, even for just a year or two. I was incredibly lucky to have encountered such a player.

He hosts things like the 'Takumi Kuriyama Cup' in his hometown, and I hope he contributes even more to the baseball world through that kind of baseball promotion in the future. While there is a possibility he might stay with the club in some capacity after retiring, I hope he continues to expand the reach of the sport since the baseball population is declining. Up until now, it was for his own sake, but next, I want him to pour his energy into the people involved in baseball and for the young boys and girls.

◆ Norio Tanabe: Born May 11, 1966, in Yamanashi Prefecture. Age 60. Drafted in the second round by Seibu Lions in 1984. Traded to The Giants in a cash trade in 2000, but was released from the team and retired. Became Seibu Lions' minor league hitting coach in 2002. Served as acting manager in 2014 and as manager in 2015 and 2016. Played in 1229 games in his career, with a batting average of .268, 87 Home Run, and 442 RBI. Won the Best Nine and Golden Glove awards in 1989 and 1992. 178 cm, 76 kg. Right-handed pitcher and right-handed batter.

Seibu Lions' Kuriyama held a retirement press conference in Tokyo on the 30th, ahead of the game against the Rakuten Eagles (Belluna Dome). In the presence of 630 fans, he spoke about his baseball career.

Asking Kuriyama

-How do you feel right now?

I have a mix of feelings—the sense that the day has finally come, and the feeling that it hasn't quite sunk in yet.

What kind of presence is Tsuyoshi Nakamura, who joined the team in the same year as you?

We entered the draft together, and before I knew it, 25 years had passed. Since we've been playing in the same uniform all this time, his presence is something I take for granted, but he's a special teammate. Well, I guess he's just a close buddy.

What was your intention behind describing it as a "concluding season" at last year's contract renewal press conference?

I had various conversations with my children at home, and they told me, 'It's okay to quit, but please don't call it retirement.'

What is your message for young baseball boys and girls?

Always keep a sense of enjoyment. Beyond that, I just hope you give it your all, regardless of whether you're good or bad at it.

How should Kuriyama fans spend their time from now on?

There might not be another player like me, but there are many wonderful players with different strengths, so I want you to find a favorite among them. We will welcome you with all-out play, so please come to the stadium anytime and wave your flags.

What are your future plans?

It is currently undecided.

Have you ever thought about wanting to do it for one more year?

It's not that the possibility is zero, but I've promised everyone that I would treat this season as my final year.

What is the most important thing you want to tell your juniors?

The Lions have a history, they have had periods of strength, and we, the younger generation, are here now; I believe there is something that has been passed down through the years. As long as you are wearing The Lions' uniform, I want you to play with all your might and without any regrets, showcasing the strengths of The Lions and your own individuality.

What are your expectations for the successor to number 1?

Isn't that a bit of a tall order? It's not about the number or anything like that; first, I want them to focus on their own play. I think that will happen when the time is right. First, I want them to work on their own play and further develop their individuality and strengths.