Mr. Tateyama: "They showed strong hitting, consistently driving back balls in the strike zone until the very end."

Seibu Lions' Takumi Kuriyama started as the number 6 DH in his retirement game on the 30th. In his fourth at-bat, he recorded his 2,152nd career hit.

"Mr. Leo" brought his 25-year professional career to a close. On the 30th broadcast of Fuji TV ONE's "Professional baseball News 2026," commentator Akihiko Ohya praised the hit that added a special touch to his retirement game, saying, "I believe his determination to get a hit in that moment led to his final hit. I think he is a lucky man to be able to retire after showing that hit in front of so many fans."

Another commentator, Shohei Tateyama, spoke based on his own experience facing him, saying, "I've faced him several times, but it's quite difficult to challenge him within the strike zone. He showed strong hitting, firmly hitting back balls in the strike zone until the very end. He really is cool. He's such a star that I never thought the day would come when his 25 years with The Lions would end. As he mentioned in his own comments, I hope he continues to be Kuriyama of The Lions."

MC Tsutomu Iwamoto praised him, including his character, saying, 'When I point the microphone at him, I always start with a joke. He's from Kansai too, so he plays along with those jokes. He has a great personality, and everyone—seniors, peers, and juniors alike—really gravitates toward him. I hope he continues to do his utmost for the development of the baseball world. For now, I'd like him to get some well-deserved rest. He was a player with a wonderful character.'

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"