◇ Orix Buffaloes 'Yoshihisa Hirano to retire from professional baseball

Orix Buffaloes Yoshihisa Hirano pitcher Yoshikazu Hirano has announced his retirement from professional baseball at the end of this season.

He joined Orix Buffaloes in 2005 as a draft pick from Kyoto Sangyo University. He played as a starter for the first three years of his rookie season, and then shifted to relief pitching in 2010. He made over 60 appearances for five consecutive years, showing remarkable performance. In 2018, he crossed the ocean to try his hand at Major League Baseball. He played for the Diamondbacks and Mariners, recording 48 hold, 8 saves, and ERA of 3.69 in 150 games.

After returning to Orix Buffaloes in 2021, he contributed to their three consecutive championships as their closer. Although his pitching opportunities decreased from 2024 onwards, he achieved his 250th career save in NPB in 2025. This season, as a player-coach, he recorded his 1000th career strike out in NPB. The legend, with a career record of 56 wins, 78 losses, 157 hold, and 250 saves in 702 NPB games, has decided to hang up jersey.

◇Commemorative merchandise for Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Kohei Arihara achievement of 1000 strike out in NPB is now available.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Kohei Arihara On the 9th, pitcher achieved his 1000th strike out in NPB history. Commemorative merchandise will now be available for pre-order. The commemorative goods include hoodies, T-shirts, and face towels featuring a logo commemorating the achievement. Pre-orders will be accepted until 6 PM on the 24th, with delivery scheduled for early October.

◇AKB48's Kisei Sato Chiba Lotte Marines throws the ceremonial first pitch.

On the 9th, before the game at Zozo Marine Stadium, AKB48 appeared as guests for "BLACK SUMMER WEEK supported by Coolish," performing songs such as "Koi Tsumjatta," "Sukiish," and "Flying Get." Member Kisei Sato also tried her hand at the ceremonial first pitch.

Additionally, a collaboration between AKB48 and Lotte's "Coolish" ice cream was announced. A special collaboration version of "Sukiish" was performed.

▼Comment from Kisei Sato▼
"Standing on mound at Zozo Marine Stadium, being able to be there where all the players always work so hard and sweat so much, was truly my most memorable experience!"