Orix Buffaloes pitcher Kosei Yoshida, who is currently adjusting in the second team, is feeling grateful to pitcher Alen Kuri, who held up a towel with Yoshida's name on it on the ground during pre-game practice for the September 1st game against the Rakuten Eagles held in his hometown of Akita (Komachi Stadium).
"I was happy. He had said it as a joke, but I didn't think he would actually do it. It was an event that allows me to carry my motivation through the next month (of the season)." The day after the game, Yoshida spoke with a lively voice at the club facilities in Osaka Maishima.

This was the first game held in his hometown in two years. Komachi Stadium is a place of memories where, in the summer of 2018, he led Kanaashi Agricultural High School to a prefectural tournament victory as the ace, which led to a runner-up finish at Koshien. On June 21, 2022, during his time with Nippon-Ham, he started in a game against the Rakuten Eagles. After transferring to the Orix Buffaloes, he pitched as the third pitcher in a game against the Rakuten Eagles on May 8, 2024. Although he was unable to perform well, allowing 2 hit, 1 strike out, 1 BB, and 1 earned runs in 1 inning, he received loud cheers from the fans in his hometown.

However, Yoshida was not at the stadium this year. This was because he had given up 3 runs in the game against Lotte on August 9 (Zozo Marine Stadium), was removed from the first-team roster on August 10, and had been continuing his adjustments in the minors. Nevertheless, he pitched well in three minor league games (on the 22nd, 28th, and 30th), and there was a chance for his promotion to the first team. For Yoshida, who was unable to stand on the mound last season due to TJ surgery, it was supposed to be the perfect opportunity to show his recovery in person.

"I received so many messages (from local friends). I told them I wasn't sure until the last minute, but there was a chance I might be able to go," Yoshida said. At that time, Kuri, who was adjusting as a starter at Maishima, called out to him, saying, "If you can't make it (to Akita), I'll take your towel there for you."

On the ground during practice, he learned from a fan's social media post about a video showing Kuri holding up a towel with the name "Kosei Yoshida" on it. Kuri showed the fans Yoshida's presence even as he prepared for his start on the mound at an unfamiliar regional stadium. "I had every intention of going, so I was just laughing about it, but seeing that after I couldn't go made me feel truly happy," said Yoshida, his face flushed with excitement.

Although he was unable to make his triumphant return to the mound for the first time in two years, a part of him is at peace with the outcome. 'This season, I've been changing various things, such as my pitch selection and strategy. Rather than peaking specifically for the game in Akita, I felt it was more important to remain with the first-team roster over the coming month. While Akita is very important to me, continuing to deliver strong pitching performances from here on out is also vital.' For him, the best way to repay the people of his hometown who continue to support him is to keep showing them that he has made a complete comeback.

Interview and text by Masaki Kitano