[Rakuten Eagles] Manager Masato Yoshii commends Lotte's Yuki Karakawa on his retirement announcement: "I think it was a good baseball life" and "He was a good pitcher" - A former pupil from the Lotte era | Pacific League.com

[Rakuten Eagles] Manager Masato Yoshii commends Lotte's Yuki Karakawa on his retirement announcement: "I think it was a good baseball career" and "He was a good pitcher" — his former pupil from the Lotte era

Sports Hochi

September 4, 2026 22:14

Manager Masato Yoshii watches the game situation during the third inning of the match against Nippon-Ham (Camera by Kento Yamazaki).

◆ Pacific League: Rakuten Eagles 2-5 Nippon-Ham (4th, Rakuten Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

On the 4th, Rakuten Eagles manager Masato Yoshii offered words of appreciation to Lotte's Karakawa, who announced his retirement from active play. Having coached and managed him during his time with Lotte, Yoshii remarked, 'He joined straight from high school and was a very popular local pitcher. He was a great pitcher who excelled in both starting and relief roles.'

He reportedly received a report via phone from the right-hander the day before the retirement announcement. He looked on with a warm gaze and said, 'He told me, "I had a lot of fun being allowed to do various things." I think it was a good baseball career for him.'