Lotte pitcher Yuki Karakawa (37) held a retirement press conference at his home stadium, ZOZO, on the 8th. The right-hander, who was born in Chiba, joined his local team Lotte, and recorded a total of 82 wins over his 19-year career, expressed his gratitude to his family, teammates, and fans with a smile without shedding a tear, saying, 'I was allowed to feel so happy.' He showed his enthusiasm for his final appearance on the mound during the game against the Softbank Hawks on October 3rd (ZOZO), where his retirement ceremony will be held.

Karakawa, whose skin had turned a dark tan from his continued training at the farm, did not shed a single tear during his retirement press conference. With a smile on his refined, now more mature face, he spent about 20 minutes reflecting on his 19-year career. He humbly described his life as a one-club man for Lotte, during which he secured 82 total wins, saying, 'I managed to survive by desperately clinging on and getting my hands dirty. I wasn't able to make a great flower bloom in this world myself, but the fans turned me into a vibrant one. I was truly blessed with happiness.'

He appeared in Koshien as the ace of his local Narita High School, and in his draft year of 2007, he was dubbed one of the 'High School Big Three' alongside Sho Nakata of Osaka Toin and Yoshinori Sato of Sendai Ikuei. As the only one of the three still active this season, he faced a do-or-die situation, but his only first-team appearance was a loss against the Hanshin Tigers on May 30 (at ZOZO Marine Stadium), where he allowed 4 runs in 5 innings. While he was unable to produce overwhelming results in the farm league either, posting a 7-7 record with a 3.58 ERA, his feelings gradually leaned toward retirement. He made his final decision during a second-team game in August to which he had invited his family. While his wife comforted him by saying, 'Thank you for your hard work,' he noted that his eldest son 'looked a bit displeased.'

The most memorable moment was the Seibu Lions game on April 16, 2024 (ZOZO), where he said, 'I went to the mound thinking it would be my last time. I threw while trying to burn this scenery into my eyes.' Although he allowed 1 hit and 0 runs over 6 innings and did not receive a decision, the team secured a walk-off victory. By achieving a satisfying result in a game where he was prepared for the end and swung his arm with all his might, he was able to postpone his retirement for two years.

He is highly likely to pitch in the game against the Softbank Hawks on October 3rd (ZOZO Marine Stadium), where his retirement ceremony will be held. "There would be nothing better than if I pitch and then Naoya pitches," he said, expressing his strong desire for a relay appearance with his close friend and same-age teammate Masuda, who made a surprise appearance to present him with a bouquet. He concluded the press conference on a refreshing note. (Shunsuke Ami)

◆ Interview with Karakawa

—On your decision to retire.

I feel like the reality of the situation is gradually sinking in as I greet various people.

—What kind of person is Director Saburo?

I reported it to him over the phone the day after I decided to retire. He said, 'Good job.' If anything, we spent more time talking about the future.

—What about your teammates?

I received more words of regret than I had expected. I feel that it was a rewarding time.

—To Masuda, who is in the same grade.

I reported it over the phone. I think I told him rather bluntly. He cried for me, though. He said that our generation was able to work hard because Naoya worked so hard.

—19 years with the local team.

"Many people around me were very happy. I was able to show myself playing baseball in Chiba, where I was born and raised. I was happy."

―What about Sho Nakata and Yoshinori Sato, who were called the "Big Three"?

Especially when we first joined the team, we were very conscious of each other, and I've always seen them as a teammate rather than a rival. I am truly grateful.

◆Yuki Karakawa: Born July 5, 1989, in Narita City, Chiba. 37 years old. While at Narita High School, he participated in the Senbatsu (Spring Koshien) in his second and third years. He joined Lotte as a first-round pick in the 2007 high school draft. His career totals over 350 games are 82 wins, 78 losses, 64 holds, and a 3.71 ERA. This season, he has 0 wins and 1 loss in 1 game with a 7.20 ERA. 181 cm, 90 kg. Right-handed pitcher and hitter. His estimated salary for this season is 44 million yen. Married.