45-year-old Kosuke Fukudome, the oldest professional baseball player to retire at the end of this season in Chunichi, held his retirement match at Vantelin Dome Nagoya on the night of the 23rd, saying goodbye to his 24-year active life in Japan and the United States. rice field.
On the 23rd, Fukudome was registered as a member of the 1st Army for the first time in three months. Before the game, he attended batting practice with a smile on his face. I was.
Fukudome entered the right field from defense in the top of the 9th inning, and with that back attack, he entered the last at bat with a one-out.
He aggressively tried to hit the second fastball against Giants pitcher Takuya Kuwabara, but the result was a second fly.
After the match, Giants manager Tatsunori Hara presented the team with a bouquet of flowers, thanking them for their hard work over the past 24 years.
At the ceremony that followed, Fukudome's eyes filled with tears when he received a bouquet from coach Kazuyoshi Tatsunami and coach Masahiro Araki, both of whom he played with.
In front of the fans, Fukudome said, "To be able to play in the Dragons uniform again. To be able to take off the uniform in this place where I started my baseball life. I am truly a happy person. Thank you very much for your warm support for 24 years. '' he expressed his gratitude.
At the end, after being surrounded by the players and being tossed up 9 times, the same number as their jersey number, they slowly made a lap around the ground and said goodbye to the fans.