Hiroshima straight 19 years catcher Yoshiyuki Ishihara to retire October 12, 14:09
Yoshiyuki Ishihara, a 19-year-old catcher of professional baseball in Hiroshima, who contributed to the league's third straight victory, will retire from active duty for this season only.
This was announced by the team on the 12th.
Ishihara is from Gifu prefecture and is 41 years old, the oldest player on the team.
I went from Gifu Prefectural Commerce to Tohoku Fukushi University, and was nominated in the 4th draft from Hiroshima and joined the group in 2002.
With accurate throwing and high catching technology, which is said to be one of the best in the world of baseball, he has led the team for many years as a key to defense, and contributed to Japan's second consecutive victory as the 2nd (2009) WBC = World Baseball Classic Japan representative. Did.
In 2016, he skillfully led the pitchers including Hiroki Kuroda, who returned from the major leagues for the second year, and contributed to the league championship for the first time in 25 years, and for the first time the Best Nine and Golden Glove Awards. Shined in.
After that, the rise of Tsubasa Aizawa reduced the chances of participation, but he teamed up with pitcher Johnson to win and contributed to the league's third straight victory.
This season, his 19th year as a pro, he hurt his leg while running against DeNA in late August and left the line, so far he has only participated in three games.
According to the team, Ishihara offered to retire only this season, and the team agreed.
Ishihara will hold a press conference on the 16th of this month, and a retirement ceremony will be held on the 7th of next month against the Hanshin Tigers.
Director Sasaoka "I want to say your hard work"
Director Shinji Sasaoka commented on Ishihara's decision to retire, saying, "It's a sad feeling that I will retire in the first year after becoming a coach. I assembled a battery together when I was active, but when I entered the match He was a catcher who pulled me regardless of seniors or juniors. I want him to support the team, but I don't think it's his decision. I'd like to say thank you for your hard work. "