Yakult Ryota Igarashi Straight in the retirement game October 26, 1:26
Pitcher Ryota Igarashi, who played an active role as a relief pitcher in professional baseball and Yakult, threw his own straight in a retirement game held at Jingu Stadium on the night of the 25th, ending his 23 years of active life.
On the night of the 25th, 41-year-old pitcher Igarashi pitched in relief in the 8th inning at the Chunichi match held at Jingu Stadium as the last match of his career.
Then he threw a 143km straight into No. 7 Sierra and beat him to Third Goro.
After that, Director Shingo Takatsu told him to change, and at the end he had only one straight ball, but he got off the mound with a refreshing look and threw a commemorative ball into the fans of the stand.
At the post-match ceremony, pitcher Igarashi said, "I was pushed back by the cheers of the fans, I was encouraged, helped, and I was able to throw this far. I always faced head-on and fought without running away. I'm proud of myself. For more than 20 years, I have never been satisfied as a middleman and have continued to have aspirations, "he recalled his 23 years of professional life.
"Swallows is still in a difficult fight, but once again, I believe that the team and the fans can overcome the fight together," he urged the slumping team to inspire, and then gave the fans "the best applause. Please send it to the players and the team. ”The whole stadium was wrapped in big applause.
Then, after being lifted by the players on the mound, he went around the ground once, climbed the fence of the outfield on the way, and waved to the fans with a smile.
Pitcher Igarashi pitched in relief in all 906 games in Japan and the United States, with 70 wins, 41 losses and 70 saves, and an ERA of 3.20.