Atsushi Nomi's retirement ceremony was held on the evening of September 30th for pitcher Atsushi Nomi of the professional baseball team Orix. rice field.
Pitcher Nomi, who was born in Hyogo Prefecture, is the oldest active professional baseball pitcher at 43 years old.
He moved to Orix last year and has been teaching young players while also serving as a pitching coach, but on September 16, he announced his retirement at the end of this season.
Pitcher Nomi pitched as a relief pitcher in the final game of the season at Kyocera Dome Osaka, his home base, in the 8th inning against Lotte, when the score was tied at 2-2.
Pitcher Nomi suppressed Lotte No. 4 Naonori Yasuda to an empty strikeout.
Manager Satoshi Nakajima personally thanked the mound, and when he stepped down to the bench, not only ORIX fans but also Lotte fans gave him a big round of applause.
At the post-match retirement ceremony, pitcher Nomi said, "After joining Hanshin, I clearly remember the scenery when I first stood on the mound of Koshien Stadium, which I couldn't compete in high school. And after joining Orix, I was kind to everyone. I was able to play as a player for two years under coach Nakajima, and I was able to do my best,” he said, looking back on his active life.
He then expressed his gratitude to his fans, saying, "I was happy to receive so much support. Thank you for the past 18 years."
After receiving bouquets from pitchers such as Daiya Miyagi, pitcher Nomi was tossed up by his teammates.