It was learned on the 10th that Orix Buffaloes pitcher and pitching coach Yoshihisa Hirano (42), who retired from active duty at the end of this season, is expected to be appointed as the minor league manager starting next season. He received the request from the club by this day, and it appears there are no obstacles to his acceptance. A legendary closer who has accumulated absolute achievements and experience over a 21-year professional baseball career in both Japan and the United States, he is expected to team up with his ally, Manager Mamoru Kishida (45), who is entering his third year in office, to devote his efforts toward winning the league championship for the first time in four years.

A major task awaited Hirano. By this day, he had been requested to take on the important post of second-team manager. During a press conference before the game against the Softbank Hawks at Kyocera Dome on September 25th, where his retirement ceremony was held, he spoke about his future, stating, 'If I am to be in such a position next, it is my turn to give back to the young players what has been done for me until now.' He has long felt a strong desire to give back, and it is expected that there will be no obstacles to his acceptance.

This season, he served concurrently as a pitcher coach, primarily providing guidance in the farm system. He was often in the dugout during games, learning about offense and strategy alongside second-team manager Kazaoka. He spent 18 years with the Orix Buffaloes since joining in 2006. In 2023, he became the first Orix Buffaloes player to be inducted into the Meikyukai (Golden Players Club). He possesses a track record and experience of 258 saves and 205 holds over a 21-year career in Japan and the United States. The 'eyes' of this legendary closer, who has seen both the periods of stagnation and the golden eras, were essential for the reconstruction.

The first-team squad finished in fourth place, falling into the B-class for the first time in two years. Key players such as ace Miyagi, Yamashita, and fielders Mori and Tongu suffered consecutive long-term absences. The club is showing a determined effort to bounce back, including investigating Fujinami, who was released by DeNA. At the same time, raising the level of young players is essential. While it is rare for someone to serve as the minor league manager the year after retiring, expectations are high for the development of next-generation stars.

He joined the team in the same 2005 draft as Manager Kishida, who is two years his senior and entering his third year in office. They have deepened their relationship since their playing days, and Hirano expressed his feelings for his close ally, saying, 'If we can work together, I want to serve under Manager Kishida and work toward lifting him in victory.' Both are homegrown talents, forming a fresh duo in their 40s. The framework is now in place as they aim for their first league championship in four years.

Yoshihisa Hirano. Born March 8, 1984, in Uji City, Kyoto. 42 years old. After attending Toba High School in Kyoto and Kyoto Sangyo University, he joined the Orix Buffaloes via the 2005 university/adult draft hope category. In 2011, he won the title for best reliever with 49 hold points, and in 2014, he earned the title for most saves with 40. He exercised his international free agency rights after the 2017 season. After playing for the Diamondbacks and Mariners, he returned to the Orix Buffaloes in 2021. In 2023, he achieved a combined total of 250 saves in Japan and the US, becoming the first player from the club to join the Meikyukai (Golden Players Club). He retired from active play at the end of 2026. His combined Japan-US career stats over 853 games are 65 wins, 87 losses, 258 saves, 205 holds, and a 3.05 ERA. 186 cm, 90 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter.