2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific League First Stage Game 3: Seibu Lions 1-4 Nippon-Ham (12th, Belluna Dome)

It has been officially decided that Seibu Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (54) will continue in his role next season. On the 12th, after the team's elimination in the third game of the Climax Series (CS) First Stage, team president Tsuyoshi Okumura (59) spoke to the press and stated, 'I spoke with manager Nishiguchi just now and requested that he continue as manager next season, and he has accepted, so I am reporting this to everyone.'

Manager Nishiguchi joined the Seibu Lions as the third-round draft pick in 1994 from Wakayama Commercial High School. During his playing days, he played exclusively for the Seibu Lions for 21 years, recording a total of 182 wins. In 1997 and 1998, he led the league in wins, contributing to consecutive league championships. After retiring, he served in roles such as the first-team pitcher coach and was appointed as the second-team manager in 2022. He has been leading the first team since 2025.

In his second year in office this season, the team played 143 games, finishing in second place with 79 wins, 60 losses, and 4 draws. They successfully secured a spot in the Climax Series (CS) for the first time since 2022.

After the final home game of the regular season against the Orix Buffaloes on September 29th at Belluna Dome, owner Takashi Goto (77) expressed his appreciation, stating, 'Although we finished in 5th place during the manager's first year, he has implemented various team reforms and solid management, leading us to a Class A finish this year for the first time in four years. Furthermore, we won the interleague tournament for the first time as The Lions with the highest winning percentage. I believe these are significant achievements by Manager Nishiguchi.'