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

On the 12th, Seibu Lions team president Tsuyoshi Okumura (59) spoke to the press at Belluna Dome after the game against Nippon-Ham and announced that manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (54), who led the team to the Climax Series (CS) for the first time in four years, will continue to lead the team next season. The request was reportedly made and accepted after the team's elimination in the first stage of the CS. Following a 5th-place finish in 2025 and a 2nd-place finish in 2026, next season will be his third year in office. Our reporter provides a look at the true face of the manager.

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On May 20, 2025, when a Rakuten Eagles game was held in Morioka, Iwate, I was allowed to accompany Manager Nishiguchi, who was planning to enjoy the Morioka specialty, Wanko Soba, before the game. When a group of five people wearing Seibu Lions merchandise sat in front of him in the waiting area, the manager suddenly stood up and spoke to them. 'You're wearing merchandise for (Takeuchi's) number 21. Are you going home after today? That's tough. Thank you.' It was only about two minutes. However, the faces of the young people who spoke directly with the manager of the team they support were shining.

Why did he choose to speak to them during that brief moment before the match? 'I thought it would be better to talk to them directly rather than have them whispering in the waiting room,' he explained. Although the manager maintains a poker face during games, he actually cares about the fans more than anyone else. It was a moment that revealed that side of his personality.

Time passed, and on October 12, 2026, the team lost the third game of the Climax Series First Stage, confirming their elimination. At the same time, it was announced that he would continue in his position for next season, his third year in office. I look forward to the day when everyone involved is once again united with the fans and surrounded by smiles next season. (Seibu Lions reporter, Ayami Ohnaka)