◇ Orix Buffaloes 's "NiziU" members MAYUKA and MIIHI to throw the ceremonial first pitch

Orix Buffaloes will hold a ceremonial pitch by MAYUKA and MIIHI of the 9-member girl group NiziU on Saturday, May 30 against Chunichi. The ceremonial pitch will take place at around 13:40 on ground.

On June 6 and 7, "NiziU Live with U 2026 "NiziU : THE CINEMA" will be held at Kyocera Dome Osaka. Prior to their first dome performance in about three and a half years, the two Kansai natives will be one step ahead of the rest of the crowd to grace the ballpark.

Comment by ▼MAYUKA
I'm happy to be standing at mound of Kyocera Dome one step ahead of our concert! I'm going to throw with all my might!"

MIIHI commented.
I'm so happy to be able to throw out the first pitch because I love baseball so much! I'm going to throw it as hard as I can with the hope that NiziU's concert at Kyocera Dome will be a great success! Please support me!"

◇ Fukuoka Softbank signs Armenta, a fifth-year developmental player, to a regular contract.

Fukuoka Softbank has signed a controlling contract with Armenta pitcher, who is in his fifth year of development. number is "34".

The 21-year-old left-hander from Mexico, who joined the team as a developmental player in 2022. Last season, he was 3-3 in 13 appearances, with a 46.2 innings pitched and a 54 strike out, showing high strike out ability. This season, he pitched in 2 farm games, pitching 6 innings and posting a 1 runs and 7 strike out record.

◇ Fukuoka Softbank Hawks to establish Sadaharu Oh Legacy Award and hold alumni game

To commemorate the launch of the "FUKUOKA OH SADAHARU LEGACY PROJECT," which aims to pass on Sadaharu Oh's legacy with the Fukuoka The Hawks to the next generation, Fukuoka Softbank will hold an alumni game, "FUKUOKA OH SADAHARU LEGACY PROJECT SPECIAL MATCH," on Monday, November 23, 2026 (national holiday).

This special match brings together former players who played a key role during Sadaharu Oh's two eras: "Manager Oh's Era (1995-2008)" and "Chairman Oh's Era (2009-2025)," to face off as "Manager Oh Legends" vs. "Chairman Oh Legends." Through this serious competition between legends who led The Hawks alongside Sadaharu Oh, it will be a special day to rekindle the excitement and emotion of that time and experience The Hawks that Sadaharu Oh built.

The "Oh Manager Legend Team" will be managed by Hiroki Kokubo, the current manager of Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, and the "Oh Chairman Legend Team" will be managed by Tsuyoshi Wada. Both will participate as player-managers. The participating players will be announced in due course.

Furthermore, as a new initiative of the "FUKUOKA OH SADAHARU LEGACY PROJECT," the "Fukuoka Oh Sadaharu Legacy Award" has been established. The aim is to honor players, coaches, and staff who have made significant contributions to The Hawks and Fukuoka since Sadaharu Oh became the manager of the Fukuoka Daiei The Hawks, and to pass on their achievements and legacy to the next generation.

The first recipients will be announced in 2027. To mark its establishment, three individuals who have served as managers of The Hawks in Fukuoka will be honored with special recognition. "We express our renewed respect and gratitude for their tremendous efforts in forming the foundation and developing the team during The Hawks' turbulent period, and for laying the groundwork for The Hawks' journey in Fukuoka, and we present them with special recognition."

・ Updated almost daily! Today's Pacific League