On September 26, a retirement ceremony was held for Masahiro Nishino player and Nobuyoshi Yamada pitcher at Kyocera Dome Osaka. West fielder’s choice started as the seventh batter second baseman. He snatched infield hit in his second at-bat, and in his third at-bat, he drove the ball to left-center and marked doble. He ended his career on a high note with 3 At Bat 2 hit.

After the game, there was a final home game ceremony, where manager Mamoru Kishida gave a greeting. pitcher Yamada, also retiring, gave a greeting, followed by fielder’s choice Nishi's hand standing in front of the microphone. Below is the full text of the greeting.

"First of all, thank you so much to everyone involved in the team for organizing this ceremony. And to everyone in Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, The Fighters fans, and Ito (Daikai), thank you very much for today.

Nobu (pitcher Yamada) was the first to take out the paper and read it, but I want to go as far as I can. (Laughter and applause from the audience)

I've been with Orix Buffaloes for 12 years, and a lot has happened. I've been injured many times. There were many times when I struggled because I couldn't get hits and couldn't get results.

Even so, thanks to the support of the manager, coaches, trainers, team staff, family, and many others who have been involved in my baseball life, I have been able to make it this far. Having experienced championships and being the best in Japan, and being able to compete in the professional world for 12 years with this physique is my pride.

Let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my family. Mom. Thank you so much for supporting me since I was little, being my biggest fan, and always cheering me on. Brother. He always supports me, sometimes gives advice, and even acts as my advisor—he's truly a reliable brother. Thank you.

And then, Dad. (Looking down, choking up his voice)

It was my father who guided me on the path of baseball. He was also the one who taught me. Originally, I wanted you to see me here for the final moment. Now, I think he's in the sky saying, 'Good job, well done.' Thanks to my father, I was able to get this far.

And to all the fans. Thank you for always sending passionate support, good times and bad. You really gave me a push. I gained strength.

As the lyrics of my cheer song say, it's a bit sad to lose the energy of moving around and the side that can't be defeated by anyone, but from now on, please send even more passionate cheers than what was given to you to the players who are here and those with promising futures who will enter the Orix Buffaloes.

Honestly, I had always dreamed of a cool retirement game like a great senior or Hirano-san who threw the ceremonial first pitch yesterday—a bouquet for my child, taking photos, and a cool retirement game. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Well, I'll do my best on that from now on.

Lastly, I was reminded once again that my baseball life has truly been blessed by those around me. I am a happy person. I'm really glad I could wear Orix Buffaloes jersey and baseball. Thank you so much for these 12 years."

After the greetings, Yutaro Sugimoto from his classmate presented bouquets to pitcher Yamada, from Yuya Oda, a development coach who joined the team in the same year, to fielder’s choice Nishi, and from former teammate Fukuya Yamazaki pitcher, who currently plays in Hokkaido Nippon-Ham. A commemorative photo was taken, and the entire team lifted the toss five times.

After that, he walked around the venue with his teammates. outfield In the stands, fielder’s choice Nishi's cheering song was played, and as he listened intently from the front, he lowered his fielder’s choice and closer his eyes. He bowed deeply and expressed his gratitude to the fans.