Tsutsugo responds to Hanshin’s “offer” from Akiyama: “The last pitch was loved by his peers who came to bat” Sponichi Annex Baseball

Thirty minutes before the Tigers’ final home game against DeNA on Sept. 30, one player took the mound one last time.

Akiyama’s final performance marks the end of his 15-year career and he has decided to retire at the end of this season. Haraguchi, who joined the team at the same time as high school graduates and has a close relationship with the team, made an amazing appearance in the role of a catcher, and the atmosphere was full of emotion. And one more thing. His opponent, Tsutsugo DeNA, was a bat.

Tsutsugo is also from the same generation when he joined the team in the 2009 draft from Yokohama High School. During practice, the two were seen talking for a while in front of the third base bench. In fact, it was at this time that Akiyama offered to fight against Tsutsugo. “I was talking to him when I was practicing, and he came to the batter’s box.” at Akiyama’s suggestion, the managers of the two teams called each other, and the DeNA side also willingly sent Tsutsugo to bat, making the match possible.

“I’m grateful to Tsutsugo because he’s a superstar in my class who also played in the major leagues, and I’m rooting for Tsutsugo’s success.” full turn and turn made brighter by the performance of his good partner and rival. (Rei Endo)

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