For backup catcher who played one game in two years, he went out as a second catcher for the first time in his 11th year of joining the retirement game, doubled and replaced, saying goodbye to 27,444 spectators (Min Chang-ki's Japanese baseball)
Sep 15, 2024
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Okada then tagged up on Daishu Nomura's fly ball to right field and ran to third base. He settled on third base with headfirst sliding to create a scoring chance. Unfortunately, he failed to score due to the failure of a follow-up, but he received a big round of applause for his fierce play.
He was replaced by Zuge Sena (27) during defense in the top of the second inning. It was Okada's first game of the season, his 326th career game, and his retirement game.
Seibu, who failed to take advantage of Okada's chance in the bottom of the first inning, suffered a 0-1 Youngbong defeat. 20th Youngbong defeat this season.
Watanabe Hisanobu, manager and general manager, said "I wanted to give Okada a winning ball, but it's too bad. I got 100 points today"I complimented him. Seibu's debut in this year's first team is left-handed??Northke made his second start and pitched five innings of one run.
Okada is from Osaka Doin High School, a prestigious high school baseball club. He also participated in Koshien tournaments in high school. He became a Seibu player after playing Osaka Gas of the Industrial League. He joined as the sixth pick of the 2014 rookie draft and played mostly as a backup catcher and pinch hitter. He is known for his cheerful batting, bunt expertise, and good character rather than brilliant play.
A Japanese sports magazine said he was a mood maker loved for his bright character and bunt and a catcher who passed his strong shoulders.
In March last year, injuries led to retirement. He played in one game last year and this year was his first after announcing his retirement.
He's having his worst season, but Seibu is ready for a retirement game for a backup catcher. He was polite and prepared a time to say goodbye to his fans.
On this day, all coaching staff and players, including Watanabe, received Okada wearing Okada T-shirts with Okada's number 2 stamped on them. 관중 2만
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Okada said at a retirement press conference prior to the game that `I'm going to start with No. 2 uniform and No. 2 catcher, and I want the leadoff hitter to get on base and hit a two-run home run.' He has a career-high six home runs in 11 seasons. He couldn't achieve his wish, but he made a strong impression in the last game.
When he joined the club 11 years ago, he was anxious every day about whether he could hold out in the profession. Thanks to the coaches, coaches, and club officials, I was able to come this far. I was also very grateful to the trainers who helped me a lot over the years when I suffered from injuries, surgery and rehabilitation. I think it's because of my personality that he has provided this place even though he hasn't played a big role in 11 years."
He was then able to strengthen thanks to the fan support of "I'll wait for you in the first team, come back quickly" I really like the Lions. Thank you for 11 years," he bowed his head.
Okada had surgery on her left femur and shin bone in March last year. I thought about whether I could play baseball again because I was in such a bad condition that it was hard to walk, but he said he recovered like a miracle.
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This is Okada's final season performance in her 11th year as a professional.
huelva@sportschosun.com
