We talked about next year until a month ago, but the 43-year-old left-hander Wada retired in a surprise move, and the aftermath of Softbank's Japan Series shock defeat (Min Chang-ki's Japanese baseball)
Nov 05, 2024
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Softbank Hawks' 43-year-old veteran left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada announced his retirement in a surprise move. Japanese media reported that the club offered to renew the contract next season, but refused. This season, Wada was the second player in Japanese professional baseball and the oldest player in the Pacific League. Just a month ago, he showed his will for next season, but suddenly announced that he would take off his uniform.
Wada, who joined in 2003 after graduating from Waseda University, has thrown for 22 years as a professional player until this year. He played only as a Softbank player except for four years in 2012-2015 when he challenged for the major leagues. It is a legend that once represented Japanese professional baseball and Softbank. He is the same age as Daisuke Matsuzaka, who retired 'Monster Pitcher'. Matsuzaka Generation played as an active player until the end.
There were ups and downs last winter. Softbank was mentioned as a compensation player when infielder Hotaka Yamakawa was hired as an FA (free agent). Yamakawa's original Seibu Lions tried to nominate Wada, who was missing from the protected list, as a compensation player.
Surprised, Softbank took urgent action, avoiding Legend's transfer to another team. Hiroshi Kaino, the first-place rookie pitcher in 2019, moved to Seibu. Gaino pitched in 19 games in his first year on the transfer, recording 2 losses and 11 holds with a 2.95 ERA.
No business beats the years. Wada, who overcame the bullseye, was mentioned as the starting pitcher for the opening game of this season. However, he failed to raise his pace and ended his season in the second division. In May, he was promoted to the first team and pitched in eight games (5 starts). He played 26 ⅓ innings, went 2-2 with a 3.76 ERA.
Wada won 160 games for Softbank and five for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball. The U.S.-Japan team won 165 games and left. A total of 200 wins was too far.
Softbank, the No. 1 player in the Pacific League, suffered a shock loss in the Japan Series. After winning two consecutive games against the Yokohama BayStars, who are ranked third in the Central League, they have won four consecutive games. With his first win in four years on the horizon, he fell victim to an unexpected drama. So far, Softbank has rounded up a total of 23 players, including Yook Sung. Wada's retirement also seems to have been made to reorganize the team.
Reporter Min Chang-ki huelva@sportschosun.com
huelva@sportschosun.com
