Retirement game for backup catcher who played one game in two years...In his 11th year of joining the club, he went out as a catcher, hit a double, and replaced it, saying goodbye to 27,444 spectators

Retirement game for backup catcher who played one game in two years...In his 11th year of joining the club, he went out as a catcher, hit a double, and replaced it, saying goodbye to 27,444 spectators

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Masatoshi Okada, 35, a catcher of the Seibu Lions, received a standing ovation at the match against the Chiba Lotte Marines on Sunday. He started the game as No. 2 catcher wearing a uniform with his uniform number 2 stamped on it at the Tokoroza Veruna Dome in Saitama Prefecture. While his family was watching from the stands, he hit a double that fell on the left-field line in his first at-bat in the bottom of the first inning. He hit a fastball thrown by Kazuya Ojima, 28, a left-hander of the Chiba Lotte Marines, at 148 kilometers per hour.스포츠토토

Okada then tagged up when No. 3 Daishu Nomura hit a fly ball to the right field and ran to the third base. He settled on the third base through headfirst sliding and created a chance to score. Unfortunately, he failed to score a point due to his failed follow-up shot, but received a big round of applause due to his fierce play.

He was replaced by Zuge Sena (27) at defense in the top of the second inning. This was Okada's first game of the season, his 326th career game, and his retirement game.

After failing to capitalize on Okada's chances in the bottom of the first inning, Seibu lost 0 to 1. It was its 20th win in this season.

Hisanobu Watanabe, manager and general manager, said, "I wanted to give Okada a winning ball, but it's too bad. I scored perfect 100 points today." Seibu left-hander Shunnosuke Hada, who debuted in the first division this year, made his second start and pitched five innings of one run.

Okada is from Osaka Toin High School, a prestigious high school in baseball. He also participated in Koshien championships during his high school years. After playing Osaka Gas, a member of the pro baseball league, he became a Seibu player. In 2014, he joined the team as the sixth pick in the rookie draft, and played mostly as a backup catcher and substitute. He is known for his bunting skills and good character rather than cheerful batting and splendid plays.

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, his injury led to his retirement. He played in one game last year, and this year was his first after announcing his retirement.

Despite his worst season, Seibu has prepared for a retirement game for the backup catcher. He was polite and prepared a time to say goodbye to his fans.

The coaching staff and players, including Watanabe, welcomed Okada by wearing Okada T-shirts with Okada's number 2 on them. 20,000 spectators

7444 people entered and watched Okada's 119th and final hit.

Okada told a retirement press conference ahead of the game that he would like to start with No. 2 and No. 2 as a catcher, and the leadoff hitter would like to get on base and hit a two-run homer. He had six homers in his career during 11 seasons. He failed to achieve success, but left a strong impression in the final game.

"When I joined the team 11 years ago, I was always worried whether I would be able to stay in the professional league. I was able to come this far thanks to the coaches, coaches and club staff. I was also really grateful to the trainers who gave me a lot of help over the years after suffering from injuries, surgery and rehabilitation. I think it was because of my personality that gave me this opportunity even though I haven't performed very well in 11 years," he joked.

"I was able to strengthen myself thanks to fans' support of 'I'll wait for you in the first team, come back soon'. I really like Lions. Thank you for 11 years."

Okada underwent surgery for her left femur and shin bone in March last year. She said she thought about playing baseball again because she was in such a bad condition that it was hard to walk, but she recovered like a miracle.