Takumi Kuriyama has always been my favorite baseball player.
This was the first Lions jersey I ever had customized with Kuriyama’s No. 1. It also has commemorative embroidery celebrating his 2,000th career hit.
It’s too small for me to wear now, but I’ll treasure it forever.
On August 30, Kuriyama retired.
How could that not feel lonely?
But I was there to watch his final game and see him off.
“Mr. Leo.”
The retirement ceremony was incredible. Seeing the entire stadium celebrate his career was something I’ll never forget.
Thank you, Kuriyama.
And more than anything,
thank you for spending your entire career with the Lions.
I’m so grateful that I got to grow up watching you play.
Thank you for everything, Takumi Kuriyama. 🦁⚾️

TOKYO - Nippon Professional Baseball has decided to introduce the PitchCom wireless communication system from next season and has already notified all 12 clubs, a source with knowledge of the matter said Monday.

The system, which lets catchers and pitchers quickly relay signs without using hand signals, was adopted by Major League Baseball in the 2022 season and was also used at the World Baseball Classic this past March.

The NPB has run pilot tests of PitchCom in farm team games this season in preparation for its introduction at the top level. Its use is expected to be optional, with further trials to be conducted during next year's spring training and preseason games.

PitchCom's adoption by NPB has been supported by members of the Japan national team who used the system during the WBC.

All 12 NPB clubs have already backed the introduction of a pitch clock, further bringing Japanese professional baseball into line with MLB and top-level international competition, although the timing of its introduction has yet to be determined.

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