The last “sticky touch” that added flowers to Iwakuma’s retirement interview Words from the director Hara who knows joy and suffering | Full account

He appeared as a surprise, giving away a bouquet and a message.

Giant Hisashi Iwakuma held a retirement interview at the Tokyo Dome on the 23rd. To express his gratitude for 21 years, it was the giant Tatsunori Hara who came forward to present the bouquet. Holding the microphone firmly, I remembered my time in Iwakuma with love and enthusiasm, from the acquisition process to the retirement report I received.

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Director Hara first thanked the press gathered at the meeting and the fans ahead. It was the cheers of the fans that supported the long 21 years. Iwakuma also used the word “bond” many times to thank him and stood on stage with the same thoughts.

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“When I became the third coach, I first investigated what was called an (Iwakuma) investigation. After surgery (on his right shoulder) in the major league, he was pitching in the minor league and in the game. He was the pitcher. Iwakuma who first laid the white feathers (to reinforce) “.

When the contract was decided, it was a “moment of courage.” At the 2009 WBC, which became the best in the world, he paid tribute to “Iwakuma as the pitcher’s MVP and Guts (Ogasawara Michihiro, now Nippon Hamhead’s coach) as the hitter.” We promised to work together to regain the giant’s supremacy.

But the road was steep. His physical condition continued to rise and fall, and he entered the Second Army Battle with Nippon Ham on August 24 of last year, but he continued to live on the farm. Among them, the commander heard the appearance of actively calling the young people and the fact that he showed experience behind his back.

“It is also a huge advantage to be a role model for the young Giants players. Now I can say that I am quite a persistent person and that I really wanted to be on the battlefield later this year. It was around August .. I asked him to come batting on the mound at Tokyo Dome specifying the date. “

He wanted to get Iwakuma’s help. I promised together and wanted to make my dream come true. Such thoughts may have been the “parenthood” of Iwakuma’s body, constantly moving back and forth to bring about positive change.