The 2021 season is over, and many famous players such as Daisuke Matsuzaka (former Seibu and others) have taken off their uniforms this year as well. Meanwhile, there are veterans who have decided to continue working, including Kosuke Fukudome (Chunichi), who will turn 45 in April 2022.
The most noticeable thing about people over 40 next season is that there are a lot of left-handed pitchers. Atsushi Nomi (Orix / 42 years old / born May 28, 1979), Masanori Ishikawa (Yakult / 41 years old / born January 22, 1980), Takeshi Wada (Softbank / 40 years old / born February 21, 1981) , Tetsuya Utsumi (Seibu / 39 years old / born April 29, 1982) and four South Pos.
Why does the veteran left arm survive? Masahiro Yamamoto is the perfect person to ask that question. How does Legend Southpaw, who lived an active life until the age of 50, see an active veteran left arm?
Yakult Masanori Ishikawa, who has marked 177 wins in total
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[Pitching after over 40 years old]
──I would like to ask you about the theme, “Why can a veteran left arm survive?”, But is there any reason why you can survive because you are a left pitcher?
“I think there are. There are many good left batters in each team in the current NPB. I have the impression that one or two left-handed batters are on the line compared to the past. Ichiro-kun (former Mariners, etc.) , Hideki Matsui (former Yankees, etc.) and other generations influenced by right-handed and left-handed stars are now the main batters of each team. It can be said that it is increasing. “
──What do the four pitchers, Nomi, Ishikawa, Wada, and Utsumi, have in common?
“What they have in common is that they have a good ball of change and good control. All four pitchers have experience in winning titles (Nomi has the most strikes in 2012, Ishikawa has the best ERA in 2008. , Wada won the most in 2010 and 2016, the highest win rate in 2016, Utsumi won the most in 2011 and 2012, and won the most strikes in 2007), but in addition to their efforts, medical care and adjustment With the evolution of the law, the player’s life will be extended. “
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