150th anniversary of the introduction of baseball The opening ceremony of the “Dream Match NIIGATA 2022” commemorative match for retired professional baseball players
On the 2nd, the Executive Committee of the “Meeting to Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Introduction of Baseball to Japan in Japan and the U.S. in Niigata” held the “Dream Match NIIGATA 2022” commemorative match for the 150th anniversary of the introduction of baseball to professional baseball players at HARD OFF ECO Stadium Niigata (Chuo-ku, Niigata City). ” was held. In addition to a commemorative game in which former professional baseball players participated, baseball classes were held for elementary school students belonging to baseball teams in the prefecture.
Forty-five former professional baseball stars, including former Giants player Kiyoshi Nakahata, former Yakult player Naito Naito, and former Seattle Mariners player Mack Suzuki, will participate in the 150th anniversary of the introduction of baseball. Participated.
In the commemorative match, which was divided into the “Niigata Toki Big Wave” consisting of players with ties to Niigata and the “NPBOB All Stars” consisting of other players, the “Niigata Toki Big Wave” won 3-2. . Former Yakult player Keiji Ohbiki was selected as MVP. Many spectators came to watch the game in the stands and enjoyed applauding the play of the OB players.
In the morning, a baseball clinic for boys and girls was held for elementary school players belonging to baseball teams in Niigata Prefecture. Approximately 400 people from 25 teams participated, and former players were divided by position and provided guidance.
Former Yakult player Naoyuki Naito instructing a group of pitchers at a boys and girls baseball class
Former Chunichi player Kazuhiro Wada teaching batting at a baseball school for boys and girls
Former Lotte player Tomoya Satozaki instructing a group of catchers at a boys and girls baseball class
Takaaki Omi, chairman of the executive committee for the 150th Anniversary of the Introduction of Japanese Baseball in Japan and the United States in Niigata, and chairman of the Niigata Prefectural Assembly Sports Promotion Diet Members’ League, made a speech at the opening ceremony before the game, saying, “Baseball is coming to Japan. It’s been 150 years since baseball was translated into baseball by Mr. Chuma, who served at Itoigawa Junior High School.Baseball in Niigata and Niigata Prefecture have a close connection.With all of you, baseball in Japan and baseball in Niigata Prefecture. I hope that the ceremony will be a dream match, where we can entrust our children with big dreams and big dreams.”
In addition, Governor Hideyo Hanazumi of Niigata Prefecture gave a speech as a guest, saying, “I would like to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the introduction of baseball. It’s a sport that gives us excitement and courage.I want to pass on baseball to the next generation for the next 150 years and increase the passion for baseball.”
Yaichi Nakahara, mayor of Niigata City, who also made a speech as a guest, said, “I would like to take this 150th anniversary as an opportunity to further cultivate baseball in Niigata. In addition, there are currently 12 NPB teams. There is a plan to increase the number of teams to 16. I would like to sincerely hope that Niigata will join 4 of those teams. I apologize,” he said.
The executive committee of the “Meeting to Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Introduction of Baseball to Japan in Japan and the U.S. in Niigata” consists of groups that work to attract NPB professional baseball teams to Niigata, the “Nihonkai Dome City Project” that aims to build a domed stadium, Established by baseball-related groups and tourism groups in the prefecture. “Dream Match NIIGATA 2022” was held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the introduction of baseball, and to be a step towards attracting NPB teams and building a dome stadium. In the future, we will carry out activities to spread awareness through signature activities and events.
Takaaki Omi, chairman of the executive committee for the 150th Anniversary of the Introduction of Japanese Baseball in Japan and the United States, and chairman of the Niigata Prefectural Assembly Sports Promotion Association
Hideyo Hanazumi, Governor of Niigata Prefecture
Former Yakult Naito Naito (right), who was the starting pitcher for the Niigata Toki Big Wave.
Former giant Kiyoshi Nakahata at bat
Mac Suzuki, former Seattle Mariners
