I was encouraged and inspired by 35-year-old Sho Iwasaki's fastest speed of 160 km/h. Mei Izumoto's Orix cheering column "Ori ni kakeru mei ni kansuru mei"｜Pacific League.com｜Pro baseball

オリックス・西野に贈られたグラブを持参し、みずほペイペイで応援するメイ・イズモト（本人提供）

Orix May Izumoto, 53, a favorite TV personality, went on a trip for the first time in her life. She went to the match against Softbank (Mizuho Peipay) on July 26 to watch the opening of the second half of the season. He sat in the Coca-Cola seats, close to the players, and cheered enthusiastically. The cheering column “Ori ni Isei Kakemei” in Sports Hochi is titled “It’s not over yet! Edition. I sent a full of encouragement to Kishida Orix who was facing a critical moment in his career.

To all Sports Hochi and Orix fans, it’s been a while. I’ve been burning with passion every day, trying not to succumb to the scorching heat. And the other day, I went on my first away trip. It was a rare opportunity, and it was the opening day of the second half of the season, so I splurged. I bought Coca-Cola seats and got to experience baseball firsthand.

Before the game started, I sat in the third base seats and was able to carefully observe Orix ‘s practice. Players Sugimoto, fielder’s choice, Ota, and pitcher Yamazaki Soichiro. During a break in practice, someone called out to me, “Mei-san!”, and I was able to chat with them for a bit. Unfortunately, the game ended in a crushing 3-11 defeat… The Hawks fans were incredibly passionate, and I thought Mizuho PayPay Dome was a stadium where you could truly enjoy baseball. Now, The Buffaloes can’t afford to lose.

The second half of the season continues to be a tough one. It’s a long season, and ups and downs are inevitable. But perhaps the “downs” have been a little too long… Let’s not look back, but focus on the positives. Osato played well at short stop during Kurebayashi’s absence. pitcher contributed with a spirited relief pitch, and pitcher made his first professional start. Iwasaki, who joined the team from Chunichi pitcher, threw a personal best of 160 km/h at the age of 35! He gave courage and inspiration to 53-year-old Mei.

The season is approaching 100 games, but we are still in third place. We have some savings. And most importantly, it’s the players who have helped us achieve three consecutive league titles. Let’s not look back, just keep moving forward. I will be cheering for you with all my might, and I hope to see many smiling faces from Coach Kishida. (May Izumoto)

◆Mei Izumoto Born on May 31, 1972 in Sakai City, Osaka. 53 years old. Mainly active as a TV and radio personality in the Kansai region, she also appears in dramas and movies as an actor. She is an enthusiastic Orix fan, and in her show “Frank Club A” (Baycom), she covers many projects related to Orix. Her stage name “Mei” comes from the fact that she was born in May.