[Sawamura Award Winner: Hiromi Ito] Today’s Pacific League [October 27th]

Pacific League Insight

2025.10.27(月) 18:25

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Hiromi Ito wins the Sawamura Award

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham. Hiromi Ito pitcher won the Sawamura Award. This is the first time a baseball team has won the award since Yu Darvish pitcher in 2007.

This season, Ito pitcher was 14-8 in 27 starts, ERA with a 2.52 ERA and a .636 winning percentage. He led the team as the ace with a league-leading innings pitched 196.2 and complete game 6. He won the most wins as an individual title for the second year in a row and also won the most strike out titles for the first time with 195 strike out.

Saitama Seibu Ichiro Tamura and three other players for next season

Saitama Seibu have notified pitcher Ichiro Tamura, player Hiyu Motoyama, and player Daiju Nomura that they will not be signing contracts for next season.

▼Comment pitcher Tamura▼
“I feel like I’ve reached a milestone in my nine years with The Lions. When I joined The Lions, I had a lot of seniors who taught me the rigors of the professional world, and by seeing so many professionals in action, I learned a lot about becoming a professional baseball player. This year has been a tough one, but I’ve been really supported by the people who raised their towels and the fans who continued to cheer me on even when I wasn’t getting results. I’m filled with gratitude.”

▼Motoyama’s comment▼
“Even though I was unable to contribute through my play and spent many days warming the bench, the one thing I could do for the team was cheer on with energy. My teammates welcomed me warmly after I transferred, and I have only fond memories of them. My first time on the podium and my first walk-off were with The Lions, so even though my batting average was low, I think I was able to make an impact. Whether we were winning or losing, the The Lions fans support us until the end, and I think they are the best of all 12 teams. Thank you very much.”

▼Comment from Nomura▼
“I had surgery for a back injury this year and was unable to play for the first team, so I feel sorry for the team. I was happy to be able to play in a The Lions jersey for the year and a half since I transferred. I will never forget hitting the first home run in a game against my former The Hawks, right after my transfer. I think The Lions fans are wonderful and passionate. Thank you.”

◇ Chiba Lotte Misho Nishikawa has been added to the Samurai Japan roster

It has been decided that Chiba Lotte Misho Nishikawa Shijo will be added to the squad for the “LUXAS Samurai Japan Series 2025 Japan vs. Korea” to be held on Saturday, November 15th and Sunday, November 16th. Nishikawa commented, “I’m honestly happy and honored. I feel a sense of responsibility. I believe my playing style will not change wherever I am, so I hope to contribute to the team by playing to the best of my ability. I would also like to take this opportunity to gain new experiences, talk to many different people, absorb what I have learned, and increase my own knowledge.”

◇ Chiba Lotte Tomoya Kakinuma will not sign a contract for next season

Chiba Lotte has informed player Tomoya Kakinuma that his contract will not be renewed for next season.

Fukuoka Softbank has not signed contracts with six players under contract, including Yugo Bando for next season.

Fukuoka Softbank Haruhiro Hamaguchi pitcher, Kenichi Murata pitcher, Yugo Bando pitcher, pitcher Hayato Miyazaki, Toya Kawaguchi pitcher, Kota Makihara The players have been informed that they will not be signed to contracts as controlled players for next season.

Also, Sora Kato player, Simon The club also announced that it has informed players that they will not be signing development player contracts for next season.

◇ Established Fukuoka Softbank Junior Youth Team

Fukuoka Softbank has announced that it will establish a junior youth team (junior high school hardball baseball team) affiliated with the Japan Little baseball Association (Boys League), a public interest incorporated foundation.

The team aims to support the growth of children through baseball, while also developing and spreading baseball culture in the local community, based on technical instruction provided mainly by former professional baseball players and player development utilizing The Hawks’ knowledge.

The team, which is scheduled to begin activities in spring 2026, will be recruiting players from first-year junior high school students. Details such as how to apply will be announced on The Hawks official website in November 2025.

▼ Fukuoka Softbank Hawks Junior Youth Overview▼
League: Japan Little baseball Association (Boys League)
Team name: Fukuoka Softbank Hawks Junior Youth (Registered as Fukuoka Genkai-nada Boys)

Activity philosophy:
1. Develop future The Hawks players from Fukuoka and Kyushu.
2. Support children’s growth and create a place where they can realize their dreams.
3. Embody The Hawks Method and work with the local community to connect baseball culture to the future.

・ Updated almost daily! Today’s Pacific League

Related Links
・ Announcement regarding player contracts for next season (Saitama Seibu)
・ Misho Nishikawa selected for Japan’s national baseball team, Samurai Japan!
・ Regarding the contract for next season (Fukuoka Softbank)
・ pitcher Taikai Ito will receive the 2025 Sawamura Eiji Award (Hokkaido Nippon-Ham)
・ Establishment of Fukuoka Softbank Hawks Junior Youth Team (Fukuoka Softbank)

AloJapan.com