Orix fan May Izumoto "sneaks into" fall training camp... "meets manager Kishida for the first time" - writes a support column | Pacific League

Orix fan May Izumoto “sneaks into” the team’s fall training camp… “meets manager Kishida for the first time” – writes a column of support

Sports Hochi

2025.11.16(日) 06:00

インタビューを受けた山崎颯一郎（左）と阿部翔太（右）はメイ・イズモトと記念撮影を行う（カメラ・岩川　晋也）

Orix May Izumoto (53), a favorite multi-talented person, “sneaked” into the fall camp in Kochi. In a visit following last year’s bad weather, he encouraged his friends Shota Abe pitcher (33) and Syoichiro Yamazaki pitcher (27) and others full of May. He wrote a column in Sports Hochi, “Ori ni Seiken Kakemei,” in which he predicted that the team would make a great leap forward from its third place finish this season.

For all you Orix and Sports Hochi fans, I went! It was the fall camp in Kochi. Last year, rain limited our range of movement, but we were still active from the 10 a.m. start of practice. The first thing that surprised me in bullpen was pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita ‘s balls. They were probably only 70-80% of his power, but they were so fast. Even though I was watching from the side, I couldn’t help but lean back.

pitcher Hirano, who also serves as a coach, had a strong presence. His style of watching over pitcher while giving them advice was very warm… He also ran with the young pitcher, truly “wearing two hats.” Among fielder, I was overwhelmed by the amount of practice Mori put in. I can’t wait to see how he competes with Wakatsuki for the starting catcher.

During breaks in practice, I was also able to talk with pitcher pitcher and Soichiro. pitcher is working on a pitching form with his arms slightly lowered. He reminds me of Nippon-Ham pitcher Tamai, who puts out fires in a pinch. Speaking of firefighters, Soichiro is pitcher. The confidence and satisfaction he has gained in the second half of this season was also evident in his words, “Mei-san, I’ll do it next year!”

Players who excelled in the first team and players who struggled. I only stayed in Kochi for two days, but I was able to feel each of their thoughts. I was lucky enough to meet Manager Kishida for the first time. He treated me so kindly and I was very impressed. Kishida’s Orix is in its second year. As of autumn, they are already guaranteed to be in the A class! (May Izumoto)

◆Mei Izumoto Born on May 31, 1972 in Sakai, Osaka. 53 years old. Active mainly as a local Kansai TV and radio personality, she has also appeared in dramas and movies as an actor. She is also an avid Orix fan, and her show “Frank Club A” (Baycom) often features projects related to Orix. Her stage name “Mei” comes from the fact that she was born in May.