[Orix] Kodai Sano officially announces his retirement… A difficult transition from pitcher to fielder, he says, “I don’t want to be separated from my teammates and staff.” He will become a team staff member next season.
Sports Hochi
2025.12.2(火) 05:00
On the 1st, Orix outfielder Kodai Sano (29) officially announced his retirement at the end of this season. He plans to remain with the team as a staff member. He joined the team as pitcher and has had a tough life, having also transitioned to fielder under a development contract. Looking back on his 11 years with the NPB, he vowed to continue contributing, saying, “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to experience three consecutive championships and becoming the number one in Japan. I hope I can use the experiences I’ve gained from trying so many different things in the future.”
The 20 years he inherited Hiroyuki Kose’s number “41” by Hiroyuki Kose, who died at the age of 24 in 10, is his most 20 stolen base. “I also put on it because I wanted to wear it (number), and I didn’t play much, but I’m glad I was able to wear it,” he said desperately. “I didn’t want to leave the teammates and staff I met the most,” he said, making a new start with a sense of repayment.
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AloJapan.com