[Softbank] Manager Hiroki Kokubo vows to become Japan’s best on his 54th birthday, saying “Thank you so much” to his late mother | Pacific League

[Softbank] Manager Hiroki Kokubo vows to be the best in Japan on his 54th birthday, saying “Thank you so much” to his late mother

Sports Hochi

2025.10.8(水) 13:21

　リーグ連覇を果たしたソフトバンク・小久保裕紀監督が８日、５４歳の誕生日を迎え、みずほペイペイドームでの全体練習後、報道陣からバースデーケーキなどが贈られた。孫正義オーナーからは高級ワインと花が贈られた。「毎年、誕生日に思うことは産んでもらった母に感謝する日かなと。２０１７年に他界しましたけど、こんな丈夫な体に産んでもらって本当にありがとうという思いでこの日を迎えています」と感謝の気持ちを明かした。

Last season, the team entered the Japan Series as Pacific League champions, lose to DeNA, who finished third in Central League. “I have made it a rule for myself not to get carried away with the season that has just ended. The sense of loss I felt when we didn’t become number one in Japan last year remains very strong in my mind. It’s only once we’ve achieved that feat (winning number one in Japan) that you can say it was a good season. I want to prepare thoroughly for the next mountain, and the one after that, so that 2025 can end on a truly good note,” he said.

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