[Orix Buffaloes] Kosei Yoshida receives valuable advice from his former manager, Tsuyoshi Shinjo: “Imagine yourself making a comeback!” He also receives encouragement from CBO Hideki Kuriyama… a heartwarming story.
Sports Hochi
April 26, 2026 05:00
◆パ・リーグ オリックス４―２日本ハム（２５日・京セラドーム大阪）
During spring training in February 2013, it was decided that he would undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Yoshida, a man of integrity, informed those around him. This included his former Nippon-Ham. Hideki Kuriyama, the CBO who was his manager when he was a rookie, encouraged him, saying, “Don’t let your spirits be broken there,” and manager Shinjo sent him a warm message.
“It will take a year, but visualize yourself making a comeback!” They were on the same team for two years, starting in 2022. Even during his steady rehabilitation, he followed the advice of his former manager. Every night before going to sleep, he never missed his mental training. He pictured himself swinging his right arm with all his might, receiving the thunderous cheers of the home crowd at Kyocera Dome.
It was a twist of fate that he returned to the team filled with memories. “This is where his baseball career changed. His salary went up dramatically, and I hope he’ll give me 1% of it,” he said, a unique and encouraging comment from the opposing manager that must have been very welcome. At 25, he took a step towards a complete comeback. He shone brightest on the greatest stage. (Toru Nagata)
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