In a game against the Yakult Swallows on May 1 at Jingu Stadium, DeNA infielder Tatsuhiro Shibata (32) made an emergency pitching appearance in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and runners on first and third, as his team trailed 5-16. Manager Ryoji Aikawa (49) rushed to the front of the dugout to greet Shibata as he returned, a scene that echoed a similar moment 17 years ago when Giants manager Tatsunori Hara showed the same care for his player.
Aikawa, known for his thoughtful consideration of players, explained that he sent Shibata to the mound to avoid burdening the relief pitchers. Shibata induced a flyout to left field from Yakult’s batter, Miyamoto, ending the inning. The manager’s gesture of greeting Shibata at the front of the dugout highlighted his compassion and leadership.
Shibata, who is primarily a position player, had never pitched in a professional game before. After the game, he reflected on the experience, expressing gratitude for the trust shown by the manager and the support from teammates. “I was nervous, but I just wanted to do my job for the team,” Shibata said.
The moment also resonated with fans and analysts, drawing comparisons to a similar situation involving Giants manager Hara in 2009, when he sent position player Takahiro Suzuki to pitch in a blowout loss. Hara greeted Suzuki at the top step of the dugout, a gesture that became a memorable display of respect and camaraderie.
For Aikawa, the decision to use a position player on the mound was practical, but his subsequent actions underscored his leadership style. “I just wanted to show him that I appreciate his effort,” Aikawa said. “He went out there and gave his best, and that’s all we can ask for.”
Shibata, now in his 10th season with DeNA, has appeared in over 860 career games as a infielder. While his pitching outing was brief, it added a unique chapter to his career and reinforced the team’s spirit of mutual support.