Lotte’s Naoya Masuda Reaches 250 Saves: His Thoughts on the Family Who Supported Him and the “Words He Uttered Just Before Reaching the Milestone”
This season, he was aiming for a comeback.
Lotte’s Naoya Masuda (36) recorded his 250th career save, the milestone required for induction into the Hall of Fame.
He turned pro after being selected in the lower rounds of the draft from a university virtually unknown outside his region. Overcoming adversity, Masuda built his career, including two saves titles (2013, 2021).Last season (2025), he entered the season with just seven saves remaining to reach the 250-save mark required for induction into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame.
However, due to upper-body injuries and other issues, he was unable to pitch as he had hoped. He reportedly had sleepless nights due to his frustration.
“It was my worst year since turning pro. In the game against Rakuten on August 19, I took the mound in the ninth inning with a one-run lead, but they tied the game, and I blew the save. I was furious at myself for being so useless.I couldn’t let go of my anger, so after leaving the game, I took it out on some objects behind the bench and ended up fracturing the back of my left hand… Because of that fracture, I was removed from the active roster, and that was the end of my season.”
In the end, last season was limited to a career-worst 22 appearances, resulting in an unsatisfactory record of 1 win, 4 losses, and 5 saves.
“This can’t go on…” What helped Masuda refocus was the advice from new manager Saburo, who took the helm last offseason.
“I want you to start from scratch again and lead the team.”
Masuda pushed himself to the limit, determined to make a comeback.
“It’s been about 10 years, I think. I held back on my hobby of golf—which I used to play about 30 times during the offseason—and participated in fall camp (an unusual move for a veteran on a team centered around young players). Furthermore, I incorporated weight training—which I had avoided because I didn’t want to get too bulky—to rebuild my physique.I also adjusted my form to shift my center of gravity more toward my lower body. Thanks to that, my pitching power has returned to the point where I can actually hear a ‘whoosh!’ sound the moment the ball leaves my right fingertips.”
The Moment a Major Record Was Set
Having prepared himself thoroughly for this season, he had ceded the closer role to his junior, Rikuto Yokoyama, but he remained confident that “if called upon, he could shut down the opposition.” Then came the game against the Seibu Lions on August 4.In the top of the ninth inning, with his team leading by two runs, he took the mound amid loud chants of “Masuda!” rising from the right-field stands packed with Lotte fans. He touched the brim of his cap and closed his eyes for a few seconds, going through his usual routine.
“In my mind, I repeat the opposing batter’s name and tell myself, ‘I’ll get these three out. I won’t back down under any circumstances,’” he said.
True to his word, Masuda retired the Seibu lineup in order, securing his 250th career save. Every fastball he threw clocked in at 150 km/h or faster. In the stands were his family members, who had supported him through all the tough times.
“That day, even after I got home, the kids were still thrilled. They’ve watched me struggle up close, so I think my family was relieved that I finally reached the 250-save milestone. I’m truly grateful…”
Below is a letter to Masuda written by his eldest son, Kiki (12). In response to his father’s remarkable achievement, the letter candidly expresses his feelings: “I’m so happy I can’t put it into words” and “Let’s work together to lead the Marines to a championship.”
But just because he’s achieved this monumental milestone doesn’t mean Masuda’s journey is over.
“I intend to pitch whenever I can to contribute to the team’s victories. To that end, I’m still running 10 km every day.
I think a save that caps off a game is like the final scene of a movie. I wonder if a save is like the role that brings up the end credits. Since fans are hoping for the ending they expect, I can’t let it end with a strikeout. It puts a lot of pressure on me, but I want to create the best possible ending.”
Masuda, who was a reserve player in high school, has achieved the feat required for induction into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame. To deliver the “end credits” the fans are hoping for, he will continue to take the mound.
〈Naoya Masuda: Born in October 1989 in Wakayama Prefecture.He started playing baseball in the second grade of elementary school and joined the Lotte Marines in 2012 after being selected in the fourth round of the draft from Kansai International University. He excelled as a middle reliever and closer from his rookie year onward, becoming only the fifth player in history to reach 250 career saves. He is a right-handed pitcher and batter. 179 cm, 80 kg〉
From the September 11 & 18, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*
PHOTO： Hiroyuki Komatsu