A Selection of “Great and Unusual Scenes” of Celebrity First Pitch Ceremonies that Graced the Ballpark!
Stadiums all over Japan were excited during the GW season, even hotter than the game! A selection of memorable scenes!
The first pitch of a professional baseball game is a barometer of popularity! We show you all the “famous and unusual scenes” of celebrities who wowed the stadium with their various pitching techniques and performances!
Nashiko Momotsuki (26)
It was mid-March this year. Nashiko Momotsuki appeared on stage dressed as “Supergirl. It’s so cute to see her crouching down in embarrassment after throwing a ball out of control!
Blue Man
On April 19, “Blue Man,” a performer who painted his face blue, appeared on stage. He showed off his throwing technique, which was adapted from an actual performance.
Ukon Onoe (29)
In April 2009, Ukon Onoe appeared at the stadium in white paint and a kamishimo costume. He has been a big fan of the Hanshin Tigers since his childhood.
Takeshi Shinjo (50)
On March 25, in the opening game between Nippon Ham and Softbank, the BIGBOSS played the role of the batter. Fuji announcer Seika Inoue caught the pitch and ran up to him.
Yuriko Yoshitaka (33)
Last November, southpaw Yuriko Yoshitaka threw a pitch that one-bounced in front of the batter. After the pitch, she exclaimed in frustration, “Ah! after the pitch.
Meru Ikumi (Meru) (20)
At the end of March this year, Meru was nervous about throwing out the first pitch for the first time in her life. Although the ball went off the batter’s back, the audience was thrilled to see her in her first pitching appearance.
Miho Kanno (44)
At Lotte’s home opener in March of this year. A pitch thrown with dynamic form was sucked into the catcher’s mitt with no bounce.
Reni Takagi (28)
In September 2009, Reni Takagi of Momoiro Clover Z practiced hard for the first pitch. Although she didn’t make it to the batter’s box, she did a fine job of keeping the ball straight.
Miyu Ikeda (Michyopa) (23)
The opening game of the season for Softbank in March 2009. She showed off her beautiful legs in a uniform with the number “348 (Michyopa)” on the back and shorts.
Nagisa Sekimizu (23)
At the end of March this year. Actress Nagisa Sekimizu appeared at a game between Yakult and the Giants. She was wearing pink hot pants and a Yakult uniform and really gave it her all.
Asagaya Sisters
Right: Miho Kimura (48) Left: Eriko Watanabe (49)
August ’21. The Asagaya Sisters are on the mound wearing their familiar pink outfits and gloves of the same color. After pitching, she left the mound wearing a pink mask.
Chocolate Planet
Right: Shun Matsuo (39) Left: Shohei Nagata (42)
July ’19. He took the first pitch at the game between Seibu and Orix. After the first pitch, they both struck their signature “T” pose and smiled at each other.
Magical Lovely
Right: Murakami (37) Left: Crystal Noda (35)
March 20, the opening game between Chunichi and Lotte. Murakami threw out the first pitch in Aichi, his hometown. Murakami threw a 76 km/h no-bounce pitch.
Reach Michael (33): Right
Shiro Tanaka (37): Left
A game against the Giants in August ’19. Tanaka passed the rugby ball from the mound to Leach, who played the catcher, for an unusual first pitch.
From the May 20 and 27, 2022 issues of FRIDAY
PHOTO： Sankei Newspaper Company Jiji Press
