In a thrilling celebration of legacy and nostalgia, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks hosted an extraordinary alumni game on March 23, 2025, to mark the 20th anniversary of the team's establishment. The event took place at the Mizuho PayPay Dome, drawing in an impressive crowd of over 41,000 fans eager to witness their favorite former players in action.
The game featured a spirited face-off between two teams, the 'White Hawks' led by the beloved Koji Akiyama and the 'Black Hawks' under the direction of Kimihiro Kudoh. As the sun shone brightly over Fukuoka, the atmosphere was charged with excitement, laughter, and cheers from the audience, who were ready to relive treasured memories of their baseball heroes.
As the event kicked off, the heartfelt moment was marked by team chairman Wang Sadaharu's declaration of "Play Ball!" The fans erupted in applause as they witnessed the reunion of star players who had built the legacy of this team over the past two decades.
The game was structured for five innings, and at the end of the day, it was the Black Hawks who emerged victorious with a solid score of 7-1. This win was particularly significant as it showcased both competitive spirit and fun, reminding attendees of the joy of baseball.
Highlighting the day's action was a particularly amusing moment that took place in the third inning. Munenori Kawasaki, donning the role of the 3rd squad coach for the Black Hawks, dramatically pretended to injure his right shoulder. When he signaled to leave the mound, the charismatic Kimihiro Kudoh, playing a pivotal part in the day's events, strolled onto the field. In a light-hearted moment that had the crowd laughing, Jojima playfully insisted that it was perfectly acceptable for a coach to pitch through injury. "It was for the fans!" remarked Kawakami, who then threw a commendable 115 km/h straight that struck out Akihiro Ikkawa.
This playful spirit resonated throughout the match, as in the fifth inning, it was Kudoh's turn to step up and pitch. He faced Hiromitsu Kadota, who positioned himself as a pinch hitter and asked for the spotlight. The crowd cheered as Kudoh, firmly focused, delivered a well-executed 118 km/h pitch for a groundout.
The standout players of the day were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Seiichi Uchikawa, who powered in a spectacular three-run homer, and Frio Gerate, who earned the White Hawks' only scoreting run with a timely two-base hit, were awarded the coveted MVP honors of their respective teams.
After the game, both Akiyama and Kudoh reflected on their experiences. With genuine smiles and happy laughter, Kudoh said, "It was fun!" expressing his joy over the excitement that the game generated both on the field and in the stands. Akiyama, sharing similar sentiments, said, "I was excited to play again after a long time," emphasizing the thrill of being in the ballpark and doing what they loved alongside their former teammates.
The event encapsulated not just a celebration of 20 years of the SoftBank Hawks but also the camaraderie and deep connection shared between past players and their fans. The cheers for home runs and crafty plays provided a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reflecting the strong legacy left by these star athletes.
The legacy of the SoftBank Hawks continues, with this anniversary event sparking renewed interest and excitement among fans. While the game ended in favor of the Black Hawks, the true victory belonged to the community that gathered to celebrate baseball, friendship, and shared history. As the sun set on this historic day, one thing was clear: the spirit of baseball, kindness, and memories endures.
