Blue Impulse pilot Shoya Matsuura to throw ceremonial first pitch for Orix Buffaloes

The Orix Buffaloes have announced that Shoya Matsuura, a pilot for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's aerobatic team Blue Impulse, will participate in the ‘Naniwa no HERO Special Ceremonial First Pitch’ on September 12 during the game against the Rakuten Eagles at Kyocera Dome Osaka.

Matsuura, an Osaka native, was a baseball player from elementary through high school before pursuing his dream of becoming a Blue Impulse pilot. The special event series honors local individuals who have contributed to the community or achieved national and international success. Matsuura is scheduled to perform the ceremonial pitch at the stadium where he once dreamed of playing.