Masanori Ishikawa to retire from professional baseball

Masanori Ishikawa, the veteran pitcher for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, has decided to retire at the end of the 2026 season. At 46 years old, Ishikawa is the oldest active player in professional baseball.

Over a 25-year career, Ishikawa has recorded 188 wins and appeared in 551 games. Last year, he set a professional baseball record by achieving wins in 24 consecutive seasons. A native of Akita City, he has also served as a local sports ambassador since 2010, contributing to community baseball clinics and events.

A formal press conference regarding his retirement is scheduled to be held at the club's office in Tokyo on the afternoon of September 2, 2026.