NPB pitchers Takayuki Kishi and Kentaro Taira discuss career longevity

Professional baseball players Takayuki Kishi and Kentaro Taira have shared insights into their career longevity and physical management during the current season.

Rakuten Eagles pitcher Takayuki Kishi, aged 41, emphasized a focus on health over reaching the 200-win milestone. Drawing inspiration from Antonio Inoki, Kishi noted that maintaining health is essential to remaining on the mound. He discussed his approach to pitching, which relies on precision and control rather than raw power, and his mental process for recovering from losses through training and family time.

DeNA's Kentaro Taira achieved a career milestone by surpassing 100 innings pitched for the first time in his 13th professional year. To achieve this, Taira implemented strict dietary changes, including eliminating beef, dairy, and wheat, following advice from teammates and coaches. Despite the physical and mental strain of these lifestyle adjustments, Taira expressed a commitment to continuous improvement and better recovery to reach higher performance levels.