Yuki Saito to Throw First Pitch at Oisix Niigata Albirex vs Seibu Lions

Former professional pitcher Yuki Saito will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Oisix Niigata Albirex Baseball Club’s home game against the Saitama Seibu Lions on September 6 at Hard Off ECO Stadium in Niigata. The event follows Saito’s first‑pitch appearance at the club’s opening series last year, which drew strong fan reaction.

Saito, born June 6, 1988 in Ota, Gunma, rose to fame as the “Handkerchief Prince” after leading his high‑school team to a national championship at Koshien in 2006. He was the No. 1 draft pick in 2010, played for the Hokkaido Nippon‑Ham Fighters, and retired in October 2021 due to injuries. He now runs a company focused on developing baseball talent and promotes the sport through media channels. The Oisix Niigata Albirex club, founded with the BC League and now competing in the NPB farm league, is sponsored by food‑delivery firm Oisix and aims to become Japan’s top player‑development and “delicious” baseball team.