November 30, 2021 Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Co., Ltd.
Regarding the retirement of pitcher D. Safate We would like to inform you that pitcher D. Safate will retire at the end of this season. As attached, we will send you a message from pitcher D. Safate.Message from Pitcher D. Safate
As of today (November 30th), my contract with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks has ended. The last three years have been the toughest seasons of my career, but great things come to an end.
I had the opportunity to play for the most amazing team with the best front office, coaches and players. During that time, we were able to win the Japan championship five times and win the league championship three times. I want to thank the Hawks for giving me a chance since the 2014 season.
First of all, I would like to thank the grandson owner. He always seeks victory at any cost, always preparing a team that can aim for the championship, and thank you for trusting me as a player.
I would also like to thank President Goto and GM Mikasa for their encouragement and support throughout the years when my injury prevented me from contributing to the team.
Mr. Akiyama was my first Hawks manager. He started using me as a closer in 2014 and I thank him for always believing in me.
And I also have to thank Mr. Kudo. You may not know this, but Mr. Kudo and his wife have always supported me. He sent me a lot of messages, and he even came all the way to Arizona to meet me as a surprise while I was in rehab. . . Thank you for his leadership and support and love for my family.
I would also like to thank all the coaches I have worked with during my eight years with the Hawks. You are such a big part of my life and the seasons we spent together are so dear to me. I would also like to thank all my teammates for their support and love over the years. You have treated me like family from the first day I joined the Hawks, and the many victories, dinners, and painful days we fought and enjoyed together are all precious memories for me.
And there are a few players that I have to comment on separately from other teammates.
First, Mr. Hosokawa (Toru Hosokawa). From the first day I met him, he made me throw splits, gave me new challenges, and leveled me up. Mr. Takatani, you always took my feelings into account and led me, making my innings easier. Takuya-san, you used to steal bases even though I was not good at quicks. A big thank you to all of you who have made me a better pitcher.
All the starting pitchers. Thank you for always believing in yourself and creating save opportunities. I really loved seeing how everyone worked hard and how seriously they worked on their training.
Everyone in Relief. Thank you for laughing at my jokes in the bullpen, for letting me talk when you don't want to hear me, and for always giving 100% when you're called to a game. I think we were the best bullpen team in NPB. I think everyone's talent is at the highest level. I miss the time I spent with you guys so much.
Yuto Mori. Thank you for being my best friend. Thanks to you, I was able to level up. Because I knew that if I let myself down even a little, you would soon take the job of my closer. You did a great job while training together all the time. I miss the dinners with you and your friends, your character. You are who you are today because of your hard work. 9 times is yours, do your best to aim for 250 saves!!!
And finally, I have to thank all my fans. Everyone was really supportive of me. Even when I was suffering from an injury, when I was walking down the street with my family, I was greeted with affection by everyone. It was so comfortable and I loved it. Thanks to all of you, I was able to overcome many difficulties.
Japan is my second home. During my 11 years in Japan, I learned a lot, met many friends, and enjoyed an incredible amount of delicious food. I love all of them, but most of all, I've fallen in love with one part of Japanese culture. I would like to cherish the time I spent in Japan forever.
My baseball life in Japan didn't end the way I wanted, but I think that's also baseball.
I am grateful to God that I was able to play baseball in Japan and enjoy my success. People are defined not by their results, but by the time and effort they put in and what they have done for the community. This is what I am most proud of.
Recently, I've been training and I feel like I'm getting better, so I thought I'd try my best to return to the mound next year, but the other day I found out that my wife is pregnant. If I challenge myself to return like I used to, it will be a burden on her.
As a family that believes in God, we discussed and decided to put an end to my playing baseball career here. I will no longer be playing baseball, but I hope that in the future I can use my experience and the experience of helping my teammates grow to help the Hawks continue to be a winning team. I'm here.
This is not a permanent goodbye, it is temporary. see you soon!
King of Closer
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