“Released by Samsung, yet flew in from Japan to watch the Korea Series!” 158 km/h Aquare’s special visit to Daegu Samsung Lions Park: “I’ll be there for Game 4 too; my desire to play in the KBO again has grown stronger” [KS On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Three months have passed since his release from the Samsung Lions. Miyauchi Yura (27), who had also parted ways with his team after returning to Japan, unexpectedly appeared in a surprising location: none other than Daegu Samsung Lions Park, where his former club Samsung’s Korea Series (KS) games are being held.

Miyauchi watched Game 3 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (best-of-seven format) between Samsung and KT Wiz from the stands on the 6th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. Samsung secured a 5-1 victory, powered by Go Ja-yuk’s two-run triple and Ariel Hurdado’s seven-inning, one-run outing. Leading the series 2-1, Samsung took a step closer to its first championship in 12 years.

After the game, Miyauchi was waiting to greet the players when he encountered reporters. He smiled and said, “The season had just ended in Japan as well, and I was feeling a bit bored, so I came here because I wanted to cheer for the Samsung players.”

His connection with Samsung continued even after his departure. While in Japan, Miyauchi followed Samsung’s postseason games and left messages of support on social media. “Because it is a team I once belonged to, I wanted to support them. As I cheered, my affection for the team seems to have grown even stronger,” he said.

Miyauchi was Samsung’s first Asian slot player for the 2026 season. In December of last year, he drew attention as a right-handed pitcher capable of throwing fastballs at a top speed of 158 km/h and signed a contract worth up to $180,000, including salary, incentives, and transfer fees.

Miyauchi had progressed through Japanese amateur baseball teams such as Mickey House and independent league team Tokushima Indigo Socks, eventually reaching Hayate Ventures Shizuoka in the NPB minor league. Although he had no experience in the NPB major leagues, he was expected to become a new force in Samsung’s bullpen thanks to his fast pitches.

However, the Korean stage proved challenging. He showed potential by recording three saves through April, but subsequently struggled with control issues. After a brief stint away from the first division, he returned but found it difficult to regain stability.

Ultimately, in a game against the Doosan Bears on July 26, after issuing a hit-by-pitch on the first pitch of an at-bat, he threw just one more pitch before being replaced. He was removed from the first division roster the following day, and had to leave the team when Samsung signed new Asian slot pitcher Miyamori Satoshi (28) on August 7. Miyauchi’s final record was 36 games, 30⅔ innings pitched, no wins, one loss, three saves, and an ERA of 5.87.

Even at the time of his release, Miyauchi did not hide his affection for Samsung. On August 8, via Samsung’s official YouTube channel, he said, “I was very happy to be able to play baseball with this team. Although I could not contribute significantly to the lineup, since I will continue playing baseball after returning to Japan, I will strive to grow every day.” He added, “Because I want to see the Samsung Lions, the team I belonged to, win the championship, I will continue to support them in the future.”

After returning to Japan, he rejoined his former team Hayate and continued his playing career. However, his name appeared again on the list of departing players announced by Hayate on the 1st. The departure was due to contract expiration.

On the 2nd, Miyauchi stated via his social media, “My future whereabouts are undecided, but I will continue playing baseball,” expressing his intention to extend his active career.

Immediately after experiencing this second farewell, he returned to Daegu. This time, he watched Samsung’s game from the stands rather than from the pitcher's mound. Miyauchi said, “It was my first time watching directly from the stands. I enjoyed it.” He added, “When I am on the mound, I focus so much on the game that I don’t hear the cheers well very well. Watching from the stands made me realize, ‘So there are cheers like this too.’”

What drew even more attention was his willingness to challenge the KBO League again. When asked if he had a desire to play baseball in Korea again, Miyauchi replied, “I do have that feeling. After watching today’s game, that feeling has become even stronger.”

He plans to watch the remaining games of the Korea Series as well. Miyauchi said he intends to attend Game 4 on the 7th and wished his former club a championship. Addressing the Samsung players, he said, “If you keep playing like this, you can definitely win the championship. I will be cheering for you.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original