June Sky Perfect Goodbye Award Winners Announced
In an announcement that has thrilled baseball fans, Sky Perfect TV has revealed the winners for the June edition of the monthly Sky Perfect Goodbye Award. Since its establishment in 2012, this award has honored players from both the Central and Pacific Leagues who deliver the most impactful walk-off hits. Each recipient is presented with a trophy and a cash prize of 300,000 yen.
On July 16, the June awardees were recognized: Ryusei Takeoka from the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the Central League and Yuusuke Tamiya from the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters for the Pacific League. The award ceremonies took place at the respective games, marking an exciting moment for both players.
Acceptance Speeches
Ryusei Takeoka (Tokyo Yakult Swallows)
Takeoka expressed his surprise and joy at receiving the award for the second time, sharing, "I’m truly thrilled because I don’t often have the chance to win an award like this twice. The game was quite challenging overall, but I believe that securing a victory in this manner is something special. I don’t have many material desires, so I plan to use the prize money for travel! Last New Year, I visited Kusatsu, and this year I’d like to check out Atami. Thank you all for your continued support, and I will do my best!"
Yuusuke Tamiya (Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters)
Tamiya was equally elated, stating, "Thank you for selecting me for this wonderful award. This was my first walk-off home run, and I couldn’t be happier. I often watch YouTube videos and listen to music, and I even received congratulations from my favorite artist, Kento Nakajima, on Instagram. I will keep pushing forward for victory, so please continue to cheer for us!"
Detailed Performances
Central League: Ryusei Takeoka (Tokyo Yakult Swallows)
Takeoka achieved his second award on June 6 during a dramatic game against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks at Jingu Stadium. With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 10th inning, he hit a walk-off home run that sent the ball into the right-field stands. The evening started with a tough fight for Tokyo Yakult, as they fell behind 2-0 after conceding runs in the 6th and 8th innings. The opposing pitcher, Moenelo, had an impressive performance, boasting only 3 hits and 18 strikeouts by the end of the 8th inning. With their backs against the wall, Tokyo Yakult rallied as Yuu Nakamura drew a walk, followed by a stunning game-tying homer hit by Osuna. This led to an unforgettable finish, where Takeoka took advantage of the 1-0 count and swung for the fences, ultimately hitting a walk-off homer that secured the win for his team.
Pacific League: Yuusuke Tamiya (Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters)
Tamiya, recognized for his first award, delivered a memorable performance on June 15 against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. The game was tied at 7-7 when he stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the 10th inning. After a comeback that saw the Fighters inch back from a 0-7 deficit, Tamiya seized the moment when he faced a 3-1 count. With one powerful swing, he sent the ball soaring into the right-center field stands, marking his first walk-off homer and propelling the Fighters to a stunning victory, overcoming a seven-run deficit.
About the Sky Perfect Goodbye Award
The Sky Perfect Goodbye Award was established in 2012 to honor players who produce the most impactful walk-off hits throughout the month. Sky Perfect TV has been dedicated to broadcasting all official games of both the Central and Pacific leagues since the 2006 season, striving to deliver the thrilling experience of competitive baseball right to the fans until the last pitch. The award serves not only to recognize outstanding talent but also aims to contribute to the growth and excitement surrounding Japan's professional baseball league.
For more information, please visit the official site:
Sky Perfect Goodbye Award.