Chiba Lotte Closer Naoya Masuda Joins Elite Company with 250th Career Save
On August 4, Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Naoya Masuda achieved his 250th career save in a game against the Saitama Seibu Lions, becoming just the fifth player in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) history to reach the historic milestone. With this accomplishment, Masuda has officially met the qualification criteria for induction into the prestigious Meikyukai (Golden Players Club). Reaching 250 saves in his 795th career appearance marks the most games taken to hit the milestone in NPB history. However, it stands as a testament to his long-standing resilience, overcoming numerous challenges since his rookie year to remain the team's anchor at the back of the bullpen. At ZOZO Marine Stadium, cheers and applause echoed through the stands with every out he recorded, culminating in a thunderous ovation upon securing the final victory. In a touching display of sportsmanship that reflected Masuda's popular and warm personality, opposing Seibu players and their manager also joined in p...