Oisix Niigata Albirex BC: Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Bronze Medalist and Niigata Prefectural Honor Award Recipient Ryusei Yamada to Perform Ceremonial First Pitch on August 11 (Tue, Holiday) vs. Hayate Ventures Shizuoka

Oisix Niigata Albirex Baseball Club is pleased to announce that Ryusei Yamada (first-year student in the Board Sports Business University Program at JWSC International Snowboard & Skateboard School), bronze medalist in men's snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and recipient of the Niigata Prefectural Honor Award, will perform the ceremonial first pitch at the game against Hayate Ventures Shizuoka on Tuesday, August 11 (national holiday), held at HARD OFF ECO Stadium Niigata.

Ryusei Yamada is a rising star in Japanese snowboarding, gaining global recognition as a next-generation athlete. At the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, he claimed a bronze medal in men's snowboard halfpipe in his Olympic debut, delivering a powerful performance on the world's biggest stage and inspiring countless people.

His achievements and significant contributions to enhancing Niigata Prefecture's reputation have been honored with the Niigata Prefectural Honor Award. Beyond his athletic success, Yamada is widely supported as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the local community.

On this special day, Yamada will step onto the pitcher's mound, transcending his sport. We invite fans to witness this extraordinary moment as a world-class athlete takes the mound in a unique ceremonial role.

Player Profile: Ryusei Yamada

Name: Ryusei Yamada (born March 25, 2006) Affiliation: JWSC International Snowboard & Skateboard School, Board Sports Business University Program, Year 1 Team: JWSC Vocational School Instagram: @ryusei.yamada

Introduced to snowboarding at age 5 through his parents, Yamada became captivated by halfpipe riding at age 10 when a World Cup event was held at Bankei Ski Area in his hometown of Sapporo, featuring Japan's largest halfpipe. He began competing seriously and placed second in the FIS Snowboard Japan Cup for elementary school grades 3–4 in his first year.

At age 14, he placed 6th at the FIS All-Japan Championships and was selected as a national development athlete. From age 16, he began competing internationally in World Cup events while securing his first national title at the FIS All-Japan Championships (Ajigasawa competition). In the 2024–25 FIS World Cup season, he reached the podium twice in four events and continued his impressive rise, culminating in a bronze medal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Game Details

Date: Tuesday, August 11 (National Holiday) Start Time: 18:00 (General Admission from 16:30) Competition: NPB Farm League Interleague Match vs. Hayate Ventures Shizuoka Venue: HARD OFF ECO Stadium Niigata

About Oisix Niigata Albirex Baseball Club

Oisix Niigata Albirex Baseball Club was established alongside the founding of the Baseball Challenge League (BC League). Since 2024, the team has participated in the NPB Farm League, with Oisix Inc., a food delivery company, serving as the main sponsor. The club aims to become Japan's top team for player development and Japan's most 'delicious' team. Starting in 2026, Masumi Kuwata will join as Chief Baseball Officer (CBO), leading efforts to build a 'strong, beloved, and chosen' team.