Chunichi Dragons lefty Masahiro Yamamoto was named on Tuesday to make the final start of his career on Wednesday against the Hiroshima Carp.
At the age of 50 years, 1 month, Yamamoto will be the oldest player to pitch in a Nippon Professional Baseball game. A veteran of 32 seasons, Yamamoto is expected to face just one batter in a game of crucial importance to the Carp.
If Hiroshima wins the game at their home park, Mazda Stadium, they will clinch third place and a spot in the Central League Climax Series' first stage on Saturday against the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome.
If the Carp lose or tie, the Hanshin Tigers will finish ahead of them and travel to Tokyo.
"I am causing trouble for the Hanshin and Hiroshima people, but I'm not expecting any special treatment and I for one will be giving my all to shut the opposition down," Yamamoto said. "However, it will be my last game, so I would like them to give me a break."