A message from a fan was relayed to Saitama Seibu Lions pitcher Kona Takahashi during his hero interview following a win over the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters on Friday night.
The fan praised Takahashi for his nice pitching and for showing the skill of an ace for the way he got himself out of jams. The message ended with a request: "don't cut your hair just yet."
Takahashi gave a smile and reached back to touch the hair jutting out from underneath his hat. He's declared he won't cut it until he loses and through nine starts in 2021, this lion's mane remains intact.