Although my promotion to the first team lasted only two days, it felt like I had gained invaluable experience. I thought I was giving my best effort, but maybe I was getting a bit too complacent. Perhaps Coach Yatsu had anticipated this and recommended my promotion to the first team to keep me on my toes. If that's the case, I'm in awe of his keen insight.
When I rejoined the minor league team, Mitamura immediately approached me.
"How was the first team? Were you nervous?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.
I smiled, appreciating his consideration. "Yeah, it was a good experience. I'd do it all over again."
Mitamura grinned. "By the way, how was the food at the first team hotel?"
I chuckled. "It's you..."
As I glanced out at the field, I saw Taniguchi sprinting silently. The frustration radiated from him. He hadn't had much of a chance either. When Taniguchi noticed me, he raised his left hand. I raised mine in response.
Coach Yatsu walked past me. "Coach Yatsu, I'm sorry I came back so soon," I said, feeling a mix of gratitude and disappointment.
"Oh, was it a good experience?" he asked, his eyes studying me.
"Yes, it was only two games, but I would like to make use of this experience in the future."
"That's right. Yamashiro-san has also said he looks after you. He's tough and demanding, but he has high expectations."
"Mr. Yamashiro..."
"You've learned that a real game is not like practice. I can teach you the basics, but in real games, one error can be fatal. Especially for a player like you, who relies heavily on defense."
I nodded. "How you use this experience is up to you. I have high hopes for you."
"Yes, thank you," I said, taking off my hat and bowing. I reported to Manager Kemigawa about my demotion to the second team. He nodded deeply and silently tapped me on the shoulder. Yes, I'll try again.
With the spring training league over, the opening game for the second team finally arrived. Our opponent was the Tokyo Chariots.
In the end, only pitcher Sugisawa and outfielder Takeshita remained on the first team from my draft class. The others, including Taniguchi, pitcher Iijima, Mitamura, catcher Haratani, and I, all started on the second team.
In the opening game for the minor league teams, I started at second base. Taniguchi was the cleanup hitter in right field, and Haratani was the catcher.
Even though it was the minor league team, the opening game drew around two to three thousand spectators. I scanned the audience and saw her sitting in the third row of the infield seats. She wore a white dress, a uniform with my number, and a blue team cap. When our eyes met, she waved. I wanted to show my best.
In the top of the first inning, the Tokyo Chariots failed to score any points, and it was my turn to bat in the bottom of the inning. The opposing starting pitcher was Inatomi, a left-handed pitcher who had been last fall's first draft pick. His strong point was his fastball.
I stepped up to bat right-handed. With one ball and two strikes, I connected with the fourth pitch, sending it towards the shortstop. It was a strong hit, but the shortstop fumbled it, allowing me to reach first base. The record showed a short error, but it was a good start in the sense that I got on base.
Then, I stole second while Ueda, the second batter, bunted smoothly down the first base line, advancing me to third. One out, runner on third. The third baseman, Minamida, struck out, but our cleanup hitter, Taniguchi, didn't disappoint. He swung at the first pitch and sent it soaring into the right-field stands for a two-run home run.
Taniguchi excelled against second-tier pitchers, but he struggled at the first-tier level. During exhibition games, pitchers often don't throw with full intensity, using the opportunity to test their pitches and observe batters. Despite this, Taniguchi had been hitless in 19 at-bats. He was unlucky as some well-hit balls went straight to fielders, and he showed hesitation at the plate. After eight consecutive strikeouts, he was demoted to the second team, replaced by me.
The game became a slugfest. In my second at-bat, I struck out, and in my third, I grounded out to third base. Adachi replaced me in the seventh inning. Despite my solid defense, I didn't get to showcase my skills. The game ended with a 10-7 victory, Taniguchi hitting his second home run. Adachi, who replaced me, had two hits in two at-bats, including a double. Although I excelled in defense and base running, I worried about my chances to play even in minor league games.
The first-team second base position was hotly contested between veteran Honda, new foreign player Thomas Lowry, and college graduate rookie Arai. Anxiety gnawed at me, but I knew the only way to control it was through practice.
Back at the dorm, after dinner, I went to the training room to practice my batting swing in front of the mirror. After a while, Taniguchi joined me. When he saw me, he muttered, "Oh," and asked, "Night practice?"
"Yeah, you too?" I replied.
"My at-bat today just didn't feel right. Maybe my form is a little off."
Aren't you satisfied even after hitting two home runs?
We each swung our bats in silence in front of the mirrors. I could see Taniguchi practicing on the other side. At that moment, I noticed something surprising. My swing speed was faster. Could it be that focusing on pulling had slowed me down? Many of my hits turned into grounders or infield hits.
Could this be the reason? I thought I'd give it a try if I had the chance to play in tomorrow's game.
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