The Shizuoka Oceans were set to play a three-game series against the Niigata Condors starting tomorrow, followed by a day of travel before finishing off the season with a game against the Chukyo Pearls at Suruga Ocean Stadium. Yesterday, the Senshu Blacks won, completely eliminating our chances of advancing to the Climax Series. That's why the remaining four games were, so to speak, just dead matches, and I was promoted on a trial basis.
We arrived in Niigata in the evening and headed straight to the hotel where the team was staying.
"Hey, we've been waiting for you," Taniguchi greeted me in the lobby.
Taniguchi had played in five games so far, with only two hits in 14 at-bats. He hadn't been able to show his true potential but had stayed with the first team throughout the season, likely for the experience.
"It's definitely a step up," Taniguchi remarked.
"Honestly, I was surprised. I thought I might get cut if I wasn't careful," I admitted.
"Don't worry about that. We're still in our second year after high school. If they cut someone so easily, it would look bad for the Shizuoka Oceans. No high school coach would want to send their best players here if that were the case," Taniguchi explained.
"Good point. That makes sense," I nodded, feeling a bit more reassured.
Just then, the team manager walked in.
"Have you said hello to Manager Kimitsu? You should also greet Head Coach Ichikawa," Taniguchi suggested.
"Thanks, I'll do that," I said, heading to the manager's room and knocking on the door.
Head Coach Ichikawa and Infield Defense and Baserunning Coach Ito were there.
"Hi, I'm Takahashi Ryusuke. I just got promoted. Nice to meet you," I introduced myself.
"Nice to meet you. This is a big opportunity. It's up to you to make the most of it," Head Coach Ichikawa said.
"I will. Thank you," I replied and left the room.
I felt a surge of energy welling up inside me.
The next day, the game against the Niigata Condors was a night game, and since it was a weekday game, there were many empty seats at Echigo Condor Park. However, at night, the ground was lit up by lights, and the light reflected off the natural grass, giving it an eerie green glow. As I watched the pre-game ceremony, I couldn't help but feel excited at the thought that I had finally made it to the first-team stage.
Both Taniguchi and I were on the bench for that match. It made sense—I wasn't an immediate asset, so there was no way I'd play right away. However, if the score became lopsided, who knew what could happen?
I played catch with Taniguchi behind the bench. The game was close, tied 2-2 after the eighth inning. Then, in the bottom of the ninth inning, with one out and runners on second and third, Niigata Condors' fourth batter, Yamamoto, hit a grounder to the infield, resulting in a walk-off loss for us.
The next game was on a Saturday, which was also a day for distributing uniforms, so in stark contrast to the previous day, there were a lot of spectators in attendance. The starting pitcher for the Shizuoka Oceans that day was Kuruzawa, who had returned from injury. His fastball was sharp, not giving the Niigata Condors' batting line-up any chance to capitalize. Our batters scored efficiently, and by the end of the eighth inning, we were leading 6-0.
It was the top of the ninth inning, and Shizuoka Oceans were up to bat for the last time.
"Taniguchi, you're going to pinch-hit next," Batting Coach Onda called out to Taniguchi, who was practicing his swing behind the bench.
"Yes," Taniguchi replied briefly, putting on his helmet and walking to the on-deck circle.
"Hey, Takahashi. You're next," Coach Onda said.
Huh? What?
"After Taniguchi, you'll be pinch-hitting. After that, you'll be on defense."
I quickly put on my helmet. No way. I never thought I'd make my debut so soon.
The leadoff batter, Tajima, struck out, and Taniguchi stepped up to bat. Next up was me. I headed to the on-deck circle. The cheers from the left field were amazing. Of course, since it is the home stadium of the Niigata Condors, the stadium was predominantly yellow, but a group of people in light blue could be seen in the left stands.
I felt my legs shaking. Even though I was a member of the team that won the Koshien tournament, I thought I was used to playing in front of big crowds.
The pitcher for the Niigata Condors was Kitamae, a third-year player after graduating from college. His signature pitches were his fastball and forkball. His ERA was 6.10, indicating he was used primarily in losing situations.
Taniguchi hit a straight ball right at the center. The ball flew into right field at a good angle, making a satisfying sound. The right fielder backed up as hard as he could, but then faced forward and caught the ball with ease. What seemed like a solid hit turned out to be a routine fly ball. Kitamae's fastball was measured at 143 km/h (88 mph) on the speed gun, yet it was fully plugged in. As expected, professional pitchers have more power than their numbers suggest.
It was my turn next. The stadium announcement was made.
"Number 9, second baseman Honda will be replaced by pinch-hitter Takahashi Takashi. Number 58."
After a murmur, applause followed. I guessed they realized it was my first at-bat as a professional. The initial murmur was probably, "Who is Takahashi Takashi?" By the way, there are three people on my team with the surname Takahashi, including me. That's why my registered name is Takahashi Takashi.
I stretched my legs, calmed myself down, and headed to the batter's box.
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