The first team's exhibition games have finally begun, marking the official start of the baseball season, while the second team's spring training league is now underway. Adachi has been demoted to the second team, and the competition for the second base position has intensified into a three-way battle between me, Adachi, and Uchizawa.
Uchizawa was the first draft pick four years ago, joining our team after competing with three others in the draft lottery and receiving a 100 million yen signing bonus straight out of high school. Standing at 180 cm, he's fast and powerful, having hit home runs in consecutive at-bats at Koshien. As a former pitcher, he also boasts a strong arm. Known for his strong will and bullish statements, Uchizawa declared at his joining press conference that he aimed for Rookie of the Year and a batting title in his first year, earning him the nickname "Big Mouth."
In his first year, Uchizawa was in the starting lineup for the second team's opening game and hit a walk-off home run in the second game of the season. However, his weaknesses were soon exploited, leading to a 30-at-bat hitless streak. By the end of his first year, he played in 75 minor league games, batting .205 with just three home runs.
In his second year, he received special training as a promising young player and made his first-team debut towards the end of the season, playing in 20 games and hitting three home runs. Last year, in his third year, he moved between the first and second teams three times, batting .091 with no home runs in 30 first-team games.
Despite the team's patience in developing him, Uchizawa's motivation has significantly dropped this season. He often sulks when he strikes out or makes an error and leaves camp early in the morning, returning just before curfew with luxury brand shopping bags. Watching him, I felt a mix of envy and pity.
One night, while I was doing squats with a barbell in the dormitory's training room, Uchizawa stumbled in, his face flushed from alcohol.
"Hey," he greeted me, slurring slightly.
"Hey, good job," I replied, trying to be polite.
"Good job? You trying to be a smartass?" he snapped.
"No, not at all," I responded, taken aback by his sudden hostility.
"Hmmm. Still grinding away, huh? Trying to show off for the manager or coach so they'll play you more?" he said, his tone dripping with disdain.
"It's not about that," I said, trying to keep my cool.
"Sure, sure. I don't buy it," he muttered, clearly spoiling for a fight.
"What's your problem, Uchizawa?" I asked, my patience wearing thin.
"Oh, you know exactly what my problem is," he retorted, his words sharp and nonsensical.
I put the barbell down, my voice steady but tense. "Are you looking for a fight?"
"Watch how you talk to your senior," he demanded, stepping closer.
I took a deep breath. "Let's drop this. It's pointless."
"Pointless, huh? You calling me pointless, you bastard?" Uchizawa said, grabbing my collar.
"I'm not afraid of a fight," I warned, meeting his gaze without flinching.
Just then, Taniguchi walked in. "Hey, what's going on here?"
"Nothing much. Just giving this rookie some guidance," Uchizawa said, releasing me and stepping back.
I stayed silent, glaring at Uchizawa.
"Hmph. Whatever. Taniguchi, you should teach this guy some respect," Uchizawa said, leaving the room.
"What happened?" Taniguchi asked once Uchizawa was gone.
"I don't really get it either. He just came at me out of nowhere," I explained.
"Hmm. Probably just stressed out," Taniguchi said thoughtfully.
"Stressed?"
"Yeah. Uchizawa was the top draft pick and had a lot of expectations on him. But he hasn't delivered, and his opportunities are drying up. I guess it's getting to him."
"So he takes it out on me." I said, shaking my head.
"If you have time to fight, you have time to practice," Taniguchi advised.
"Yeah, you're right. Anyway, thanks," I said as Taniguchi patted my shoulder and began his workout.
I resumed my squats, trying to shake off the encounter and refocus on my training.
The next day's game saw me starting at second base. I went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and handled five defensive opportunities with ease. Rather than chasing numbers, I've been focusing on playing my way. Even in the minor leagues, every professional pitcher has a signature pitch that's almost impossible to hit when it's on target. I try to remember the best pitches for each opposing pitcher and focus on batting according to the situation. My numbers didn't improve at first, but recently my batting average has been climbing. On defense, I adjust my positioning based on the batter and situation, playing each pitch thoughtfully.
With only a few games left in the exhibition season, Coach Yatsu called me into his office.
"Do you know why you were called today?" he asked.
"Am I being promoted to the first team?" I guessed.
Coach Yatsu looked disappointed. "Tch, how did you know? I was so excited to surprise you and see the happy look on your face."
"Well, I thought it was about time," I replied, smiling.
"That's good. That's the mindset you need. If you're a professional, it's important to be strong-willed. Well, it's a problem if someone is too strong like Uchizawa."
"Is Uchizawa not going up this time?" I asked.
"You know that guy. His motivation is low. He has more talent than most people and was treated like a star right up until high school, so I think he's struggling to make it at the professional level. I'm glad for you. You have neither talent nor charisma. You can concentrate on your practice without any worries," Coach Yatsu said with a smirk.
How should I interpret that?
Regardless, I was happy to be promoted to the first team.
I quickly packed my things in the locker room. As I walked down the hallway with a large bag slung over my shoulder, Uchizawa approached. I hadn't spoken to him since our altercation, but I bowed as we passed each other.
Uchizawa shot me a quick glance, then walked into the locker room without saying a word.
The first team was playing against the Sapporo White Bears in Sapporo today. I arrived in Hokkaido by plane, ready to embrace this new chapter in my baseball journey.
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