Who will replace Thomas Lowry in the first team? It could be either me or Uchizawa. I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
The next day, Manager Kemigawa called me in before practice.
"As you might know, Thomas has been demoted to the second team due to a muscle strain. He needs some rest, but it won't be long," Kemigawa explained. "The first team asked us to move one of the infielders up. When thinking of a replacement for Thomas, the first person that came to mind was Uchizawa, given his power-hitting ability. However, the first team is currently struggling in fifth place. While Uchizawa has power, he lacks consistency. We need someone who can bring some explosive energy."
Kemigawa placed a hand on my shoulder. "So, I want you to go up there and make an impact. It's okay if you make a mistake—just go all out."
"Wait, does this mean I'm being promoted to the first team?" I asked, my heart racing with excitement.
"Yes, it does. I want you to bring your all, go wild up there."
"I'll give it everything I've got," I replied, trying to contain my enthusiasm.
"Listen," Kemigawa said, looking me in the eye, "what I expect from you is to change the atmosphere. Never be afraid to make mistakes. Your strengths are your fearlessness, intuition, and aggression. Not many players would dare steal home on a sign, but you have the guts to do it. Use those talents to the fullest."
"Yes, Coach. I'll do my best," I said, still processing his words.
Fearless, intuition, aggressiveness? Were those really compliments? Adding "in a good way" to those terms almost made them sound positive. I'll have to remember that for future use.
As I walked out of his office, I felt a rush of determination. This was my chance, and I wasn't going to let it slip away.
Regardless, I was ecstatic about my promotion to the first team. I quickly packed my bags and headed joyfully to Suruga Ocean Stadium. Today was a travel day for the first team, and starting tomorrow, they would play against the Tokyo Chariots at their home stadium. It was quite a distance from the dormitory to the stadium, so I was staying in a hotel near the stadium tonight. The provided hotel was a first-class establishment, the same one where we had dined before joining the team.
When I arrived at the stadium, Sugizawa was among the team staff. "Hey, here you are again. Make sure you don't fall this time," he called out as soon as he saw me.
"Congratulations on the shutout victory, Sugizawa-san."
"Oh, you watched?"
"Of course. Your pitches stayed strong right until the end. It was incredible."
"Thanks. I was pretty exhausted by the end, but I'm still happy with how it turned out."
Sugizawa had seven wins two years ago and eleven wins last year, pitching complete games several times, but had never pitched a shutout until now. Last week, in a game against the Senshu Blacks, he pitched nine innings, allowing only three hits and achieving his first shutout since turning pro. With four wins and one loss so far this season, Sugizawa had become the undisputed ace of the Shizuoka Oceans.
"Takashi, you might be in the starting lineup tomorrow."
"I've only just gotten up, so..."
"The team's atmosphere has been rough after three straight losses. They probably want some fresh energy to shake things up. Whether that's good or bad, we'll see."
"I'd be thrilled to defend with you on the mound."
"Well, even if you make an error, just play with all your heart."
"Yes, I will."
Several players showed up at the stadium. Since this day was a travel day, there was no full practice, but I noticed that some had come in early for adjustments or special batting practice.
Suddenly, I felt something hard on my back. It didn't hurt, but when I turned around, Taniguchi was poking me with the tip of a bat.
"Hey. Are you a migrant worker?"
"Yeah, I'm here to earn some extra cash for my sister's tuition. By the way, Mitamura told me to tell you congratulations on your first home run. He said, 'Let's celebrate next time, and Taniguchi's paying!'"
Taniguchi hit his first home run in his third year as a professional last week. It was the winning run, and he even received a hero interview.
"Why should I have to pay for my celebration? You should pay for it."
"Are you sure? If you leave it to Mitamura, we'll be toasting with burgers and shakes."
Mitamura loves hamburgers and says he could eat them every day without getting tired of them. On his days off, he happily goes from one burger shop to another. In that sense, he may be better suited to the American minor leagues.
"But seriously, it's our third year. It's about time we made our mark on the first team," Taniguchi said as we sat on the bench with sports drinks in hand.
"That's true. In the past, there have been cases where high school graduates were cut within three or four years."
"This year may be our chance. Thomas isn't in good form, and Iida is primarily a defender. Honda is injured, and there probably isn't an established regular at second base yet. So this is your chance."
"Yeah, I have to take this chance."
"Exactly. Let's make this year count," Taniguchi said, raising his sports drink.
"Here's to making our mark," I said, clinking my drink against his.
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