The next day, during the general meeting, They officially announced my promotion to the first team. This is my second stint with the first team, following my time last fall. I was starting to get the hang of things.
Today's opponent, the Tokyo Chariots, was set to start pitcher Takita. He was a college graduate who joined the team as the second round draft pick in the same year as me. Last year, in his second year, he had a record of 3 wins and 4 losses with an ERA of 4.12 in the first team. This season, he had a record of one win and two losses.
During the meeting, after speeches from the manager and coaches, the scorer provided a detailed analysis of pitcher Takita's characteristics, including the type and quality of his pitches and his typical targets. Then, the starting lineup was announced.
"Starting Pitcher: Sugizawa," the manager began.
"Shortstop: Arai," he continued.
"Left Fielder: Tajima," the manager said, ticking off the names one by one.
"Third Baseman: Tomatsu," came next.
"Designated Hitter: Gooden."
"First Baseman: Shimizu."
"Catcher: Maehara."
"Center Fielder: Takeshita."
"Right Fielder: Taniguchi."
"Second Baseman: Takahashi Takashi."
Wait, Takahashi Takashi? Isn't that me?
"That's right, Takahashi," said Coach Kimitsu, noticing my surprise. "Don't be afraid of failure. Just give it your all."
To be honest, I never expected to be in the starting lineup so suddenly. I was very surprised. Moreover, four of us who were drafted at the same time, including Sugizawa, Takeshita, Taniguchi, and myself, were in the starting lineup. It was a clever move by Coach Kimitsu to have us all play together.
A surge of energy filled me. "Yes, I'll try my best."
"Okay, I'll leave it to you."
Finally, our team captain, Tomatsu, spoke loudly. "We're going to win today."
"Ohhh!" everyone responded enthusiastically.
I was thrilled. My first time in the starting lineup as a pro! It was a brilliant move by Coach Kimitsu to bring in four players from the same draft class to energize the team.
As we finished our pre-game warm-up and prepared for batting practice, fans began streaming into the stadium. If I had known I would be in the starting lineup today, I would have called my family and girlfriend. To my surprise, as I looked at the stands on the first base side, I saw my family sitting in the front row above the bench. How did they know?
When our eyes met, my mother and sister waved at me. I waved back gently, trying not to draw too much attention.
"Is your family here?" asked Imada, the first-team assistant manager, approaching me.
"Yes. They didn't know I would be in the starting lineup today, but here they are."
"Well, I contacted them yesterday."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Manager Kimitsu told me to contact your family because you would be in the starting lineup for tomorrow's game. I've already arranged the tickets. They will have a good view of the team, It's a good seat. Be grateful."
"Thank you coach" I said, taking off my hat and bowing my head.
I was touched by the warm consideration shown by Manager Kimitsu and Coach Imada. But I wished they had told me first.
Sensing my thoughts, Coach Imada added, "Manager Kimitsu decided not tell you because he thought you might get nervous and not be able to sleep if you knew you were in the starting lineup. Plus, he enjoys seeing the most surprised faces."
After the pre-match practice, everyone had a light dinner. It was served buffet style, with a wide variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes on offer. This was a big difference from the second team, where the meals, although also buffet-style, were of a different quality.
As I wondered what to eat, Shimizu from first base told me, "If you get hungry, your performance will drop, so make sure you eat well."
"Don't eat too much," added third baseman Tomatsu.
Finding the balance was tricky. I started with three slices of my favorite pizza.
Thirty minutes before the start of the game, the starting lineup was announced in the stadium. The home team players were introduced one by one, with the crowd erupting in cheers and applause.
I watched from the bench, wondering what kind of reaction I would get.
"First shortstop, Arai." *cheers*
"Second left fielder, Tajima." *cheers*
"Third baseman, Tomatsu." *cheers*
"Fourth DH, Gooden." *cheers*
"Fifth first baseman, Shimizu." *cheers*
"Sixth catcher, Maehara." *cheers*
"Seventh center fielder, Takeshita." *cheers*
"Eighth right fielder, Taniguchi." *cheers*
"Ninth second baseman, Takahashi Takashi."
The crowd fell silent for a moment, then erupted into applause and cheers. Some drums seemed quieter, and since I didn't have my personal cheer song yet, a generic one played. It was a surreal moment, standing there and soaking in the atmosphere of my first professional start.
I felt a mix of excitement and nerves as I stepped onto the field. This was my chance to prove myself, and I was determined to make the most of it.
The game was about to start. Since we were the home team, we were batting second. Before the first pitch, the players threw signed balls into the stands. I signed three balls and put them in my glove, wondering if anyone would want my autograph.
As I took my position, I threw a ball into the first base stands, aiming toward the third row above the bench. I saw my sister stand up and reach out her hand.
If you want my autograph, I'll write as many as you want when I get home, I thought as I took my place at second base, ready to give it my all.
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