After returning from Miyazaki, the second fall camp began. This time, the SR group consisted of four people: three high school graduates drafted last year and myself. One of them was Adachi, who plays the same position as I do. Being selected for the SR group for two years in a row meant the team had high expectations for me. (I later heard they wanted to add an experienced player to create a tightening effect. But why did it have to be me?)
"Alright, time to warm up. You guys, run 100 laps around the field," Coach Yatsu barked.
"Huh?" one of the rookies reacted, his face a mix of shock and confusion.
I liked that innocent reaction. So I'm going to run too? Great.
Coach Yatsu's drills were relentless, his knocking sharp and merciless on our already sore legs from the morning warm-up. "Hey Takahashi, if you keep up this pace, I'm going to fire you from the SR team," he warned.
I would definitely recommend doing that.
"You're in a position to set an example," he added.
I agree, I thought.
The fall camp finished without a hitch, and all participants gathered for a closing ceremony on the field, marking the end of the season. When the season ended, I was kicked out of the dorm again and had to return to my shabby apartment.
This is also the time of year for annual contract renewals. Contract renewals were held at the dormitory again this year. My salary increased by 500,000 yen to 5 million yen. The team staff members were the same as last year: one a skinny guy with a stern look, the other a bit plump. Haratani had mentioned before that the chubby man played for a prestigious national university before going pro, retired after two years, and became a member of the baseball team's staff.
At the contract renewal meeting, the chubby man said, "Congratulations on your first-team debut. Do your best to play in more games next year."
"Yes, I'll do my best," I replied, feeling the weight of expectations.
According to newspaper reports, the contract renewals for my draftmates were as follows (estimated):
- Sugisawa: Ranked first, remained in the starting rotation all season, appearing in 28 games with an 11-9 record and an ERA of 3.49. His annual salary increased from 27 million yen to 52 million yen. That's more than ten times what I make.
- Taniguchi: The second round pick in the draft, moved between the first and second teams twice since his promotion in August, appearing in six games with two hits in 15 at-bats for a batting average of .133. He hit 20 home runs in the minor leagues, but only managed to get his first hit in the majors without a home run. His annual salary remained the same at 8.4 million yen.
- Takeshita: Drafted third, stayed with the first team throughout the year, playing in 68 games mainly as a pinch runner and defensive replacement, with 19 hits in 84 at-bats, a batting average of .226, 0 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases (5 caught stealing). His annual salary increased from 12.6 million yen to 18 million yen.
- Mitamura: Drafted fourth, focused on rehabilitation this year and didn't pitch even in the minor leagues. His annual salary was reduced from 5.6 million yen to 5.2 million yen.
- Haratani: Drafted fifth, limited to nine minor league games due to right shoulder pain, but still hit two home runs in four hits out of 16 at-bats. His annual salary decreased from 8.2 million yen to 7.8 million yen.
Sugisawa and Takeshita will be moving out of the dormitory at the end of November. Haratani, in his second year since graduating from university, could move out of the dormitory but chose not to. Taniguchi, Mitamura, and I are all high school graduates, so we'll stay in the dormitory for five years unless we get married.
The dorm supervisor, Mr. Sugaya, often tells me, "Don't get fired while you're staying in the dorm."
In other words, living in the dormitory means not having to worry about food, clothing, or shelter, with a practice field just a short walk away, creating the perfect environment to focus on baseball. Being fired from this position means not making the most of this ideal environment, regardless of what the player thinks.
Sugaya, originally a professional baseball player, worked as a team staff member and minor league coach before becoming the dormitory supervisor five years ago. He says he has seen many players become too busy playing around, neglect practice, and eventually get fired. As a professional baseball player, even a low-draft high school graduate like me earns more than a rookie with a college degree. When I was in high school, I hesitated to even buy a can of juice, but now I have money left over after paying dorm fees. It's easy to see why some players get absorbed in playing.
(I send money home to my parents, so I don't have that much money.)
For example, a third-year high school graduate outfielder and a second-year college pitcher, both cut from the team last year, were overflowing with talent but neglected practice and left the club without realizing their potential. Both took tryouts, but no teams contacted them, and it's unclear what they are doing now.
In that respect, there is no one like me in my draft class. Both Mitamura and Haratani are usually carefree but serious about baseball. Mitamura, in particular, has been doing nothing but rehabilitation since turning professional but always works hard. Seeing him diligently training every day makes me want to work harder too. Taniguchi is also a good role model in that sense. Even Taniguchi, blessed with natural talent, practices diligently. Seeing that makes me realize I have to practice even more since I have neither talent nor natural ability.
One day, I hope to see Sugisawa pitch, Haratani catch, and me, Taniguchi, and Takeshita defend. I thought this as I watched the scenery pass by from the window of the Shinkansen on my way back to my parents' house.
________________________________________
support me on patreon
patreon.com/ilovefanfics594
A small tip would mean a lot! Your support helps me continue doing what I love. Thank you so much! 🙏
https://ko-fi.com/ilovefanfics