The clear blue skies and sparkling sea—Okinawa has welcomed us once again. Standing on the shore with the sun rising, I feel truly blessed to play baseball in such a beautiful place. The new season is finally starting.
On the first morning of camp, I woke up just before 6:00 AM. With the morning walk scheduled for 7:00, there wasn't much time to go back to sleep. Resigned, I got out of bed, put on my tracksuit and sandals, and headed to the beach close to the hotel. Even in Okinawa, the morning air was a bit chilly, perfect for waking up.
The beach behind the hotel was serene. As I walked along the shore, I noticed a young man with an athletic build, standing at the water's edge in a pink jersey, gazing out into the ocean. As he turned and walked toward me, I saw a peach patch on his chest. It seemed oddly familiar.
As he got closer, he seemed to recognize me and bowed. He was slim and slightly taller than me.
"You must be Takahashi from the Shizuoka Oceans, right?" he called out.
He knows me? Maybe he's a fan. Some enthusiastic fans even visit the training camps of their favorite teams.
"Yes, that's right."
"It's been a while. Shizuoka Oceans is staying at a hotel around here, right?"
"I'm sorry. I remember meeting you somewhere, but I can't recall who you are."
He smiled. "Ah, now that I think of it, this is the first time we've spoken. I'm Goka from Okayama Hypers. We played against each other in high school."
Okayama Hypers… Goka… Suddenly, it clicked. He hit two home runs off Yamazaki in the prefectural regional qualifying rounds and was later drafted ninth by the Okayama Hypers.
"I remember now. Sorry, it took me a moment."
"No worries. We only played against each other once, and since we're in different leagues, this is our first conversation."
"Is Okayama Hypers also staying at a hotel nearby?"
"Yes, the Okinawa Sunrise Hotel, just a five-minute walk from here. But I'm glad to meet you here, Takahashi-san."
"We're the same age, so why don't we just talk casually?"
"Haha, that's true. That game was a turning point in my baseball career. Until then, I was a total unknown and never even considered going pro. But after that game, a scout took notice, and I ended up being drafted."
Many professional scouts had come to that match to see Yamazaki and Hirai. Goka's two home runs off Yamazaki, who was attracting attention from professional teams, were particularly impactful.
"You were a pitcher then, but what position do you play now?"
"Right now, I'm practicing as a two-way player. I haven't put up great numbers in the minors either."
When I checked later, I found that Goka's minor league record was 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA as a pitcher and a .197 average with two home runs as a batter.
"But Yamazaki is amazing. He won eight games in his second year after graduating high school."
"Yeah, he used to rely solely on his talent. But after you hit those home runs, he started practicing with intensity. Although, his bad personality didn't change much."
"In that sense, that match was a turning point for Yamazaki too."
"Recently, he bought a Jaguar. Maybe because of the Keihan Jaguars. It was annoying, so Hirai and I put Shizuoka Oceans and Kumamoto Fires stickers on the back door window. He hasn't noticed yet."
"Hahaha, it's good that we still keep in touch even after going pro."
"Yeah, we're inseparable."
"Hahaha. Oops, I should get back. Our team's morning walk starts at 6:30," Goka said, checking his watch.
"Oh, I see. See you later."
"Let's grab dinner sometime. See you," Goka said as he walked away.
Back during that high school match, I never imagined I would meet him again in the professional world. I hope we can face each other on the big stage someday. Watching Goka leave, I felt a sense of anticipation for the future.
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