The game eventually went into extra innings. In the top of the eleventh, Tokyo Chariots' Kaku hit a three-run homer to take the lead. We lost 4-1.
In my first professional start, I went to bat twice, laying down a successful bunt and grounding out to short. No hits in one at-bat, one RBI. Four defensive chances with no errors. It wasn't a spectacular debut, but it wasn't a disaster either.
The next day, Taniguchi was demoted to the second team. He started the season with the first team, playing in 12 games and hitting .200 with one home run and one double in 25 at-bats. His performance had stagnated, and yesterday's game was his last chance.
Noda, a shortstop by trade, started at second base the following day. A 27-year-old in his fifth year after college, Noda's forte was his batting. However, Arai had firmly established himself as the regular shortstop, leaving Noda to play in only 35 games last season. This year, he had mainly been used as a pinch hitter or in lopsided games. This was only his second start at second base.
Noda excelled, going 3-for-4. Despite some defensive concerns, he made no recorded errors.
Noda started the next game as well, hitting the game-winning home run despite going 1-for-4. Iida played as a defensive replacement, but I didn't see any action.
In the following game, Noda went hitless in three at-bats and made an error that led to a run. Iida was brought in mid-game, and once again, I didn't play. With two speedy pinch runners, Nishitani and Takeshita, it was hard to find playing time.
If things continued like this, I'd be the next to be demoted to the second team, regardless of Thomas's return from injury. The next day, head coach Ichikawa confirmed my fears.
"I'm sorry, but you're being sent down to the second team," he said. "Uchizawa will be promoted in your place. He's been hitting home runs in three consecutive minor league games."
I packed my things and headed off to join the second team. *Starting over again.* The professional world is tough. I hadn't made any major mistakes in my first-team appearance. *What could I have done differently?* A successful sacrifice bunt, but maybe a home run in that one-out, runner-on-third situation would have given me another chance.
*Opportunities are scarce in this profession. It's a blessing to get even one chance, and only those who seize it will get another.* My promotion to the first team and subsequent demotion hammered this lesson home. Next time, I would use this disappointment as motivation.
Upon joining the second team, I immediately went to greet Manager Kemigawa. I knocked and entered his office. He stood up from his desk and came around to face me.
"Congratulations on your first professional start and your first RBI," he said. "This demotion isn't because of any big mistake on your part. The higher-ups wanted to see Uchizawa. Don't get discouraged. Only those who achieve results in the minor league will get another opportunity. If you work hard here, there will be a tomorrow. There will definitely be a tomorrow."
"Yes. Thank you," I said, giving a deep bow.
*It's true that I didn't seize my opportunity this time, but that's not the only reason for my demotion. Team circumstances and luck play a part. All I can do now is continue to produce results in the minor leagues.*
As I left the manager's office and walked down the hallway, Taniguchi approached from the opposite direction.
"Hey, you're back too?" he asked.
"Yes, unfortunately," I replied.
"Well, let's try again. That's all we have," Taniguchi said, almost to himself.
Taniguchi had been dominating in the minor league. Even for him, the wall to the first team was high.
"Yeah. I guess I have no choice but to do it."
"Yeah. Let's aim to be starters on the first team again. Next time, you're batting third, and I'll be fourth."
"No way, I'm batting fourth, and you're fifth."
"Don't be stupid. You haven't even hit a home run in the minor league yet. The cleanup hitter has to be a home run hitter."
"I think it would be interesting to see a cleanup hitter steal home."
"Well, that's innovative. Alright, let's do our best."
"That's right."
Thanks to Taniguchi, my spirits lifted. *Coach Kemigawa is right. If you work hard, there will be a tomorrow. There will be.*
I followed Taniguchi to the minor league training field, ready to face tomorrow's dawn.