More than a month had passed since my demotion to the second team. It was now mid-September.
In August, the first team had been battling to avoid last place. But as soon as I was sent down, they started to perform remarkably well. A string of victories had propelled the team to third place, within striking distance of the Climax Series. When a team does well, there's little movement between the first and second string players. This meant no opportunities for us four second-stringers from the same draft class: Taniguchi, Haratani, Mitamura, and me.
Since my demotion, I made a conscious effort to run and strength train in addition to regular practice and games. I sought advice from coaches on strengthening my mentality, but nothing seemed to click. At times like these, the only thing to do is push yourself physically. Move your body and avoid unnecessary thoughts. It also fosters a resigned attitude: I've worked so hard; it's okay if I fail. That often leads to more daring play.
One day, I entered the locker room to find Taniguchi packing his things.
"Promotion?" I asked.
"Yeah, finally my chance has come," he replied.
Taniguchi had been tearing up the minors with a .329 average, 21 home runs, and 68 RBIs, positioning him for the Triple Crown. However, the first team's outfield was solid with foreign player Strathmore hitting .312 with 19 home runs, and Takahashi Koji batting .286 with 16 home runs. The remaining outfield spot saw fierce competition among Tajima, Nishitani, Takeshita, and Odashima. Taniguchi's opportunity came when designated hitter Gooden was demoted due to poor form, allowing Strathmore to DH and opening a spot for Taniguchi.
Taniguchi started in left field as the seventh batter but went hitless in three at-bats, replaced by Nishitani in the seventh inning. The next game, he played the full game but again failed to produce, going hitless in four at-bats. His hits were solid but right at the fielders. Bad luck or good positioning by the defense? Probably both.
Despite his struggles, the team showed patience, starting him again. But Taniguchi went hitless in four at-bats, dropping his season average to .139 with just five hits in 36 at-bats.
On the day of a Shizuoka Oceans home game, Taniguchi was at the minor league training ground. He wasn't demoted but was given early batting practice, starting at six in the morning with the help of batting pitcher Yamano and equipment manager Murakami.
Entering the practice field, I watched Taniguchi intensely hitting. When he noticed me, he came over.
"Hey, you're early," he said.
"That's my line. Since when have you been doing this?" I asked.
"Since six. I'm really grateful to Yamano-san and Murakami-san for their help," he replied.
Yamano, a veteran batting pitcher, was known for his control and the comfortable feel of his pitches. Taniguchi's hits produced great sounds in practice. I hope he finds his way back.
I couldn't afford to worry about others. My own batting average had dropped to .240 after my demotion, with multiple errors in the field. My rival at second base, Adachi, was hitting just .143, allowing me to stay in the lineup despite my struggles.
"Hey. Idiot." A familiar low voice called from behind me during pre-game practice. This person had a knack for showing up just when I was most troubled.
It was former coach Yamashiro.