Kobe International Daisuke (Hyogo), aiming for the 5th and 6th slots in Kinki, waits for the good news for the first time in 4 years. Last fall, he won the prefectural tournament, but the Kinki tournament was a little over eight. The selection is considered to be promising based on the regional characteristics and the results of the prefectural tournament, but this is the first time to wait on the hit line. Ahead of the announcement of the participating schools the next day, the team practiced the whole at the same school ground in Kobe city, and Director Naoryu Aoki (56) said, “I have to wait. I’m just preparing.”

It will be the first time in two years if Senbatsu is held smoothly. Aoki recalls the year of hardship, saying, “This is an unprecedented special tournament. I think it has continued since last year’s alternative tournament.” Last year, not only Senbatsu but also the summer Koshien tournament and the local tournament with the right to participate were canceled due to the corona disaster. The next generation finished high school baseball without even competing for the right to challenge the whole country. The commander said, “I wish I could be happy together,” and on the day of the 29th, the third graders who graduated will also gather on the ground. “It’s different from the usual Koshien. I’d like to thank you for choosing me and be happy to be able to play. I’m very happy if I could play that internationally in the 93rd tournament and make it memorable.”

Pitcher Shoya Sakagami (2nd year), a pillar of the team, is also enthusiastic that “it is both fun and anxious.” The dual wield, who has the fastest throwing speed of 145km with his right arm and left-handed 20 shots in high school, said, “If you throw it, you will not run any goals in all games. I can’t wait for the spring Koshien Shiroboshi, which has been in the top 8 since 2005.[Chigusa Mochizuki]