“King of Hawks” quarter century “Baseball even if it sticks” Passionate –Professional baseball reporter column –Baseball column: Nikkan Sports

A dry ball sounded in vain in the clear sky. 2.1 Camp-in, which can be said to be the “New Year’s Day” of professional baseball. Softbank’s Miyazaki Ivy Stadium, with its proud dark blue flag fluttering in Japan, also had no fans on the stand.

“This year is a tougher camp than last year, because last year the camp was still normal.” It was the president of the Hawks King’s team who frowned at Mask. Corona’s first experience in professional baseball life for over 60 years. It’s been a year of fighting the fear of the creeping virus. I wish for the end, but I can’t help but suffer. It will take 5 consecutive victories in the series this season. There was no fan cheering on his back, but he asked the players for a spirit of “Katsumi.” “I can’t do it because I’m nervous because I don’t have the eyes of people (fans). That’s why the players have to inspire themselves.” The day before, January 31st, I entered Miyazaki by morning flight. He flew a hire to Nichinan City, the hometown of the late Kyoko’s wife, and finished visiting the grave. At the end of the general meeting at the dormitory, he stood in front of Mike to inspire the team. How to fight in a difficult situation-. Inspired by Kudo’s enthusiastic speech, he reminded me of the former “fighting general.”

“You have to win the game. If you lose, the reputation of the world will change. I want you to think that it will change (evaluation). The 4th straight victory in the (series) is a thing of the past. How will you fight this year? Is the theme we have been assigned to. Let’s do our best with one heart. ” He called on Nine from the stage with a strong tone. A quarter of a century has passed since he became the director in 1995 as the “King of the Hawks”. He has been more passionate about strengthening the team than anyone else. It is a creed to overcome hardships. On this day as well, when batting practice began, I stood on the ground with a bat. “I want to play baseball even with a stick.” More than 20 years ago, Mr. Wang said so. I envy the players who are in the world of competition. So the words got even hotter.

“Don’t let me be disappointed with my envy. Let’s have a good year in 2021!”

There is no one who is not inspired by this word.[Softbank charge Eiji Satake]