It was never a detour. Kota Okuyama (24), who received an out-of-force notification from the Hanshin Tigers in October, is now preparing for his second life.

“Looking back now, I think that the two years of professional life were quick. It was a short period of time, but I don’t think it’s an experience that I can easily do, so I told this and based on this experience. I would like to take on new challenges. “

Shizuoka University’s first professional baseball player was the first national and public university graduate in Hanshin. Two years ago, in 1919, I saw the draft as a member of the baseball club at my boarding house. While he wasn’t looking for a job because he wanted to be a professional, he was staring at the screen like a person, saying, “I was watching as a viewer.” When I was nominated, I hurriedly changed into a suit and remember going straight to college.

“Being able to go to a professional at a national university may have been a big factor in showing the potential. After that, I couldn’t show myself playing an active part, so it’s a regrettable part for me. There is. “

The two years in Hanshin were dense and cruel. Last season of the first year, I felt a sense of discomfort in my right knee. In the middle of a spring camp in Kochi / Aki. Suddenly, there was a moment when I couldn’t get enough power. As a result of the diagnosis, an abnormality was found in the meniscus of the right knee, and the menu was adjusted for about 5 months from there. It was too painful for an outfielder who was proud of his leg strength and shoulder strength.

“I got stuck when I had to join the group and appeal more and more. I remember it was mentally difficult.”

Of course, I was impatient, but because I was injured, I was grateful to the people who supported me.

“Not only the trainer, but also coach Hirata and coach Yutaka Nakamura (coach from next season to Chunichi) have always been concerned. Please do your best in the future without being disappointed. “

Currently at his parents’ home in Yamanashi and Kofu, he is preparing his mind and body for the next step. The course is still blank. He holds a teacher’s license for elementary and junior high school, and is aware that “if I become involved in baseball as a teaching position, I must be able to convey what I felt as a professional.” My classmate is in my second year as a member of society. If you go on to graduate school, you are still a student. Kota Okuyama, 24 years old, from here in life.[Hanshin Tigers = Ryo Nakano]