The latest installment of the web series Kikakugai Shijin no Puro Yakyu Jinsei (The Amateur’s Professional Baseball Life), specifically Episode 435, details a pivotal moment for the protagonist Kazuma as he navigates his transition from a baseball novice to a professional player.
Kazuma’s Struggles on the Mound
In the third inning, Kazuma achieves a three-up, three-down performance but faces criticism from his teammate, Bessho. Despite maintaining high velocity, including a 168km/h fastball, Kazuma allowed a grounder to the opposing pitcher. Bessho notes that Kazuma’s focus waned as he grew distracted by his upcoming turn at bat. Kazuma admits that he lost his competitive edge, acknowledging that had he been facing more experienced hitters like Kiryu or Bryce, his lapses in concentration could have resulted in significant damage.
Strategic Preparation for the Third Inning
As the third inning bottom approached, Bessho provided tactical advice to Kazuma regarding the opposing catcher, Mine. Bessho suggested that Mine would likely call for an outside fastball on the first pitch to gauge the newcomer’s reaction, given that scouting reports had likely highlighted Kazuma’s proficiency in batting practice. Kazuma, who identifies as a switch-hitter, prepared to enter the left-handed batter’s box. He noted that while he is still refining his pitching mechanics, he feels comfortable hitting from either side of the plate, expressing a long-term ambition to become a rare “two-way” player who can both throw and bat from either side.
Mine’s Scouting Assessment of the Amateur
From the opposing perspective, the catcher Mine observed Kazuma with caution. Mine noted the physical traits of the newcomer, specifically his long arms, and recognized that Kazuma’s lack of a traditional baseball background—having never been part of a formal baseball club in school—made him an unconventional opponent. While most pitchers at the professional level have extensive experience as hitters from their youth, Kazuma’s path is described as anomalous. Despite this, Mine acknowledged rumors shared by Kiryu during the WBC regarding Kazuma’s potential as a two-way player. Treating the encounter with the same gravity as facing a veteran like Mashima, Mine signaled for an intentional outside ball to test the waters.
The Unexpected Offensive Response
The tactical test backfired immediately. As the pitcher delivered an outside fastball intentionally wide of the strike zone, Kazuma reacted instantaneously. Demonstrating an anticipation that seemed to defy his novice status, he stepped into the pitch and delivered a line drive toward left-center field. The chapter concludes as the ball leaves the bat with significant speed, signaling a potential turning point in Kazuma’s professional journey as he attempts to prove that his unconventional background does not preclude him from high-level offensive production.
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