Mitsuteru Terada: From Professional Baseball Player to Doctor

Pursuing Two Dreams in One Lifetime

Mitsuteru Terada, a former pitcher for DeNA, is taking steps to become the first Japanese man in history to make the transition from professional baseball player to doctor. After completing his course at Tokai University School of Medicine, he plans to take the national medical examination.

Inspiration from “Superhumans”

Terada’s dream of becoming a doctor was inspired by “superhumans” who have achieved great things in their careers. He cites Mark Hamilton, a former Cardinals infielder who became an internal medicine resident, and Gail Hopkins, a former Hiroshima player who became an orthopedic surgeon.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving His Dream

Terada’s journey to becoming a professional baseball player was not easy. He was born and raised in an environment where medical care was always close at hand, with his family having a history of doctors. However, he initially struggled to excel in baseball and had to rethink his future.

“Asao-style Training” and Its Impact

Terada’s unique “self-training” brought him closer to becoming a baseball player. He worked part-time and practiced at night on the grounds of his old middle school, using a routine taught to him by an old friend of his favorite former Chunichi Dragons pitcher, Asao Takuya.

From Baseball to Medicine

After retiring from baseball, Terada aspired to become a doctor once again. He was accepted into the Tokai University School of Medicine and currently makes a living by coaching baseball, mainly for children. He is interested in “sports medicine,” which deals with the prevention and treatment of medical problems that arise from exercise and sports.

Giving Back to the Community

Terada’s ultimate goal is to base himself in his hometown of Ise City and give back to the Baystars, who made his dream come true, in some other way, such as as a team doctor.

A Life of Pursuing Two Dreams

Terada’s life of trying to make the dreams of “two people” come true is still only halfway through. He is determined to succeed in both his medical and baseball careers, and his story serves as an inspiration to those who are pursuing their passions.