team report
April 6, 2024
The third day of the Japan Samurai U-18 Representative Training Camp was held on April 6. Training camp began in the morning, with pitchers going through running menus and basic training, and fielders batting at the seat and free hitting.
The camp took place in brighter, warmer weather than any other camp this year and it was impressive to see the energetic movements of the players and many smiling faces. Director Zenyu Ogura narrowed his eyes at this situation and said, “These kids are good and serious, so they quickly got used to them.” The leaders also actively communicated with the players, and there was even a scene where coach Ogura gave individual throwing instructions to catcher Haruto Hakoyama (Kendai Takasaki), who has a strong shoulder.
Many players made big noises during free serve using wooden bats, including Yutaka Ishizuka (Norio Hanasaki) who hit a ball over the fence. Coach Ogura, who was also in charge at the 2012 IBAF 18U Baseball World Championship (currently WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup), said, “At that time, I started swinging a wooden bat behind Koshien only in the summer.” So I didn’t hit the ball at all, but watching yesterday’s match against Kouhaku, I saw that they hit well,” he said, praising the responsiveness of the current players. For the “13th BFA U18 Asian Championship” (around September, Taiwan), “Some of the new standard metal bats are similar to wooden bats, so I would like them to transfer them to me first and practice with wooden bats” .”” I expected.
Although he is still in the player candidate stage, Coach Ogura wanted him to have “the attitude of a player representing Japan”. On the first night there was a lesson in sportsmanship and he said: “If we go abroad as representatives of Japan, our actions will be seen as ‘this is how the Japanese are.’ No matter where we go. go, we feel embarrassed.” .”We become what we are not.” Furthermore, even during the game, he says: “In recent years I have been concerned with watching Koshien” and instead of making a showy fist bump after hitting a critical ball, he always tries to reach the next base during the game. He reportedly told them to aim for him.
It is of great significance that we managed to instill in them an international competition and Samurai Japan mentality in April, both physically and mentally. Additionally, each player will take this valuable experience home and pass it on to the players around them, which will lead to the further development of high school baseball.
Player Commentary Haruto Hakoyama (Kendai Takasaki)
“I think the wooden bats are easier to use than the new standard metal bats (which hit a home run in the red and white game on the second day) and they fly more when they hit the center of the ball. (Receives instructions from manager Ogura individually ) I have confidence in myself, so I was taught how to use my feet so that my throwing is stable. I want to improve it.
Yutaka Ishizuka (Tokuei Hanasaki)
“I have been using wooden bats during my independent practice period since early March. If you hit the center of the bat, it will fly. I try to be aware of swinging hard when I throw or practice the swing, and I try to hit the ball during the free batting and the actual matches. It was a fulfilling time being able to talk to active players across the country.
Toraji Toyoshima (Soshi Gakuen)
“(4 hits in the previous day’s match against Kohaku) All the players were of a higher level, so I played with all my strength. Even with the wooden bat it was as usual and I tried to hit the ball low” Central. I hope to continue improving my level. We will continue to work for this.”
Keiji Hirashima (Osaka Toin)
“I had a good experience among high-level players from all over the country. I was able to talk to various pitchers about various things. I asked a lot of pitchers what their grip on the curveball was. I want to improve once or twice. I haven’t experience in representing Japan, so I would like to play for Japan.”
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