Miyagi Daiya’s Dirt-Covered Uniform Tells a Story: Unbridled Joy and a Paris Olympics Epiphany
The Unbridled Charm of Baseball: Orix’s Miyagi Taiya Shares His Passion
Orix’s Miyagi Taiya: “Unlike Indoor Sports, in Baseball Your Uniform Gets Covered in Dirt”
At the Paris Olympics, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, fencing, and other heated matches thrilled viewers on television. Amidst all the excitement, Orix pitcher Daiya Miyagi is captivated by the unique allure of baseball, with its mud-stained uniforms and sweat-drenched atmosphere.
“Sports often come with a muddy, sweaty smell, but unlike indoor sports where uniforms rarely get dirty, baseball uniforms get covered in dirt. Yet, I still find baseball incredibly enjoyable.” Miyagi’s enthusiasm for the sport is palpable as he shares his thoughts on a sweltering summer day.
Japan’s professional baseball league, established in 1936, boasts a rich history spanning nearly 90 years. Despite its enduring popularity, the sport faces challenges, including a decline in player numbers due to Japan’s low birthrate. Meanwhile, indoor sports like basketball and volleyball have gained immense popularity, thanks in part to their sleek, modern image.
The Japanese men’s volleyball team’s quarterfinal loss to Italy at the Paris Olympics drew a significant audience, with an average viewership rating of 23.1% on NHK General TV. The men’s basketball team, which qualified for the Olympics for the first time in 48 years, also garnered considerable attention, thanks to standout performances by players like Rui Hachimura.
Miyagi highlights the unique appeal of baseball, where individual skills come together to demonstrate a team’s overall strength. “Of course, there were times when I thought about quitting when things didn’t go well or when I didn’t get results, but I continued because I enjoyed playing. Team play is a great aspect of baseball, and I think spectators can appreciate the joy of playing when they see the results of each player’s efforts.”
In the Professional World, “It’s a Serious Competition, So You Can’t Always Have Fun”
Miyagi’s aspirations are clear: “A few years from now, I’d like to be called ‘the ace of that era.’ For now, I’d like to be known as the ‘secret ace.'” However, he now focuses on contributing to his team by enjoying the game and producing results.
As a professional athlete, Miyagi acknowledges that the stakes are higher. “I’ve never thought about quitting after becoming a professional, but it’s a serious competition, so it’s not always fun. The burden I carry is different from when I was in high school. In high school, even if I lost a match or tournament, I could say, ‘That was fun,’ but now a loss is a loss, and I have to spend years thinking about how to switch my mindset and do my best next time, so it can be difficult.”
Despite the pressures of professional sports, Miyagi remains committed to the fundamentals of enjoying baseball. This dedication is the source of his charm, as he pitches with unbridled passion on the mound.