At the WBC = World Baseball Classic of baseball, Japan will face China in the first round of the first round on the night of the 9th.
One of the Japanese national team players, Yukyo Shuto, from Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, had a high school teacher who encouraged him, saying, "I want you to show your strength here."
SoftBank's Shuto, who was selected as a representative of Japan aiming to win the WBC for the first time in three tournaments, is a 27-year-old from Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, and is one of the fastest in the baseball world.
Before Japan will face China in the first round of the first round on the night of the 9th, Hidetaka Kato, the principal of Shuto's alma mater, Tokyo University of Agriculture 2nd High School, in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, responded to the interview.
Mr. Kato coached Suto's baseball club during his high school days.
Mr. Kato said about Shuto, "He wasn't a 'super high school level' player, but he was a player who worked harder than others. He understood his characteristic of being a fast runner, and even during voluntary practice, he was able to hold the ball alone. It was impressive that he repeatedly practiced specializing in running bases," he said.
Regarding being selected for the Japan national team, he said, "I'm very happy. The members are all players who are active in the world, so I think it will be a great encouragement to the juniors to join and fight." .
Mr. Kato said that he would support the game on the night of the 9th from his home, saying, "I think I will play a big role in the most tense scene here. I want you to demonstrate your strength and lead to victory." rice field.
Homeroom teacher in elementary school "Remember your hometown and do your best"
At Yabutsuka Honmachi Elementary School in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, where Shuto attended, a banner has been set up celebrating Shuto's selection as a member of the WBC Japan national team.
Eriko Minowa, the vice-principal, was Shuto's homeroom teacher when she was in the 4th and 5th grades.
She looked back on Shuto in elementary school, saying, "He was a very energetic, polite, and powerful child. When I was in the fourth grade, he served as a class representative.
He was good at any sport, and was always chosen as a relay player at sports festivals, and whenever Yukyo-kun ran, he would always come in first. , It overlaps with the figure that is going around the base now."
At that time, Shuto said, "My dream is to be a professional baseball player" in strips and collections of essays at the time of Tanabata.
Mr. Minowa said, "I am deeply moved when I think that I did what I said. I want you to do your best without getting hurt while remembering that there are many people in your hometown who have always supported you."