A Heartbreaking Finish: Watanabe Onigiri Recalls His Final High School Baseball Game
Former high school baseball star and current entertainer watanabe Onigiri, known for his comedic talent and his time as a catcher alongside future Yakult Swallows player Yasutaka Shiomi, recently reflected on a pivotal moment in his life: his final high school baseball game.
The year was 2012. Watanabe’s team, Buso High School, faced a tough draw in the Kanagawa tournament, pitted against the formidable Nihon Univ. Fujisawa in the very first round. [1] While the team fought valiantly, the game ultimately ended in a controversial and heartbreaking defeat.
Watanabe, who had contributed two hits in four at-bats as the starting catcher, found himself on the bench in the final inning. After tying the game at 2-2 in the top of the ninth, a dramatic scene unfolded in the bottom of the inning.With bases loaded and one out, a batter hit a high infield fly. The umpire immediately called “infield fly,” and the shortstop caught the ball, resulting in two outs.
Confusion ensued as Buso’s infielders gathered on the mound, seemingly unaware of the implications of the infield fly rule. Simultaneously occurring, the third base runner, seizing the opportunity, dashed for home plate. The umpire ruled the runner safe,declaring the game over.
The Buso players were stunned, protesting that the runner had taken off before the ball was caught, violating the “infield fly” rule. A heated debate ensued between the Buso team and the umpires, but the call stood.
This controversial ending left a lasting impression on Watanabe, marking a bittersweet conclusion to his high school baseball career. the experience, though painful, undoubtedly shaped his resilience and determination, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to his success in the entertainment industry.
Did the Umpire Steal a Dream? Baseball Rules and the Heartbreak of Defeat with Watanabe Onigiri
Welcome back sports fans! Today we’re diving deep into a story that’s sure to spark some heated debate. joining us is former high school baseball star and current entertainer, Watanabe Onigiri. Watanabe, known for his quick wit and comedic timing, will be sharing his firsthand account of a controversial game ending that has stayed with him since 2012.
Watanabe, your team, Buso High School, was facing Nihon Univ. Fujisawa in the kanagawa tournament. A thrilling game, tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth, ended in a way that many felt was unfair. Can you take us back to that moment?
Watanabe: It was unbelievable. We battled hard the entire game. To tie it up in the ninth after being down was a huge rush. But the bottom of the inning…it was chaos.
Let’s set the scene for our readers. Bases loaded, one out, high infield fly. The umpire calls “infield fly”! The shortstop makes the catch, two outs. But then things get crazy, right?
Watanabe: Exactly. One of our outfielders shouted, “He left early!”. The runner on third had bolted for home as soon as the ball was hit, not waiting for the catch. we were yelling at the umpires, trying to point out the rule violation. But the call stood.
Now, for those unfamiliar with the infield fly rule, could you explain why Buso was so adamant this was incorrect?
Watanabe: Basically, the infield fly rule is designed to prevent the defense from intentionally dropping easy pop-ups to get a force out.It’s called when there are runners on first and second, or the bases are loaded, less than two outs, and there’s a fly ball that’s easily catchable. So, when the umpire calls “infield fly,” runners are automatically out if they’re forced. The batter is still out, but the runners can’t advance unless it’s on a dropped catch. In our case, the runner on third took off before the ball was caught, which violated the entire purpose of the rule.
It sounds like a tough situation, especially for the Buso players who were so close to advancing in the tournament.
Watanabe: It was devastating.We poured our hearts into that game. To lose on such a technicality,a rule many people don’t even fully understand,was incredibly hard to swallow. Looking back, I think it taught me a lot about dealing with disappointment and the complexity of the rules in sports.
But do you think the umpires made the right call?
Watanabe: Honestly, it doesn’t matter what I think.I respect the umpires and their tough job. But this situation highlights how one call can drastically change a game’s outcome, and the potential impact it has on young athletes.
This experience undeniably had a lasting impact on Watanabe. He carried that disappointment through to his professional life, using it as fuel for his comedic performances. His willingness to confront tough situations and extract humor from them is a testament to his resilience.
Did this experience dampen Watanabe’s love for baseball?
Watanabe: Absolutely not! Baseball is still my passion. I’ll always remember those days on the field, the camaraderie with my teammates, the thrill of the game itself. Maybe one day I’ll even get a chance to coach and help young players navigate those tough moments.
Readers, what are your thoughts? Have you witnessed any controversial calls in sports that have left a lasting impression? Was the umpire right? Join the conversation below!
