Captain Haruki Komori takes on the NPB Junior T “If it’s to win the regular”
Chunichi Dragons Junior is aiming for their fifth championship in three years at the “NPB 12 Team Junior Tournament KONAMI CUP 2024 ~20th Memorial Tournament~” which will open on the 26th at Jingu Stadium and Belluna Dome. Captain Haruki Komori stands at the head of this team made up of promising elementary school students. Although he is not a large physique at 160 cm, the 12-year-old’s growth with a loud voice and presence has been due to his tireless efforts and the support of his parents.
It is impressive to see him constantly calling out to his teammates, both during practice and during games. Komori-kun, who leads the team with a dignified demeanor, is highly trusted by the coaching staff and players. Coach Shigetoshi Yamakita gave his approval, saying, “Even if he doesn’t produce results, he’s a player who will make a lasting impression.Komori creates an atmosphere, so I’m looking forward to his plays, and I have high hopes for him in that aspect as well.”
The reason we have earned such trust is because of our tremendous efforts on a daily basis. The schedule for the week is all about baseball. In addition to practicing on Saturdays and Sundays, they practice at the Dragons Baseball Academy on Mondays. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, he attends classes to strengthen his core, and on Thursdays he attends classes to improve his explosive strength. He takes part in baseball lessons six days a week. Furthermore, on weekdays, I wake up at 6 a.m. and play tea with my father. When he returned home, he was “overloaded” doing the practice menu sent to him via LINE by his father.
“There are days when I get tired, but if I want to get a regular spot, I can practice hard.”
His calm responses, which makes it hard to believe he is only 12 years old, are impressive. Komori’s parents also had a remarkable desire to improve, and Komori himself said he wanted to do all the lessons. His father, Tatsuya, who watches over his hard work, says, “Of course there are days when I’m tired or don’t want to do it, so I try not to send practice menus on those days.I just want them to think about it themselves after that.” “There’s a lot of love for baseball,” he said, giving a glimpse of his parents’ desire for him to continue to love baseball.
It’s because you try too hard that you “make someone cheat”
Her mother, Aisa, also does her best to support her child, who comes home exhausted every day. “After all, you can easily tell by looking at me. I think it’s my role to make sure you have a rest day when you’re tired…I make sure to feed you all the food you like.” Some elementary school students still don’t know when to stop training. It is the parent’s role to tighten or loosen the reins.
Because I have a strong sense of responsibility, I also teach them how to maintain their balance. “I try to suggest that he should take a day off today. I make him cheat because he works too hard (lol). But on the other hand, he only says it when he’s working hard.” He spoke cheerfully while watching his child play with all his might.
Coach Yamakita also pays close attention to the health of his players. The team started in October and has been meeting every weekend, practicing in the morning and playing games in the afternoon. “It’s the same pace that a professional pitcher pitches in six days in middle school,” he says. “I have a responsibility to return it safely to my team.”
“I made some days where I didn’t practice. I feel anxious when I don’t practice, but I just put up with it. I also told my parents that I wanted them to stay away from baseball and not go to their team’s practice.” It’s hard for me to wake up early and make lunches, so I think it’s important to have rest days.”
Still, the Ryu captain takes pride in having practiced as hard as anyone, even though he takes time off when he should. “My parents support me, so I can do my best.” The 12-year-old’s face was filled with the smile of an elementary school student as he answered the questions seriously. The goal is to be number one in Japan. With the dedicated support of his parents, he continues to grow.
(Tatsuya Kimura)
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