On the team, the best hitter is placed in the leadoff spot. Manager Yuya Kaneda entrusted this important role to Joji Ando (3rd year), who had often batted in the heart of the lineup. In official games last autumn, he hit four home runs. As a powerful long-distance hitter in clutch situations, he was a notable batter in this tournament as well.

In the first game, he had no hits, but Manager Kaneda said, “He was swinging well and seeing the ball.” He started again as the leadoff hitter in today’s game.

In his first at-bat, he struck out swinging, but he accurately relayed information about the opposing pitcher to the team, saying, “The high fastball has some rise.” In the next two at-bats, he drew walks, creating scoring opportunities. He even scored the tying fourth run.

Born in Shinjuku and raised in Shibuya, he is a city boy. Following in his older brother’s footsteps, he started playing baseball before entering elementary school.

When he first entered Teikyo, he was impressed by the behavior of captain Kippei Nishizaki (at the time). Nishizaki never let his guard down, not only during practice but also in school life. When younger players were scolded by Manager Kaneda, Nishizaki advised them, “We are a team. We can’t win without you guys.” Ando thought, “If there were 20 people like him, we could become number one in Japan.” He became a role model to aspire to.

In the second round game against Chukyo, Ando, who was the designated hitter, ran to the mound multiple times as a messenger during critical moments. He encouraged the pitcher, who seemed overwhelmed by the Koshien atmosphere, saying, “Just swing your arm as usual, with all your might.” Reflecting on Ando’s dedication to the team, which reminded him of his admired senior, Manager Kaneda said, “It was reassuring.”

The game went into extra innings, but they fell just short. Ando himself finished hitless and bit his lip, saying, “I lacked clutch hitting.”

However, in the invitational tournament, which they entered for the first time in 16 years, Teikyo defeated last summer’s champion and earned a valuable win. Next month, the spring Tokyo metropolitan tournament will begin. “I want to use today’s loss and become Japan’s number one in the summer.”

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a major commercial and administrative hub in Tokyo, Japan, known for its skyscrapers, entertainment districts, and the busiest railway station in the world. Historically, it developed from a post town on the Kōshū Kaidō road during the Edo period, later becoming a vibrant district after the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake spurred its redevelopment. Today, it seamlessly blends modern high-rise buildings with traditional sites like the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Shibuya

Shibuya is a bustling commercial and entertainment district in Tokyo, Japan, famous for its iconic scramble crossing and vibrant youth culture. Originally a small village, it developed into a major railway hub after the opening of Shibuya Station in 1885, which spurred rapid urbanization. Today, it remains a symbol of modern Tokyo, blending historic landmarks like the Hachikō statue with cutting-edge fashion and technology.

Teikyo

Teikyo is a Japanese private university group with its main campus in Tokyo, founded in 1931 by the educator Shoichi Yokoi. The name “Teikyo” means “imperial capital,” reflecting its Tokyo roots, and the institution has expanded to include multiple campuses in Japan and abroad, including in the United States and Europe. Known for its emphasis on international exchange and medical education, Teikyo University has grown into a significant educational network with a focus on fostering global perspectives.

Koshien

Koshien, officially known as Hanshin Koshien Stadium, is a historic baseball stadium in Nishinomiya, Japan, opened in 1924. It is most famous as the hallowed ground for the annual National High School Baseball Championship, a deeply cherished tournament that began in 1915 and symbolizes youth, effort, and summer tradition. The stadium is also the home field for the professional Hanshin Tigers, and its name has become synonymous with Japanese baseball culture and passionate fandom.