In 2013, the year professional baseball player Chihiro Sasaki (31) of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars graduated, the Hino High School baseball team made its first-ever appearance in the national championship finals that summer.

The ace pitcher at that time was Naoto Ikeda (30), who now proposes and sells space design solutions. “We were called the weakest generation in the team’s history, one that couldn’t even play catch properly,” he recalls.

When the new team started, their first practice game ended in a crushing defeat. “It wasn’t even a proper match. We were anxious, thinking we absolutely didn’t want to disgrace our seniors.”

Unlike the previous talented generation that could rely on individual star players, they realized they could only win by coming together as one. They decided to overhaul not just their baseball, but their daily school life as well. They committed to attending classes seriously and proactively taking on roles like class committee duties. They discussed becoming a model team that would earn the support of those around them.

The focus of the coach was strengthening physical abilities. When he first saw the baseball team’s practice upon arriving at Hino in 2007, he was astonished by the players’ raw potential, calling them a “treasure trove.” However, he also noted, “Their physical training was insufficient, and they lacked basic strength. I thought if we could build their power, they could become an incredible team.”

He devised various training menus by reading books and watching YouTube videos. Fielding practice was also optimized for efficiency, with four members hitting fungo balls simultaneously to reduce fielders’ waiting time. A famous drill was the so-called “Exhaustion Tee.” This involved alternating between tee-ball swings and high-knee runs, named for the state of complete fatigue it induces. “I don’t think taking 10 full swings in free batting practice improves your hitting. So, the idea is to take over 100 full swings in a short period instead,” he explained regarding its purpose.

Another thing the coach valued…

Yokohama DeNA BayStars

The Yokohama DeNA BayStars are a professional baseball team based in Yokohama, Japan, competing in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League. Originally founded in 1950 as the Taiyo Whales, the team has undergone several ownership and name changes, adopting its current name in 2012 after being purchased by the digital services company DeNA. Their home games are primarily played at Yokohama Stadium, a historic venue in the city’s port area.

Hino High School

Hino High School is a public secondary school located in Hino, Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1924 as Hino Agricultural and Forestry School, reflecting the area’s historical roots, before evolving into its current comprehensive academic form. Today, it is known for its strong educational programs and as a community institution with nearly a century of history.

Chihiro Sasaki

“Chihiro Sasaki” is not a known place or cultural site. It is the name of the main character from the renowned Japanese animated film **”Spirited Away”** (*Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi*), directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2001. The story follows Chihiro’s journey through a mysterious spirit world as she works to free her parents and return to the human world, with the film itself becoming a culturally significant work that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Naoto Ikeda

“Naoto Ikeda” does not refer to a known public place, landmark, or cultural site. It is most commonly recognized as the name of a Japanese musician, specifically the bassist and founding member of the rock band The Pillows. Therefore, it cannot be summarized as a location with a physical history.