Shinichi Sasaki (63), who serves as the principal of the middle and high school, has become the new chairman of the federation. We asked him about the strength of the Tokyo team, which finished as runner-up for two consecutive years until last summer, and his thoughts on the young players.

— What would you like to focus on as chairman?

The environment surrounding high school baseball is changing, but I want to work on creating an environment where the essential nature of players chasing the ball with all their heart does not change. Society is calling for measures regarding pitcher workload and other issues. I believe the federation should adapt to change and support the players.

— What is your evaluation of the designated hitter (DH) system introduced this spring?

It’s not just about reducing the burden on pitchers…

Tokyo team

“Tokyo team” is not a recognized place or cultural site. It is likely a reference to a sports team based in Tokyo, such as the Yomiuri Giants (baseball) or FC Tokyo (soccer).

For a proper summary, please provide the specific name of a landmark, museum, or historical location in Tokyo.

high school baseball

High school baseball in Japan, known as “kōkō yakyū,” is a deeply ingrained cultural institution with a history dating back to the late 19th century. It is most famously showcased in the annual National High School Baseball Championship tournaments, which began in 1915 and are held at Koshien Stadium, drawing massive national television audiences. The sport is celebrated not just for athletic competition but for its emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and intense emotional drama, making it a significant part of Japanese sports culture.

federation

“Federation” in a historical context often refers to the Federation of Australia, which was the process by which six separate British colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia on January 1, 1901. This event marked the birth of the modern Australian nation, establishing a federal system of government that balanced national and state powers. The movement was driven by decades of discussion and conventions, aiming to create a unified defense, economy, and national identity.

designated hitter (DH) system

The designated hitter (DH) system is a rule in baseball, most famously used in the American League since 1973, which allows a player to bat in place of the pitcher. It was adopted to increase offensive production and strategy by removing the typically weak-hitting pitcher from the batting lineup. While long a defining difference between Major League Baseball’s two leagues, the rule was adopted universally for the National League in 2022, ending decades of debate.