The Day I Was Moved to Tears by a High School Baseball Umpire's Actions

The national high school baseball tournament, which has seen such intense battles, reaches its final game today.
I have no personal experience playing baseball.

I have no personal experience playing baseball.

However, seeing them chase the white ball with such dedication,
sweating and playing with all their might,
I find it truly wonderful.

For high school players, playing at Koshien Stadium
is truly
an incredible, massive stage.

That is precisely why it is a place players long for,
a sacred ground they have dreamed of day and night.

High school baseball is a game centered on the players,
and it is a game for the players.

While watching the players' performances, I discovered a certain video.

Here it is ☟

It is a YouTube video by "Netchu High School Baseball Club."

This video focuses on
Umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi, who served as the home plate umpire.

First,
let me share my thoughts on the video...

I sobbed 😭

Even though it was broad daylight, I couldn't stop my tears
while watching it.

I was truly moved.

I hope not only high school baseball fans, but also sports fans, those who love passion,
or people looking for role models to aspire to or
seeking self-improvement...

will watch this video,
as it is something I want many people from all walks of life to see.

Since I have the chance,
I would like to take the liberty of sharingin more detail
with you all why I was moved to tears.

✔ Sincere treatment
of the players

When serving as the home plate umpire,
every single pitch is subject to judgment.

In extreme cases,
a single strike
could even influence
the future life of a player.

Because of that, they must bear a heavy responsibility
when judging the players' pitches.

With the awareness that he is "involved in the players' lives,"
Umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi
faces the players.

In the video,
it is filmed from a distance, but...

You can see that he puts the players first in his actions,
such as bowing to them at various points
and constantly giving instructions to ensure
they can perform at their best.

"I don't want the players to have any regrets
when they play."
These actions may stem from such thoughts.

Precisely because this is the players' grand dream stage,
the sight of Umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi acting with the players in mind
is more than enough reason
to bring tears to my eyes.

✔ An attitude
of building excitement together

Umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi
works to build excitement for high school baseball with all his might.

During side changes, he always calls out to the players
to motivate them.

He also calls them by name,
inspiring them to give their all.

In every single word from Umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi,
"Enjoy this moment to the fullest!
Trust your teammates and play!"
I feel as if he is saying these things.

Above all,
the attitude of Umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi himself taking the initiative
to build excitement for high school baseball
is truly moving.

In this day and age, people enjoy finding fault in others,
and slander flies about as a matter of course.

I was truly moved by the sight of someone who understands the players' position so well
and acts as if it were his own personal matter.

It reminds me that
humanity is still worth believing in.

✔ Attentiveness to
　help them focus on the game

The protagonists of high school baseball are
the players competing at Koshien.

How each player can demonstrate
the results of their training
is extremely important.

That is why umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi
never forgets to be thoroughly attentive to the players.

Being considerate so players can
see the signs easily...

Calling out to a player who forgot
to announce a pinch hitter...

Encouraging the pitcher
to take a deep breath...

In any case, to ensure the players
can focus on the game,he acts as another supporter in the stadium
and supports the players with all his might.

This
attentivenessto support players by putting himself in their shoesis truly worthy of respect as a human being.

Putting himself second to let others shine,
umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi's actions
are simply wonderful.

✔ 2022
　High School Baseball

This time, I talked about
the actions of 2022 high school baseball umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi.

I hope that by watching this video,
you can empathize with the reason
why I was moved to tears.

Seeing someone desperately trying to act
for the sake of others is wonderful, isn't it?

I also strongly felt
that I want to be like that.

Below, I would like to
introduce the profile of
Umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi.

Now, today.
The final game is about to begin.

The summer tradition is coming to an end.

I hope both schools will play with all their might
and continue to shine without giving up
until the very last moment.

Good luck, high school baseball players.

Umpire Tomohisa Yamaguchi,
thank you for
your wonderful officiating.

Well then, until next time.
Goodbye.