Chapter 25: 25. Alejandro Value
After the red and white battle, Kataoka director returned to the coaching room, and Takashima Rei pushed her glasses, asking with a smile, "For Eijun Sawamura, how did you arrange it?"
Kataoka Teshin glanced at Rei Takashima slightly and replied, "He is a talented guy, but his temperament still needs to be tempered. Let him be handed over to the Second String and give Chris a lesson."
Takashima Rei nodded slightly, understanding Kataoka Supervisor's approach. The Seido baseball style is deeply ingrained and reflects Supervisor Kataoka's philosophy.
Shifting the conversation, Rei Takashima inquired about the foreign player, "Supervisor, are you planning to include him in the list of the First String?"
Kataoka responded, "Well, that kid has certain characteristics, and he has a pretty good sense of the ball. What he lacks now is actual combat experience and those basic trainings. Isn't he in the same dormitory as Miyuki? Leave it to Miyuki."
Kataoka continued, "Let him participate in the Kanto Conference this time with Furuya. Let's hone his skills and evaluate. Whether they makes it into the first string for the summer competition will depend on their growth."
Takashima Rei smiled slightly, confirming that Supervisor Kataoka's thoughts aligned with her own expectations.
"Eh? Are these two first-year players allowed to participate in the Kanto competition? It's not appropriate," Director Ota expressed his disapproval, furrowing his brows. While he acknowledged Satoru Furuya's pitching skills and Alejandro's batting potential, he believed it might be too early for them to join The Kanto tournament.
Ota believed in the importance of further development and polishing.
"No, Furuya and Alejandro's participation in the Kanto this time is already decided. Seido is currently lacking a true ace pitcher. While Tanba is in a good state, it's not enough. Considering the national-level competition, Tanba's form might not suffice. Furuya is more than capable, and his high-speed pitches can contribute to the team's strength. This Kanto Tournament serves as a trial run for Furuya's experience! His talent is precisely what Seido needs!" Supervisor Kataoka declared firmly, waving his hand in a resolute manner.
"Eh? What about Alejandro, that boy from the Philippines? Although he has some experience with baseball, he has hardly participated in formal training or games. Isn't it too early for him to join the first string?" Director Ota, well-aware of Seido's pitching situation, expressed his concerns. As the deputy head, he held optimism for pitcher Kawakami's potential to take on the ace position after Tanba, but he understood that optimism alone might not be enough.
Ota acknowledged Furuya's talent, aligning with Director Kataoka's perspective. However, he struggled to grasp the decision regarding the other player's inclusion in the First String. From Ota's viewpoint, mere inclusion in the First String doesn't seem sufficient. Wouldn't it be better for him to gain experience in the Second String?
Perhaps, even if he participates in first string training, there might not be a necessity to formally list him in the official first string lineup, right?
"No, that foreign teenage player holds unlimited potential. He possesses impressive physical fitness, extraordinary dynamic vision, and, most importantly, a strong spirit. Granted, his batting stance and hitting technique are quite raw at the moment. In comparison to many fellow freshmen, he lacks fundamental skills like defensive training and base running. However, these areas can be developed, and his inherent boundless potential is unmatched by others!" Director Kataoka asserted in a tone more resolute than before.
"He's destined to become a hitter who will anchor Seido's future!" Director Kataoka affirmed firmly. These words left Director Ota speechless, his expression displaying disbelief. To have such confidence and value placed on Alejandro, a first-year player, exceeded all expectations.
This level of trust has surpassed even the emphasis on Furuya's role.
Takashima Rei maintained a smile on her face, her perceptive and astute nature enabling her to discern the underlying truth behind everything that was discussed.
"Alright, May is approaching, and the Kanto Competition is on the horizon. Use this time to intensify the training for these two first-year players, addressing the fundamental aspects that need improvement," Supervisor Kataoka directed, waving his hand in emphasis.
"Of course, I comprehend the plan. I'll make sure to convey the necessary instructions," Takashima Rei acknowledged with a slight nod.
The conclusion of the red and white battle marked an end, yet it was clear that Alejandro had emerged as the greatest beneficiary of this competition. His performance was on the verge of elevating him to a representative position among the first-year players.
Most of the first-year players had been won over by Alejandro's leadership demeanor. Even Shinji Kanemaru, known for his strong opinions, had silently acknowledged Alejandro's influence. Even Eijun Sawamura, who was often the topic of complaints, and Kominato Haruichi, held in high regard, all recognized Alejandro's worth as a trusted leader.
Undoubtedly, it was the combined efforts of Alejandro, Sawamura Eijun, and Kominato Haruichi that led to the impressive results in the latter half of the four rounds. This reality was well understood by the entire first-year team.
Night descended quietly, and Alejandro lay on his bed, letting out a slight sigh. He felt thoroughly fatigued. The high-intensity competition had taken a toll on him. Alejandro grunted softly, realizing that such demanding contests truly drained him. He reminded himself that focusing on physical conditioning was crucial, especially considering that the red and white match was just a preliminary event. Official competitions would undoubtedly demand even more from his physical endurance.
With a growing sense of alertness, Alejandro recognized the need to intensify his training regimen. Failing to keep up with his physical stamina could have unfavorable consequences. In baseball, games weren't limited to mere nine innings. If tied, a match could extend up to fifteen innings at most.
Aware of the future challenges, Alejandro acknowledged the necessity to begin preparing in earnest.
As Alejandro reflected on the morning's red and white game, a surge of emotions welled up within him. Honestly, he hadn't anticipated hitting a home run. He held reservations about his ability to achieve it.
Initially, his intention had been to drive Eijun Sawamura home with a simple hit. That, he thought, would have sufficed without any regrets. However, much to his surprise, he ended up with a home run instead.
Contemplating this, Alejandro's lips curved into a faint smile, the memory clearly pleasing him.
"Hey, what's the feeling of hitting a home run? Your expression speaks volumes, Alen. Looks like you're in a great mood!"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone