<23> Coach Kataoka's Evaluation of Furuya
Chapter 23: Coach Kataoka's Evaluation of Furuya
In the Seido High School baseball team's coach's office, several key figures of the baseball club gathered to discuss the standout players from the recent match.
Their initial focus was, of course, on the existing first-string players.
For today's game, Coach Kataoka had put in a lot of thought.
He wasn't just assessing the newcomers; he also hoped that the current first-string players could use this match to rediscover their peak performance.
To put it simply, it was about helping them regain their confidence.
No matter how many issues their ace pitcher and the relief pitchers had, there was a clear gap in quality when compared to the first-year players.
After this match, their momentum would surely shift.
And in reality, that was indeed the case.
Tanba, the ace who had been scrutinized before, performed exceptionally well against the freshmen.
Such excellence was evident to anyone with eyes.
Even from Coach Kataoka's and the senior members' perspectives, Tanba's performance was noteworthy.
"Thank goodness, Tanba has finally returned to form. If he keeps this up for the Kanto Tournament, he will certainly shine," said Ota, the slightly plump manager, with his hands clasped in prayer.
"Tanba's performance was indeed commendable! I just hope he can maintain this level when facing equally strong opponents," Takashima Rei calmly analyzed, adjusting her glasses on her nose.
As the vice-captain of the Seido High School baseball team, she usually displayed a friendly demeanor when discussing other matters.
She gave off the impression of being very approachable.
But once it came to baseball, it was a whole different story.
Her rationality and objectivity often caused people to overlook her gender.
"He needs to get back on the first string!"
How satisfied was Coach Kataoka with their current ace?
It would be a lie to say he was completely satisfied.
But it couldn't be helped; this was the only decent ace they had on the first string at the moment.
Even with numerous grievances in his heart, Kataoka had to cultivate him properly.
Ota and Takashima had long since become accustomed to their coach's attitude.
If the vice-captain was rational and objective when it came to baseball, their coach could only be described as strict.
To be frank, there were very few players that could meet his satisfaction.
Although there were a few players in the first string he found acceptable right now, Tanba certainly wasn't one of them.
"Masuko's final hit was also very impressive. What are your plans for him?"
"Let him return to the first string; I think he has learned enough of his lesson."
A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Coach Kataoka's mouth.
Compared to the team's current ace, Coach Kataoka was clearly very pleased with Masuko's performance.
This third-year player had consecutively launched several hits, even knocking one of Sawamura's pitches out of the park.
He had noticed Sawamura's unusual behavior and devised countermeasures during the at-bat.
This aspect alone made Coach Kataoka very satisfied.
While many assumed that the Seido High School baseball coach was strict and treated players like pawns, in reality, Kataoka preferred to inspire the players' initiative.
This initiative not only manifested in their momentum but also in their ability to think independently.
Masuko was exactly the kind of player that made Coach Kataoka very pleased.
"If he can maintain this level of performance, he could become our Seido High School baseball team's undeniably reliable cleanup hitter!"
After discussing a few upperclassmen, the conversation quickly shifted to the newcomers.
This was just as Haruichi had predicted.
No matter how well he and Sawamura performed in the Freshmen Team, they were destined not to take the spotlight in this intrasquad match.
It was simply because Furuya was too much of a monster!
"A super long hit, a home run, and two RBIs. Although he was caught out in his last at-bat, considering the force and distance of that hit, it's not impossible for it to have been a long hit as well. Such terrifying hitting ability is even comparable to our captain Tetsuya..."
As the one who recommended Furuya, Ota spoke about him with great enthusiasm, as if he himself had performed brilliantly on the field.
Takashima Rei showed no signs of jealousy.
As the vice-captain of the Seido High School baseball team, seeing such a talent emerge only excited her.
The smile on her face didn't conceal her excitement at all.
"The most crucial aspect is still his pitching!"
"Although we only saw one pitch, the location was right down the middle, without any deviation! It's astonishing that a player like him hasn't been seen in the national tournament!"
Takashima inquired with curiosity.
Given the tremendous potential displayed by Furuya, logically, as long as he wasn't on a weak team, he should have had no problem making it to the nationals.
"It must be due to an inability to find a catcher! That's why it's difficult for him to fully utilize such a pitch in middle school competitions. Otherwise, even if he didn't make it to the national tournament, his name would surely be renowned across the nation."
Coach Kataoka replied with certainty.
The current era was not the same as the restrictive past.
In this internet age, if a middle school student can pitch at 150 kilometers per hour—or even above 145 kilometers—his name would sweep through the entire baseball community.
Such talent is bound to be recognized, no matter what.
"That's why we've picked up an enormous bargain," Ota chuckled.
Unlike the coach and vice-captain, Ota had personally been to Hokkaido and knew a little more about Furuya's situation.
"What do you think we should do with this player?"
"Promote him to the first string. For the upcoming Kanto Tournament, I'll make arrangements for him to play," Coach Kataoka stated.
When it comes to promoting talent, Kataoka had no strict rules.
As long as you were a member of the Seido High School baseball team and qualified, he would happily provide you with an opportunity.
"Even for the summer competition later, I plan to have him and Tanba collaborate in the pitching rotation."
Hearing Coach Kataoka's strong support for Furuya, Ota felt both pleased and a hint of worry.
If Furuya and Tanba were to be the key players, did that mean Kawakami, whom he had high hopes for, would be completely sidelined?
"He is, after all, a first-year rookie. Is that really okay?"
"In the face of such talent, what we need to provide is trust."
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