“Do not aim for home runs” What is the resolution of “small giant” November 29th 11:30

People call him "Monster".

Shogo Asano, 18 years old.

68 home runs in total in high school exceed that Kiyohara.

"I want to hit more home runs." The young man, who once thought more strongly than anyone else, now answers this after going through Koshien and the draft meeting.

“I don’t aim for home runs” (Takamatsu Broadcasting Station reporter Tsukasa Yamauchi)

gentle "monster"

The first time I met Asano was on May 27th at the Takamatsu commercial ground.

Even though he was tired after practice, he kindly accepted the interview.

"I went over the roof of the school beyond the ground"

"I had the distance measured and it was 155 meters"

He told me a little embarrassing episode that he was proud of.

My impression of him was that he was a nice young man who was humble, polite, and never boasted about his abilities.

I almost didn't have the image of a "monster" that was feared by opponents.

Shocking Kagawa Tournament

However, that image is quickly overturned.

The summer national high school baseball tournament in Kagawa started in July.

The first turn at bat, suddenly a home run to the left stand.

It was the beginning of a shocking summer.

Even in the semi-finals, at the first turn at bat, he went to the left stand even though he was stuck.

It was a success beyond imagination.

Even more surprising was the 5th at bat.

Surprisingly, he stood in the left-handed at bat.

He was to accommodate a right underthrower.

Although the hit ball that was caught was out, it was a large fly ball that extended to the front of the fence.

Every time I went to the

stadium, my expectations grew.

And the final for Koshien participation.

A scene where you want to spread the lead 4 times with a 2-point lead.

A three-run home run without complaint to the left middle.

A "monster" that mass-produces home runs.

Where you want it... at the left-handed bat...

"This player will be selected as the number one draft pick,"

he vividly remembers thinking while watching the Kagawa tournament.

"Don't Aim" for Victory

But it wasn't the home run that impressed me the most.

The final game, 8 at-bats with a 2-point difference.

Despite the four-ball, Asano faced the bench and gave a fist pump.

And with all my might.

At that time, I remembered a phrase I had heard repeatedly from Asano.

"I'm not trying to hit a home run. I'm just trying to get on base for the team."

To be honest, I thought it was a beautiful thing to say, as I had seen him hit a home run so easily when he wanted it.

But his fist pump during the four-ball was much more powerful than when he hit a home run.

"I'm happy to be on base in every turn at bat and contribute to the championship."

Rather than individual achievements, he wanted to get on base, that is, to win the team.

Throw away your ego and see the scenery

I was curious about the gap between the strong impression of "Slugger Asano" and the statement that "I

don't aim for home runs" , so I proceeded with the interview.

In fact, until a year ago, he was a player who wanted to hit a home run more than anyone else.

When he didn't hit, he showed his frustration on his face and demeanor, making the team feel bad.

Coach Nagao

: “I had a mental immaturity that gave priority to my own results over the team.

Last summer, he was named "captain" by the director.

As he led the team, he was keenly aware of the impact his own actions had on those around him.

"What am I lacking?

"

"Let's switch", "Let's cheer up".

Even if he couldn't hit or his teammates made mistakes, he shouted more than anyone else and encouraged the team.

In addition, he began to trust the back batter and aim to get on base.

Then there was a change in batting.

As a result of aiming for hits and being conscious of hitting low and sharp balls, home runs naturally increased.

It was the first feeling he got from putting on base first.

Koshien's first base and obsession

Koshien welcomed.

I entered the field and chased Asano.

In the first game, suddenly two home runs in a row.

The next three rounds.

The big game for the goal of advancing to the best 8 became a match that symbolizes Asano's growth.

In the first at bat, it was a rare hit, but he sprinted at full speed with a speed of 5.9 seconds for 50 meters and hit the infield.

And steal a base immediately.

He said he studied the pitching of the opponent pitcher in advance.

After that, with a hit by a friend, I went home and took the lead.

With Asano's tenacity, it was one point that he snatched.

After that, he contributed to the victory by getting involved in all the points, such as getting on base with a four-ball.

“Baseball is about batting, base running, and defense.

In addition, he hit a home run to the back screen in the quarterfinals.

Although he lost, he had a 70% batting average and three home runs in three Koshien games.

However…

"I'm happier with an 80% on-base percentage than home runs."

I think his words in the post-game interview best represent the essence of the baseball player Shogo Asano.

The giant is the first nominee, and the future we look ahead to

On October 2, Asano retired from high school baseball after finishing the final official game, the National Athletic Meet.

At his last meeting, enthusiastic cheers were sent from his friends who gave him the opportunity to grow.

Vice Captain Yamada (at the time)

“Thank you for leading the team as captain amid the pressure of ‘professional attention.’ Even if you go pro, we are all on your side. please give me"

Draft meeting on October 20th.

The giants and Hanshin nominated the first place, and as a result of the lottery, the giants acquired the negotiating rights.

When manager Tatsunori Hara made a fist pump, the nervous Asano finally relaxed his expression.

At the press conference, he was asked about the image of the player he wants to be, and the answer was, of course, Shogo Asano.

"I'm not a home run hitter. I want to be a chance maker who can lead the team to victory."

"Team victory" rather than "individual", for that reason, "I don't aim for a home run".

I think his humble attitude will surely help him grow as a professional.

after the interview

There is one more phrase that I hear repeatedly every time I interview Asano.

Asano

: "I want to prove that height doesn't matter when it comes to baseball, and I want to be someone who can give dreams to small children and small players."

The 1.71-meter-tall “little giant” still shows up at the youth baseball team he once belonged to, and teaches baseball to children.

Asano is a humble player who does not treat himself at all even if he is treated as a "hero" by those around him, but for children, he is a "hero".

As a local hope, Mr. Asano, who is flying to the professional world, has only a short time left in Kagawa, but I would like to continue to pursue him.

Takamatsu Broadcasting Station Reporter

Tsukasa Yamauchi

Joined the station in 2018 in

charge of sports.

When he was in college, he loved high school baseball so much that he watched all the Koshien tournaments on site.

Orix fan in professional baseball