Professional baseball player Yakult Munetaka Murakami hit No. 56 solo home run in the game against DeNA at Jingu Stadium on the night of the 3rd.
In addition, Murakami won three titles, leading hitter, home run leader, and RBI leader, and won the triple crown.
It is the first time in 18 years that a triple crown has been won in professional baseball, the first since Reiwa, and the youngest ever to achieve it at the age of 22.
Fans and local Kumamoto people were delighted with Murakami's achievement.
At restaurants near the Jingu stadium, the home ground
At a restaurant in Tokyo near Jingu Stadium, the team's home ground, fans gathered to witness the historic moment.
At a restaurant in Minato-ku, Tokyo, where Yakult fans gather, when Murakami hit a 56th home run in the fourth at-bat, the fans and staff in the store said, "Wow!" I cheered and clapped my hands in joy.
Fans celebrated the achievement of the historic record by drinking beer that was specially provided by the store for 56 yen after Murakami's home run.
A 37-year-old office worker who has been a fan of Yakult for 21 years said, "I almost cried. I think he was under pressure, but he did it at the very end and I was very impressed. He is the youngest triple crown winner. As a person, I respect Murakami for practicing more than anyone else. Next year, I want him to surpass Valentin's No. 60." I was.
Also, a 38-year-old civil servant man who has been a fan for 30 years said, "I'm really happy to have achieved the record. I don't think it's easy to achieve a new triple crown and a new home run record at the same time, so I think it's wonderful.I'd like to expect batting and new records as No. 4 in the future."
“Attachment to my hometown Kumamoto” Helping with reconstruction
Munetaka Murakami has achieved great records while maintaining his love for his hometown of Kumamoto.
22-year-old Murakami, in his fifth year as a professional who finally broke Mr. Oh's record, has an initiative that began with a strong attachment to his hometown.
He experienced the Kumamoto earthquake when he was a sophomore at Kyushu Gakuin High School in Kumamoto City.
When he was 20 years old, he looked back on the earthquake and said, "It was such an event that I don't even want to remember it. Several years have passed, and reconstruction is progressing little by little. , I think there will be various difficulties in the future, but I would like to become a player who can help someone even a little."
In the earthquake, the local "symbol" Kumamoto Castle was also severely damaged, and a basic recovery plan was created to restore it over the next 20 years.
So far, the castle tower has regained its former beauty.
Murakami has been donating to the restoration of Kumamoto Castle according to the number of home runs since his third professional season, hoping to help restore this local symbol.
As a professional baseball player, the more results you leave, the more you can help your hometown.
It may have started with that thought.
One at-bat, one at-bat, Murakami's steady efforts with determination are supporting the reconstruction of his hometown.
Hirohito Yoshimura, Deputy Director of the Kumamoto Castle General Office, said, "I'm really grateful. Having experienced the Kumamoto earthquake, I think that my feelings for Kumamoto have been passed down to the castle. It's the pride and treasure of Kumamoto. More than we imagine, I think there is a lot of effort behind a single home run.Among them, we are receiving donations.It is well known and is active. I think the power of the boost is even greater because I am a player who is in the team," he said, expressing his gratitude.
In Kumamoto City's shopping district...
Also, at the Tsuruya Department Store in Kumamoto City, which has been in business for about 70 years, Murakami hit the 55th home run on the 13th of last month, lining up with Mr. Sadaharu Oh's record for most Japanese players in the season.
Usually, it is given to athletes who have won gold medals at the world championships, but it is displayed from No. 55 because it is a great record on par with it.
At this department store, preparations for a new banner will begin immediately after hitting the 56th home run. Then, in the morning of the next day, we have to print and replace the banners.
Voices of Shibuya
I heard about Murakami's 56th home run, the most for a Japanese player in a season, in Shibuya.
A man who is a Yakult fan said, "I'm glad I got a home run in the final game. The Japan Series is coming up, so I hope you'll continue to do your best. I'm looking forward to the home run that will lead the team to victory."
A man who was with me said, ``When I went to see a game with my friend, I was hitting a home run, so I thought it was cool, but when No. 56 came out, it was really cool. I want you to remove it," he said.