``I am confident that they will win consecutive titles,'' said Norihiro Akahoshi, Hanshin's alumnus and temporary coach. For Japan's No. 1 team, the coaching provided on the 3rd will likely help them win a consecutive title.
Akahoshi, who recorded a total of 381 stolen bases during his nine years with Hanshin, was invited as a temporary coach for the second year in a row.
First, in base running, we taught the team that led the 12 teams in points scored last season, how to get off to a start, and how to run the bases to score another point.
After this, in individual practice, Mr. Akahoshi enthusiastically coached Morishita.
``I thought he had enough power to run,'' he said of the promising young second-year player who only stole one base last season.
He pointed out to Morishita that when he started, his upper body rose too quickly and he was not accelerating smoothly, and instructed him to keep a low stance and start running.
He also advises that when taking the lead, you can start running smoothly by pointing your right foot in the direction of second base.
The other players listened intently to these instructions.
Akahoshi said, ``This is a team where the No. 1 and No. 2 batters can run, so if the No. 3 batter can run, it will be more of a threat to the opponent than last year.We're in a situation where manager Akifu Okada wants to signal Morishita to steal a base. I wish I could give you some advice to help you become better.I want you to repeat what you did on the 3rd day and work on it.''
He added, ``Today, I saw the way the players worked hard in practice and their awareness, and I thought they could definitely win. I am confident that they will win the tournament for the second time in a row.''
For a team aiming for the team's first great accomplishment, the golden words given by the legend during the special guidance on Setsubun Day are truly a blessing in disguise.
The players will use the instruction from the third day in mind as they work to improve their base running techniques.