【甲子園への道 福岡】順延につぐ順延。２日遅れで迎えた開幕試合に挑む両校の思い

The Fukuoka Prefectural High School Baseball Tournament has finally begun after a two-day postponement due to rain. The opening game between Kokura Nishi and Kokura Commercial, originally scheduled to take place immediately after the opening ceremony, was also held two days late. Kokura Nishi's captain said, "We'll just give it our all. We'll play as a team and aim for victory in every game." Kokura Commercial's captain said, "Last year, we participated in the prefectural tournament for the first time in 33 years, and our seniors created a great momentum, so we want to continue that this year." Both captains expressed their enthusiasm. ===■Postponement…Postponement…and then a “Continued Game.”=== The game between Kokura Nishi and Kokura Commercial, scheduled as the opening game, was postponed for two days before finally getting started. In the bottom of the first inning, Kokura Commercial scored the first run with their characteristic aggressive base running. The game was off to a quick start. However, the rain intensified, and the game was suspended. The weather did not improve, and the game was continued. The game will resume the following day, from the top of the 2nd inning with Kokura Commercial leading by one run. ===■Quickly switching gears: "We'll approach tomorrow with the mindset of 0-0 again"=== The game continues after repeated postponements. Although the game was hampered by rain, both captains quickly shifted their focus after the match. Kokura Nishi's captain, Sunagawa, said, "I think this rain is good for Kokura Nishi, so we'll take it positively, not negatively, and play again tomorrow." ■ Meanwhile, Kokura Commercial's captain, Kumamoto, who was leading, also remained focused, saying, "We'll pretend this run never happened and approach tomorrow with the mindset of 0-0 again." The continued game is scheduled for the 7th, as the first game at Kitakyushu Municipal Baseball Stadium. ===■"It's kind of sad": The legendary coach decides to retire for his final summer=== Another point of interest in this tournament is Coach Hideki Sueji (68), who leads Shinsokan High School. He has approximately 40 years of coaching experience. In the past, he led Yanagawa High School and Jiyugaoka High School to the Koshien tournament a total of six times (spring and summer combined), making him a renowned coach. Coach Sueji is a highly trusted figure, known for his dedicated coaching and individual attention to each player. However, he has decided to retire as coach after this summer. When asked about his final summer, he confessed, "It's kind of sad," but then spoke of his philosophy as a coach, saying, "I will always study and teach the kids as much as I can." ===■Players' Pledge of Gratitude: "Since it's the coach's last summer, we want to win as many games as possible"=== For the players, Coach Sueji is a special figure. The players' words—"He's passionate when it comes to baseball," "He pays close attention to the players," "He notices even the slightest change in our form and gives us guidance"—speak volumes about the coach's leadership and character. For their beloved mentor's final summer, the players share one thought. Shinsokan's captain, Inami, stated confidently, "This is the coach's last summer, so we want to do our best to win at least one game." Coach Sueji also hopes to spend as long a summer as possible with his players, saying, "I hope we can somehow play as many games together as possible." ===■A blessing in disguise, or a test? === A renowned coach discusses "the conditions for a strong team" Shinsokan's first game was also canceled due to rain. Repeated postponements and cancellations have a significant impact on the players' condition and motivation. However, this is a seasoned coach. "How we overcome cancellations is a condition for a strong team, so I see this as a good test," he said, remaining unfazed. "We want to fight with all our might, showing our determination to win," he declared, renewing his resolve. Unexpected elements like the weather are creating an even deeper drama in the summer for these baseball players. This year's Fukuoka tournament has begun with a turbulent start. Who will overcome the weather and stand at the top of the 131 teams?