【甲子園への道 福岡】「可能性はゼロじゃない」1型糖尿病の高校球児が1年間のブランクを乗り越えメンバー入り(2026年7月3日)

The baseball team of Oki Gakuen High School in Fukuoka, a powerhouse aiming for a spot in the Summer Koshien tournament, faces fierce competition for a place on the roster, with only 20 players selected from 56 members. Among them is a player who, despite suffering from type 1 diabetes, overcame a year-long hiatus to secure a place on the team. His name is Terabayashi Shuma (3rd year). His indomitable spirit and strong bonds with his teammates earned him the number "17" jersey. ■ "Strong in Clutches": Dedicating Himself to Baseball Despite a Chronic Illness Oki Gakuen is aiming for its second Koshien appearance in eight years. With 56 members, only 20 can make the bench for the summer tournament—a truly competitive field. Amidst this tough competition, Terabayashi Shuma diligently practices. Regarding his strengths, he says, "My biggest strength is batting. I think I'm strong in clutch situations, so I want people to watch my batting the most." However, for him, the time he spends practicing with his teammates is never something to be taken for granted. ■ "I couldn't play baseball for a year": A sudden departure and struggles Terabayashi developed Type 1 diabetes in the fourth grade of elementary school. This disease develops suddenly, regardless of lifestyle, and requires constant monitoring of blood sugar levels day and night. He continued playing baseball while adjusting his blood sugar levels with snacks and insulin injections between practices. By the fall of his first year, he was entrusted with the cleanup hitter position, showing great promise. However, controlling blood sugar levels during his growth spurt was particularly difficult, leading him to leave the baseball team. "I was feeling terrible, constantly experiencing low blood sugar. Before I knew it, I hadn't been able to play baseball for a year," he recalls. ■ "Come back anytime": Support from teammates and the path to recovery What supported Terabayashi during his difficult days away from baseball was the presence of his teammates. Captain Matsuda Seisei says, "There wasn't much I could say, but I did tell him, 'Come back anytime.'" The encouragement from his teammates was a great source of strength, and Terabayashi expresses his gratitude, saying, "The support from so many people was the most important." In March of this year, he returned to the baseball team after approximately one year. To make up for that significant gap, he diligently practiced his batting both after practice and on his days off. ■ "Number 17, Terabayashi Shuma": The Fateful Team Announcement, He Secures the Number 17 The day of the fateful team announcement arrived. Terabayashi waited nervously for his name to be called. When the coach called out, "Number 17, Terabayashi Shuma," he stood up with a strong response, showing a look of relief and saying, "I was so nervous wondering if I'd be called towards the end." ■ With Gratitude in His Heart, Towards the Culmination of Summer The number "17" he earned represents not only his own efforts but also the hopes and dreams of his parents and teammates who have supported him throughout. Terabayashi expressed his gratitude and determination, saying, "I want to achieve results to make my parents happy." "I can wear this number 17 because of the support of many people, and I want many people to remember that Oki Gakuen won." His challenge, undertaken while battling a chronic illness, will bring courage and hope to others suffering from the same condition. With gratitude in his heart, Terabayashi's culminating summer begins. #RoadToKoshien #OkiGakuen #HighSchoolBaseball #RoadToKoshien #TagawaScienceAndTechnology #HighSchoolBaseball