【甲子園への道 福岡】田川科学技術「涙の引退試合」公式戦に出られない女子部員の夏。仲間へ託した「夏の1勝」

As the Fukuoka Prefectural High School Baseball Tournament approaches its start, one player has already had her final game. Hitoto Mita, a female member of the Tagawa Science and Technology High School baseball team. Despite the rule that female players cannot participate in official games, why did she dedicate herself to baseball for three years? We delve into her feelings about her final game and the dreams she entrusted to her teammates. ==="Let's play baseball together"—The path she chose, inspired by her mentor's words=== Hitoto Mita, a third-year student at Tagawa Science and Technology High School. She started playing baseball in the fifth grade of elementary school, chasing the white ball, inspired by her older brother. Even knowing that female players could not participate in official games in high school, she decided to join the baseball team. What encouraged her was Coach Sasahara, whom she met in junior high school. She was so happy when he said, "Let's play baseball together," and that's what made her want to be taught by him. Driven by her desire to continue playing her beloved baseball, she chose to train alongside the male team members. ===Watching the Final Play with the Combined Team: "A Happiness as a Teacher"=== Coach Sasahara was coaching at Tagawa Science and Technology High School, but was transferred the year Minoda enrolled, and he was worried about her. However, his new assignment was at Higashi Taka High School, which forms a combined team with Tagawa Science and Technology High School. Coach Sasahara said with deep emotion, "I feel fortunate as a teacher to be able to watch her grow in this combined team." Then came her retirement game. Minota started as the "number 2 batter, second baseman." In fielding, which she said she had focused on the most during her three years, she showcased the results of her practice, energizing the team with her nimble play. ===A Tearful Speech: "Everyone Supported Me…" Gratitude to Teammates=== After the game, Minoda stood up to give a speech in front of her teammates. With tears streaming down her face, she expressed her gratitude for the past three years. "I think I caused trouble as the only girl among the boys. But I was truly happy that everyone supported me." Announcing the end of her time as a player, she declared her resolve to support her teammates, saying, "I'm still a member of the team, so let's do our best to win at least one game in the summer tournament." ===Entrusted Feelings: "Keep These Feelings in Your Heart"=== After Minoda's tearful speech, Coach Sasahara addressed the players. "Keep these feelings in your heart as you head towards the summer tournament. Let's do our best for Minoda and for everyone who has supported us." Minota's three years as a player have come to an end. However, her summer is not over yet. From now on, she will be on the bench as a manager for the combined team, supporting her teammates. "I want to encourage everyone with a loud voice," she said, her eyes already fixed on the future. ===With the Best Memory of My Baseball Career in My Heart, Towards a New Summer=== "There were tough times and fun times, but I think high school baseball is the best memory of my baseball career." That's what Minoda said with a smile. Although she wasn't able to stand on the field in an official game, her unwavering passion certainly reached the hearts of her teammates. The combined team has yet to win an official game. Carrying Minoda's hopes, the team aims to achieve their long-cherished goal of winning their first game. "I want to play baseball in a way that allows us to end with smiles, win or lose." With her wish in mind, the summer of fighting together as a team is about to begin. #RoadToKoshien #TagawaScienceAndTechnology #HighSchoolBaseball