The students of Hachioji Campussemi-hardball baseball club won the All-Japan University 9-block semi-hardball baseball tournament for the fourth time in a row.

From November 17th (Friday) to November 19th (Sunday), 2023, Teikyo University semi-hardball team played in the finals of the 41st All-Japan University 9-block semi-hardball baseball tournament held at Kurashiki Muscat Stadium (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture). The All-Kanto Selections Team, made up of students from the baseball club, defeated the All-Kyushu Selections 4-2, winning their 19th championship in four consecutive tournaments.

Participating in the All Kanto Selection are Yohei Yamazaki, a pitcher from the university's semi-hardball baseball team (4th year, Faculty of Economics), student trainer Nanami Oshio (3rd year Faculty of Medical Technology), and Shuhei Asano, manager of the university's semi-hardball baseball team. The team's tenacity and explosive offensive power led to dramatic victories in the qualifying league, semi-finals, and even the final. It was a valuable opportunity to take what we learned through this tournament back to the club and contribute to its further development. We look forward to your continued support of our university's semi-hardball baseball team.

In the afternoon, Yamazaki showcased his prowess as a member of the East Japan selection team, delivering powerful and dignified pitching during the 5th and 6th innings. His performance stirred excitement among the spectators, affirming Teikyo University's commitment to supporting the endeavors of students passionate about promoting semi-hardball baseball.

■Pitcher Yohei Yamazaki (4th year Faculty of Economics)
At this tournament, I was able to experience various things as a member of the All-Kanto selection team. It was by no means an easy task, with a selection team consisting of players who normally play baseball for different teams aiming to become the best in Japan in a short period of time, and the toughness of winning in the one-shot final tournament. However, as we persevered and played many matches, we became more united as a team, and in the end we were able to win the championship.
This result is important, but being selected to the selection team means that I am being evaluated as a baseball player and as a person. Being able to play with the sense of responsibility and tension that comes with representing my team and the federation was the biggest learning experience for me. From now on, even if I go out into society, I will humbly work hard so that as many people as possible will evaluate me not only as a baseball player, but as a member of society. Even after graduation, I would like to continue contributing to the development of semi-hardball baseball as an alumnus of Teikyo University's semi-hardball baseball team.

■Trainer Nanami Oshio (3rd year Faculty of Medical Technology)
I was really happy to be able to accompany the team as a trainer for the All-Kanto selection.
By accompanying me to this tournament, I was able to interact with players from other universities and gain experiences that I would not have had on my own team.
I felt that through playing semi-hardball baseball, I was able to naturally form a relationship of helping, trusting, and supporting each other with my teammates, which led the team to victory. As this was my first experience, I often felt anxious and wondered if I would be able to serve as a trainer or not, and if I could contribute to the team by interacting with the players. However, since I had decided to participate, I was determined to do my best and was able to participate in this tournament with a goal in mind.
All the games were nerve-wracking and I was very moved, and I was able to feel the wonders of semi-hardball baseball. In order to make use of what I learned from this tournament, I wanted to create an organization in my own team where not only the players worked hard, but the staff all worked together as one, and people would say we were great in everything we do. As a trainer, I will continue to work hard to help the Teikyo University semi-hardball baseball club shine as the best in Japan.

■Shuhei Asano, All-Kanto Selection Manager/Teikyo University Semi-Hardball Baseball Team Manager
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement for the semi-hardball baseball club.
Recently, I was asked to coach the All-Kanto selection team, and I had the opportunity to experience being number one in Japan.
I was able to witness the joy of being on the mound for the final time, as students who were normally rivals came together to finish the season's final tournament as the ``No. 1 in Japan,'' transcending the boundaries of their universities and leagues, and taking on the challenge with an open mind. I was very happy.
In semi-hardball baseball, not only your own team, but also these selected teams can aim to be the best in Japan. Of course it is important to pursue victory for your team, but I think the experience of exchanging opinions and living and drinking with players and staff from various universities is irreplaceable.
We hope that you will be interested in our approach to semi-hardball baseball, which aims not only to improve competitive ability, but also to improve human ability.
As a coach, I would like to continue to support many students from the semi-hardball baseball club so that they can play an active role in selected teams like this.
Thank you for your continued support.

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