Haraguchi hits for HR…Manager Okada’s “tweet” is getting a lot of attention from fans
On the 14th, Hanshin announced that Kyuji Fujikawa, an alumnus of the team, will be appointed as manager for the next season. Coach Akifu Okada, who led the team to their first league title in 18 years and Japan’s first title in 38 years last year, has retired, but fans were moved by the words he expressed in his moments final in charge. Some said, “It made me cry,” “I was moved,” and “There is something that really touches my heart.”
Hanshin finished 2nd in the regular season, losing for the second straight time to 3rd place DeNA in the first stage of the Climax Series (CS) held at their home base, Koshien. Although the war was over, what caught the attention of the fans was the shot fired by infielder Fumihito Haraguchi in the second game on the 13th.
In the 9th inning, chasing 8 runs, he looked like a pinch hitter and curved over left field. After the two recovered, director Akifu Okada touched Haraguchi’s right hand and appeared to whisper, “Thank you.”
Haraguchi was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2019 and reported a full recovery in January of this year. During the two years that Okada took over, he participated in a total of 106 games, posted a batting average of .218 (24 hits in 110 at bats), four home runs, and 17 RBIs. In the game against DeNA (Kyocera Dome) on April 2 of last year, Okada hit his first home run after returning as manager. He hit his first home run and last arc during the second Okada administration.
Fans are very happy with the scene that shows the connection between the two. Posts on social media include, “It made me cry a lot,” “This beat is dedicated to Mr. Okada!”, “He said “thank you” at the end, ” “He looks so happy ,” “Haraguchi’s fist pump and Mr. Okada’s smile make me want to cry,” and “The heart of the fans.” hit,” “This is the God of pinch hitters,” “It’s too cool,” “I’ll be talking about it for the rest of my life,” and “Only fans would Hanshin followers laughed so loudly in the last inning after so much separation.” was received. What kind of drama will happen next season when Kyuji Fujikawa takes over as manager?