Keio University infielder Shogo Kiyohara (4th year) of the Tokyo Six University baseball team announced on the 24th that he will be retiring from baseball. Following in the footsteps of his father, Kazuhiro (57), who hit 525 home runs for Seibu and the Giants, making him fifth in professional baseball history, applied to become a pro, but was not selected in the draft this fall. Although he had received offers from independent leagues and other organizations, he will now aim to find regular employment.
Kiyohara decided to put the bat down. On the 22nd, he informed manager Tetsuya Horii of his intention to retire from baseball. Kiyohara said in a comment through the baseball club, “From the time I submitted my application until today, I have seriously thought about it and faced it, and I have decided from now on , instead of chasing football. , I will set new goals and prepare to enter society “I did it,” he said, revealing his thoughts on the decision.
His father, Kazuhiro, was a star slugger in high school baseball and professional baseball. He started playing baseball in the third grade, but because of his father’s presence, he joined the volleyball club in junior high and the American football club in high school, saying, “I was under a lot of pressure and I wanted to turn . away from baseball.”However, at Keio University, he started playing baseball for the first time in six years because he wanted to make his parents happy. Although there was a whiteout, he settled at No. 4 in the league game in the spring of 4 and hit a career-best nine bases, and in the fall he hit three home runs, including his first home run. Aiming to be on the same stage as his father, he applied to become a professional, but was not nominated. He received offers from nine teams, including Oisix, who joined the Eastern League this season, but decided to step back from the starting line of baseball. In the future, he plans to repeat a year at Keio University and work hard to get a job.
“I started my baseball career again in college, but they were all valuable experiences that helped me grow. his deep thanks. Home runs go No. 1 in the league to his father, who watched every game, and the home run goes to No. 2 to his mother, Aki. He plans to join the Keio University baseball team next spring, and he passed his dream on to his second son, Katsuji, a third-year student at Keio High School, who brought the ball No. 3 for him. (Ryohei Yanai)
◇Shogo Kiyohara (Shogo Kiyohara) He was born on August 23, 2002 (Heisei 14), 22 years old from Tokyo. He started playing baseball in “All Azabu” in the 3rd grade, played on the volleyball team in middle school, and was active as a tight end on the American football team at Keio High School. His younger brother Katsuji has participated in Koshien twice, winning the first title in Japan last summer with Keio (Kanagawa). 1 meter 86, 90 kg. right-handed pitcher and right-handed hitter.
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What are the common challenges faced by athletes from sports families when choosing their career paths?
Time.news Interview: The Future of Sports Careers – An Insider’s Perspective with Kiyohara Family Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special feature on the complexities of sports careers today. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Yuki Tanaka, a sports psychologist and family dynamics expert, with us to discuss the recent retirement announcement of Shogo Kiyohara from the Tokyo Six University baseball team. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Tanaka.
Dr. Yuki Tanaka (YT): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Shogo Kiyohara’s decision to retire has sparked a lot of conversations, particularly given his family legacy. What are your thoughts on the pressures young athletes face when coming from a prominent sports family?
YT: It’s a complex situation. The pressure can be immense. Shogo Kiyohara, as many know, is the son of Kazuhiro Kiyohara, one of Japan’s legendary baseball players. For Shogo, the shadow of his father’s remarkable career—hitting 525 home runs and ranking fifth in professional baseball history—must have been daunting. In my practice, I often see how familial expectations can weigh heavily on young athletes. Shogo’s move to step away from the sport can be seen as both a personal choice for mental well-being and a courageous act of self-determination.
TNE: Absolutely, and it seems he wrestled with this decision for quite some time. He mentioned wanting to set new goals and enter the workforce instead of continuing to pursue baseball. What does this reveal about the intersection of identity and sports?
YT: It’s significant. Shogo’s journey illustrates that identity in sports can be multi-faceted. Many athletes define themselves by their sport, but when faced with challenges—like not being selected in the pro draft, despite his efforts—they must reassess. For Shogo, stepping back from baseball allows him to explore other aspects of his identity. Choosing regular employment could signify a desire to forge his own path, distinct from his father’s legacy, and that is healthy.
TNE: He also mentioned feeling significant pressure while growing up, leading him to explore other sports like volleyball and American football before eventually returning to baseball at university. What does this say about the importance of mental health and self-exploration in an athlete’s development?
YT: Shogo’s experience highlights the necessity of mental health awareness in sports. From a young age, he felt the need to prove himself beyond his father’s shadow. Engaging in different sports reflects a search for passion and self-identity—a critical aspect of mental well-being. It’s vital for young athletes to explore various avenues without the limitations of expectations. This can lead to a more balanced life and ultimately, a healthier approach to any sport they choose to pursue.
TNE: Fascinating insights, Dr. Tanaka. Considering the landscape of professional sports today, what advice would you give to young athletes who might be in similar situations?
YT: My advice would be to prioritize self-awareness and mental health. Regularly assess your feelings about your sport, your passions, and your family’s expectations. It’s crucial to pursue what makes you happy, whether in sports or another field. Furthermore, seeking guidance from mentors or sports psychologists can provide the necessary support in navigating these challenges.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for sharing your expertise on this important topic. Shogo Kiyohara’s story is not just about retiring from baseball but about redefining his identity. Your insights will surely resonate with many readers.
YT: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to have these conversations, and I hope Shogo’s journey inspires others to be courageous in their own paths.
TNE: Thank you to our audience for tuning in. We look forward to bringing you more stories that highlight the evolving dynamics between sports, identity, and mental health.