On the 15th, former Nippon-Ham pitcher Yuki Saito (37) sent a congratulatory message to his mentor, Nippon-Ham Chief Baseball Officer Hideki Kuriyama (64), on his induction into baseball Hall of Fame. (Written by Hiroshi Kato)
In 2012, Kuriyama took a big gamble when he took over as manager of Nippon-Ham. With ace Yu Darvish leaving for the majors, he selected Saito, who had won six games in his rookie season the year before, to start the pitcher season.
"Before the season started, I was called into the manager's office at Jingu Stadium during an exhibition game against Yakult, and he told me, 'This team can't win the championship without someone who can act as a catalyst. I believe that person is Yuki. We need your help.' I was really touched. The letter read, '2012 opening pitcher, Saito Yuki. Let's fight together. Kuriyama Hideki.' Tears welled up in my eyes. I still remember thinking, 'I want to lift Manager Kuriyama up in celebration. I'll do my best for the team.'"
Saito pitched complete game game win against Seibu Lions (at Sapporo Dome), allowing only one runs. He contributed to the team's league victory, but then suffered a right shoulder injury and spent days undergoing grueling rehabilitation in the second team. With no light at the end of the tunnel, he was deeply touched by the words of manager Kuriyama.
"What kind of attitude you show to the world when you're injured is important for Yuki's future." If it weren't for those words from Manager Kuriyama, I might have given up on myself at some point, and there might have been a moment when I just carried on by inertia. But because he told me, 'The trainers and juniors are watching, you have to show good attitude,' I think I was able to keep looking forward and work hard."
Mr. Saito has now launched the "Yuki Saito ball park Project" in Naganuma Town, Hokkaido. He has opened ball park for children called "Harappa Stadium" and is also working to promote baseball. This is said to be influenced by Mr. Kuriyama, who built a youth ball park called "Kurinoki Farm" in Kuriyama Town, Hokkaido.
"It was Manager Kuriyama who first told me that it was possible to build ball park. When I visited Kurinoki Farm, Manager Kuriyama said, 'If baseball players and alumni build ball park and there are 1,000 of them, then there will be 1,000 places where children can play baseball. That's what I want to do.' I thought that was cool and was impressed by his words. But when I tried it, I realized how difficult it is to build one."
What is the most important thing you learned from your mentor?
"Ability and technique are obviously important, and I think everyone puts in effort. But what Manager Kuriyama taught me was that 'people are important.' baseball world, and indeed society as a whole, exists because of 'human connections.' Even when I was still playing, he would tell me, 'It's not just about Yuki getting better, it's about making the people around you happy.' Working hard for your family and your fans can fill you with more energy than when you work hard for yourself. I take to heart the idea that baseball players have a mission to make the world a better place."
We sent our best wishes to Kuriyama for his continued success.
"I believe that Mr. Kuriyama has made numerous contributions to baseball world, but I believe, although it may be presumptuous, that this is where his real work begins. If Mr. Kuriyama takes the lead, there will be many things that will move forward for the future of baseball. I believe that there are many people, including myself, who will take action because 'if Mr. Kuriyama says so'. I would like to support Mr. Kuriyama's activities so that Japanese baseball can develop even further. Congratulations on your induction into the Hall of Fame!"
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