June 21st is Father's Day. For athletes, it's a day to reaffirm the importance of their fathers and to express gratitude. Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (25) reflected on his memories of his father, Hirokazu, and the influence he has had on him.

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My father taught me what it means to be human. The only time he ever got seriously angry with me was when I was in middle school. It's really wrong, but I was using my smartphone while riding my bicycle. He made me sit on the tatami mat in a formal kneeling position for what felt like an eternity.

You must not do anything that deviates from the right path. Follow the rules. Become the kind of person who can say thank you and I'm sorry. Always greet everyone you meet. You helped me build the foundation of being a good person.

Playing catch and going for a run every morning are fond memories. It wasn't so much that I ran, but rather that I was made to run... (laughs). My father was always there to support me when I dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. Even now, he buys his own tickets and comes to the stadium as my biggest fan. My father has an incredible capacity for acceptance that words can't describe. I hope to become a person like him someday.