Orix Buffaloes ・ Yuma Tongu catcher (29) vowed on the 27th to make a comeback next season. He underwent surgery on the 7th to reconstruct the medial meniscus in his right knee and is currently undergoing rehabilitation, primarily at a hospital in Chiba Prefecture. With his sights set on returning to competition in one year at the earliest, he candidly shared his thoughts.

"My goal is to wear a uniform and stand on ground next year. I believe that being able to bat and perform well will be a way of giving back to the team and the fans." He wakes up at 8 a.m. and does rehabilitation three times a day starting at 9 a.m. He works on strengthening the muscles of his upper body, core, and left leg, and also spends time on compression therapy on his thighs. In principle, he does it without taking any days off. "I really want to play baseball," he added.

The surgery that caused particularly severe pain was a high tibial osteotomy of the right knee joint. In 2023, Seibu Lions Masatoshi Okada (currently the third-team fielder coach) underwent a similar surgery. Thanks to the kindness of Tomoya Mori, who is also a Seibu Lions alumnus, the senior catcher visited him after the surgery. He gave him undeniable strength, being told, "Feel free to ask me anything." It is a major surgery for which there are no precedents of players returning to baseball afterward. Tongu himself has no doubts, saying, "I think it's up to me. If there is no precedent, then I will create one."

He plans to continue his hospital stay for the time being, saying, "I'll proceed cautiously and without rushing," indicating his intention to steadily move forward. The 2023 Pacific League batting hitter, he will forge a bright future with his indomitable spirit. (Toru Nagata)