Seibu Manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (52), in his first year in the post, gave an interview to Sports Hochi on March 26 before the season opener, expressing his enthusiasm for striking back from the bottom of the standings with the team's worst record of 49 wins, 91 losses and 3 draws. Far from the aloof mound appearance he had during his active career, his passion for the manager's job was so great that he baseball imagined tears in his eyes for the second time in his life. (Reporting by Ayami Ohnaka)

It's been about six months since his inauguration press conference. All that's left is to wait for the opening.

"So far, I've been able to do it without any pressure. But I think it's going to get tough from here on out."

The team placed second in the preseason. The team's ERA was 1.96, the only one in the 12 teams to be in the single digit range. The team's batting average was .269, second in the same league. Last season, the team's batting average was .212 and they had 334 RBI, both of which were the worst among the 12 teams, so they feel a certain sense of accomplishment.

"I would like to see them score one more goal with a few more chances, but they're scoring a fair amount. Even though they said they had no regular spot in the team, I think they're doing their best to score, and I'd like to see them show that more."

He has been walking a baseball career that he never imagined he would follow until he became a manager. It all started with the path that those around him laid out for him, but he has carved out his own path through results.

"I chose (Wakayama) Commercial High School because I wanted to get a job after graduating. I thought I'd quit baseball when I entered high school, but my parents told me to keep going. They also told me to go to (Rissho) University. By my high school coach."

He won 182 games and retired in 2015. After that, he served as pitcher coach and other positions, and in 2010 he became the manager of the second team. During his playing days, he left an impression with a calm and nonchalant demeanor, but he had a secret desire to become a manager.

"Towards the end of my playing career, I thought that if I ever got the chance, I'd like to try it once. After three years as the second team manager, that feeling has only gotten stronger. Even more so."

The job of a manager involves taking full responsibility. If you win, you get the glory, but if you lose, you get criticized. Many people hesitate to take up the position, but Nishiguchi was different. The blood of a man who has continued playing baseball with the support of those around him was boiling.

"In the first team, it's either you win or you lose. You have to win. I wanted to try playing in a place like that."

He is an admitted loser. When he was younger, he hated losing games. Of course, his goal is to win the league.

"I do hate to lose. There's nothing fun about losing. If I'm going to do it, I have to win. My goal should always be to win every year."

　

That is why he had such harsh words for Takahashi Mitsunari, who inherited number 13 jersey and whom he had his eye on, after he finished with zero wins last season.

"It was Mitsunari's fault that we didn't win last year. If closer when closer should, he won't end up with no wins. I think he knows that better than anyone. If closer on points, wins will come naturally. He'll have plenty of points to build up."

He does not mention his ideal coach or the names of the players he is looking forward to.

"I want to be myself. I want to play the game the way I want to. I always have high expectations of all the players. After all, it's not just one or two players who do it. I don't think we can aim for the top unless everyone really gives it their all and works hard."

The only time he cried in his baseball career was when he sent off the seniors in his third year at Rissho University. He never cried in high school baseball, his first professional win, his championship, or even when he retired.

"When I was in my third year of university, we had a farewell party for our seniors. At that time, I felt that I would no longer be able to play baseball with the seniors who I had been playing with for so long. I think that was the only time I ever cried at baseball."

You never know what it would be like to win a championship as a manager. The 52-year-old says he sometimes sheds tears watching TV documentaries these days. He has watched many of the players grow since he was a manager for the second team.

"I wonder if I'll be able to shed tears of joy. I'd be happy if that were the case."

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