taneichi-chu baseball

back row: atsushi, me, ken, ryo, yusho, fukuhiro, Sugishita-sensei

front row: seiyu, satoru, yuki, kosei, ryuetsu

a bunch of stallions.

"coaching" these self-motivated, focused and talented kids wouldn't be all that challenging compared to some of the teams i have had the 'pleasure' of coaching over the years. in the States there are always a couple players who could care less about the team's record, choosing to be 'on the team' for purely social reasons and usually create all the drama on the team. i don't get it, in Japan, the kids haven't a choice what sport to play AND they still show up every day (for 3 hour practices with a monotony akin to Catholic Mass), yet play with so much heart you would think it was their favorite sport. i practice with this team several days a week and it has become one of my favorite activities during the week and the students (and their parents..who I travel with to all of the games) have become really great friends! Yes, most of my friends these days are about 5'6 and 15 years old. some of the greatest times I have had with junior high school students have come about through baseball and they are times that i will certainly miss, but never forget. the 'true' classroom and teaching opportunities are ballparks, judo gyms and stadiums.