DeNA’s Yoshitomo Tsutsugo Confesses that Adversity Always Strengthens Him
After experiencing life at the bottom of the heap in the U.S. minor leagues, Yoshitomo Tsutsuka returned to DeNA after a five-year absence. He returned to DeNA after five years in the U.S. and hit a home run that brought tears to Hamasuta!
“In the majors, I accepted everything and lost sight of myself.”
The stands were filled with fans standing and some shedding tears. After hitting, he raised his right hand toward the right-field seats. It was DeNA’s Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (32), who hit a decisive three-run home run in his first game back in Japan against Yakult on May 6. It happened at their home ground, Yokohama Stadium. He reflects:
“I was encouraged by the tremendous cheers. I don’t remember much. It was a special time as I circled the diamond.”
Challenging Major League Baseball at the end of 2019 and returning to the Japanese baseball world after five years, Tsutsugo’s baseball life has never been smooth. Reflecting on a lifetime of overcoming adversity in his own words.
Tsutsugo grew up in a baseball-loving family in Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. During junior high school, he belonged to Osaka’s ‘Sakai Big Boys,’ where every day was immersed in baseball, with barely any memories of playing with friends. However, even then, he faced trials.
“I couldn’t play baseball for about a year and a half due to growing pains caused by a sudden growth spurt. Initially, it was tough, but my brother, who coached me in baseball, advised me to think about what I could do to improve. So, I focused on training my body.
What proved effective was a set of exercises devised by a physiotherapist at the clinic where I watched Sakai Big Boys’ practices. These exercises, like rotating sideways while bridging, taught me efficient ways to move my body with less strain. As my growing pains subsided, my swing speed increased dramatically, and I saw a significant boost in my hitting distance.”
