“Hey, You’re Complaining!” Samurai Nine Tease Teruaki Sato During Miyazaki Camp—But Show Their True Affection Behind the Scenes

Isn’t it too early?

With only days left until Samurai Japan, managed by Hirokazu Ibata (50), faces its WBC opening game on March 6, the biggest spotlight during the Miyazaki camp that wrapped up on February 24 undoubtedly fell on Hanshin’s Teruaki Sato (26).

During batting practice at the spacious Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki, he repeatedly sent sharp balls flying, with hits over the fence far from unusual.

“In recent years, there’s been a rumor that NPB official balls ‘don’t travel as far.’ The WBC balls used in practice seemed easier to hit in comparison, and Sato himself looked quite satisfied, saying, ‘This is really fun!’” (reporter on site)

In the send-off games against SoftBank on February 22 and 23, he started both matches. In the first game, he immediately made his presence felt with three hits and five RBIs, thrilling fans in the stands.

“Sato’s contract renewal with Hanshin over his posting to MLB dragged until the end of January, just before camp began. That may have affected him, as he often looked serious during Hanshin’s camp. But at the national team’s camp, he practiced freely with a smile, and that mental ease likely contributed to his strong performance in the send-off games,” (same source).

Those around Sato also helped him integrate into the team after the off-season turbulence.

“Playing on his nickname ‘Sato-Teru,’ the players and coaching staff teased him on the field, saying, ‘Hey, Goneru~!’ In particular, infield seniors such as Sosuke Genda (33) of Seibu and general coach Nobuhiro Matsuda (42) would joke, ‘Isn’t it still too early for MLB~!?’ Sato didn’t argue back; he just smiled and replied, ‘Sorry for causing a stir! (laughs)’

Of course, the players and coaches weren’t criticizing Sato’s posting negotiations. By turning public criticism into jokes, they aimed to ease his mind.

Behind the bench, he was encouraged: ‘If you want to go to the majors, dominate on the field. Scouts are watching you, so give it your all!’” (Samurai Japan insider)

In contrast to the Hanshin front office, which viewed Sato’s MLB posting as selfish, the Samurai Japan teammates warmly support Sato’s dream. With the love and backing of teammates striving for the world’s top prize, can Sato carve a path toward his dream?