Youth baseball clinic and the 25th Soka University President's Cup Hachioji Youth Baseball Tournament were held

On Saturday, December 6th, under a clear blue sky, the Soka University Youth Baseball Clinic was held at the university's baseball team's World Ground, with approximately 60 members of the university's baseball team and approximately 110 children from youth baseball teams in Hachioji City participating. This baseball clinic has been held for youth baseball teams in Hachioji City since 2012 as part of the university's contribution to the local community, and this year marks its 11th year.

After warming up with tag and catch, the children divided into their respective positions and practiced for approximately two hours, including tee-ball batting, pitching, and infield and outfield defense. As each child worked hard during practice, the baseball club members cheered on them with encouragement like "Nice ball!" and "Nice play!", offering advice on their form. Also participating was pitcher Taiyo Yamazaki, who was selected third overall by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the professional baseball draft held on October 23rd. At the end of the workshop, a baseball club member demonstrated how to hit a home run, and the children watched intently and cheered in excitement.

One of the children who participated in the baseball class said, "I will continue to practice hard so that I can become a cool player like my older brothers." Also, Yamada Rui (3rd year), captain of the university's baseball team, said, "Through this baseball class, I saw the children putting their all into each and every pitch and playing with loud voices, and it inspired me to never forget to play baseball with avidity."

The following day, on Sunday, December 7th, the opening ceremony of the 25th Soka University President's Cup Hachioji Youth Baseball Tournament was held at the same ground, with 32 teams from Hachioji City and the surrounding area taking part. The tournament will continue until February of next year.