Kabasawa advises to achieve better results: relax and showcase one's individuality. [Athlete Insights]

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Takeshi Kabasawa, a 29-year-old infielder for Toyota's corporate baseball team, has come a long way in his baseball career. His journey began in elementary school, where he initially showed little interest in the sport.

In his first year of junior high school, Kabasawa's team experienced a winless streak and couldn't advance to the prefectural level. However, this setback didn't deter him. Instead, it fuelled his determination to improve.

Kabasawa's breakthrough came in the third year of junior high school when he learned to relax his shoulders, which helped him hit the ball with more power. This newfound skill earned him a spot on his school's team and propelled them to the prefectural level.

Despite earning a commendable top-16 finish at the Koshien tournament, Kabasawa was not satisfied with his high school baseball experience. He attributes his perseverance to a 'so what' attitude, thinking he would just give it a shot and not worry about the outcome.

After joining Toyota's corporate baseball club in 2012, Kabasawa struggled initially with hitting during practice due to excessive anxiety. Coach Hata's advice to Kabasawa, asking if he really had his eye on the ball and could read the ball even while watching TV, had a lasting impact on him.

In April 2018, Toyota's corporate baseball team was preparing for the National Intercity Nonpro Baseball Championship Series. Head Coach Daisuke Kuwahara has expressed his enormous trust in Kabasawa, batting him at cleanup and relying on him to perform under pressure. Coach Takashi Norita praises Kabasawa's dedication to practice and his ability to build on one achievement after the next.

Kabasawa's leadership skills were tested when he captained his team at the Summer Koshien (High School Baseball Championship of Japan) and gave the players' oath of fair play. As captain, he realised his duty to pull the team forward and set goals to cheer on pitchers and commit zero errors.

Kabasawa appreciates the support he has received from his family, girlfriend (now wife), and teammates. He feels the same way when watching young players, suggesting that they should relax and try to find their own swing.

Despite facing new challenges and frustrations while playing university ball, Kabasawa never lost his passion for the game. He joined a boys youth baseball team and, due to the team's success, enjoyed playing baseball.

Toyota's corporate baseball team participated in the Intercity Baseball Tournament for the first time in 1963. Today, Kabasawa continues to be a key player, known for his calm character, but he once exploded with emotions in high school due to feelings of guilt and frustration. However, he decided to change his behavior after this incident and stopped expressing his feelings to others.

Kabasawa's story is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of finding one's own swing. His journey serves as an inspiration to many young baseball players who aspire to reach the same heights.

Kabasawa advises to achieve better results: relax and showcase one's individuality. [Athlete Insights]