Sources: Daily Sports / Yahoo / Nikkan
Fumihito Haraguchi had a complete medical checkup done in late December 2018 in preparation for the 2019 season. The news he got back was shocking: colorectal cancer. He was quite quick to make the announcement himself via his Twitter account, and underwent surgery a few days later.
In the days, weeks, months that followed, he occasionally posted cryptic tweets while slowly making progress: showing up at Naruohama for personal workouts in March. Full team practices a little after that. Then pinch-hitting appearances. Games at DH. Then first base. Finally, his natural position, catcher.
Then on June 3, he got the call he’d been working all year for: he was heading up to the top squad for interleague play! Here are some of the questions he fielded at that first press conference:
How are you feeling about the call-up?
FH: A combination of serious nerves and excitement. Both at the same time.
Do you feel like things have gone according to plan?
FH: Honestly, when I was laying in that hospital bed, I expected that I’d be able to come back a lot quicker than this. But I had a lot to catch up on once I got back to the ballpark: getting into playing shape, taking batting practice, playing in the field – it was hard to get that feel for the game again. Fortunately, I was able to play in a lot of games [on the farm] and here I am today. I feel like I was ready for the call-up, got myself ready, and now it’s time to get results. I feel very strongly about not just coming back, but making an impact and getting results.
Among all the things you might be expected to do, what are your goals?
FH: I’m joining the team as they have a good rhythm going here, and it almost feels like there’s no room for me to break into the lineup. Everyone’s playing well. All I can do is focus on each pitch and each at-bat when I get called on. I just have to focus on getting good results when chances present themselves.
So what’s your next goal now that you’ve been called up to the top squad?
FH: Hopefully I can stay up on the top squad right through until the end of the year and make my mark. Hope I can get into a lot of games and contribute to getting the team an extra win or two the rest of the way.
So the team finds itself up four runs in the top of the 9th. Runner on third. What better time to call on #94? The result speaks for itself. Reach for that tissue box if you’re the emotional type.
Despite not being the difference maker on the field with his bat, Haraguchi’s successful return earned him a spot on the hero’s podium. Here’s what he had to say:
Welcome back, and congratulations. How does it feel to be back?
FH: It’s a great feeling. You know, I received a ton of support from the fans and all sorts of people. I’ve got nothing but thanks for everyone.
The team called on you with a chance to add to the lead. How did you feel standing up there at the plate?
FH: I didn’t think I was nervous or anything, but afterwards I realized that wasn’t true. My stomach was killing me.
So you hit the ball to the wall and slid headfirst into second base. Thoughts?
FH: I hadn’t slid like that in 2-3 years, so I guess my body just went into autopilot and did it for me.
A lot of fans were waiting for your return. Any words for them?
FH: The team is playing really well, and there’s a good vibe on the bench. I just want to find a spot for myself without disrupting team dynamics, but at the same time, do my part. Keep cheering me on!
He says he saw the signboards in the crowd, and the moment has been imprinted in his memory. He was also surprised at how much cheering he heard even from the Lotte Marines side of the stands. The biggest surprise came later, when he learned that the Marines recognized the significance of his hit, and passed the ball on to the Tigers’ bench. After the game, manager Akihiro Yano passed it to him.
And what was Yano’s postgame reaction? “We actually played together in my final year. He had such a hunger to get into games, to become a good player. I hate to say it, but Fumi’s not a very good player. But after all he’s been through – the back injury, the cancer… he’s been through a lot and he’s still fighting, still working to get better at the game. Those things are only going to make him stronger. That’s the thing about him – he’s unbreakable. All I can say is that he’s something special. And what happened tonight? Well, this might be going to far, but it’s almost like the baseball gods orchestrated this for him, so he could stand center-stage. It’s like a movie.”