This essay reflects on the history and culture of the Rakuten Eagles, which has been woven since the team's inception in 2005, with a spotlight on the distinguished Manager Katsuya Nomura, who supported the "Genesis" of the team.The latter part focuses on the accomplishments of the talents he nurtured, the realization of his long-cherished dream of becoming Japan's number one in 2013, known as "11.3", and the legendary "10.24" that served as the prologue to it.

Manager Katsuya Nomura often said, “Aces and fourth batters can’t be nurtured.”It’s something you encounter,” he said.Among them, Hisashi Iwakuma was the one who tried to establish himself as the cornerstone of the early Rakuten Eagles.

Under the leadership of Manager Katsuya Nomura, the Rakuten Eagles made their first appearance in the Climax Series (hereafter CS) in the fall of 2009. Iwakuma was a pillar of strength, exuding an aura of dominance that was no less intimidating than that of Masahiro Tanaka, who led the team to its first victory and Japan’s top spot in 2013.

In 2008, Iwakuma had an overwhelming record of 21 wins and 4 losses, a 1.87 earned-run average, and an 80.4 winning percentage, thereby securing the Triple Crown for pitchers.The Seibu Lions, who achieved the best record in Japan, hit 198 home runs in a season of “high scoring, low pitching”, during which Iwakuma allowed just 3 home runs all year.Won the MVP with astounding results, also secured the Sawamura Award.I steadfastly supported the team that finally escaped from the bottom rank in the final match.

In the following 2009 World Baseball Classic, he contributed to Japan’s second consecutive victory as the de facto ace of the Japanese team, and despite his fatigue, he continued to perform at full capacity throughout the season.The Rakuten Eagles achieved a leap to their highest team ranking, finishing in second place.And then faced the CS.

The triumphant advance came to a halt, and the bitter defeat in the final game will be remembered in the team’s history as “10.24”.However, it is not often discussed that this defeat was indeed the prologue to the “11.3” four years later.

After winning the first and second games of the CS First Stage, thanks to complete games pitched by Iwakuma and Tanaka, Iwakuma made a loud declaration in front of a full house at their home ground, K-Sta Miyagi (now Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi).”I’m serious about reaching the top (being the best in Japan).”The fans were greatly excited by the calm and cool words of Iwakuma.

However, the barrier to becoming the best in Japan was high.The second stage of the Climax Series with Nippon Ham.In the final inning of the first game, with a 4-point lead, the closer Kazuo Fukumori allowed a nightmarish reverse consecutive full-base sayonara home run to Sledge.It’s still known as the “tragedy of Fukumori’s 21 pitches.”

And then on October 24th.The fourth game, with no more chances left to advance to the Japan Series.It was the bottom of the eighth inning, with a score of 4-6, two outs, and runners on second and third base.In a situation where any more points lost would be fatal, the one who appeared on the mound was number 21.

Manager Nomura chose to play his never-before-used card of “Relief-Iwakuma”, opting for a “do-or-die with the ace”.The ace was the only one left to show the determination to overturn the disadvantage.The batting box is that one sledgehammer hit.Even if hypothetically they get hit, everyone can be satisfied if it’s by the team’s best pitcher.He pitched a complete game with 125 pitches the day before yesterday.Despite that, I stood on the mound, feeling spirited by the nomination from the Manager.”If we hold back, we might be able to (turn the tide).”It was the tenacity of the ace who continuously carried the team on his back.

But the god of Baseball is cruel.The nightmare visits again.

The second pitch thrown by Iwakuma to the sledge went straight up, and was caught.It’s a three-run.

In the end, the team was defeated, marking the end for Nomura Rakuten.After the game, Iwakuma openly expressed his feelings in front of the interview camera, unable to hide his tears.

“I was serious about reaching the top, I’m sorry.”

Surrounded by reporters at the place that came into view, Manager Nomura muttered.”I apologize for making Iwakuma do something he is not accustomed to.”

During the game on this day, Tanaka was also throwing bullpen pitches with Iwakuma.Complete game victory with 126 pitches the day before.Even though I was tired, I was prepared.”I was always ready to go whenever I was told to,” he said.However, still treated as second-best.My turn never came.

Two years passed, and during the spring camp of the year when the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, Tanaka loudly declared in front of his colleagues.

“Of course, I want to win the league and become Japan’s number one. I also aim to take over the opening pitcher from Mr. Iwakuma, who has been the opening pitcher for four consecutive years, and strive for the Sawamura Award.”

In 2011, Tanaka became the opening pitcher.Secured 19 wins and a 1.27 earned run average, also got the Sawamura Award.Furthermore, in 2013, with 24 wins and no losses, and an earned run average of 1.27, he significantly contributed to the league championship.Moreover, the last of the Japan Series was actualized as the best in Japan through a divine pitching performance that seemed to overcome Iwakuma’s tears.

On November 3, 2013, the seventh game of the Japan Series between the Rakuten Eagles and the Yomiuri Giants.Manager Hoshino Senichi of the Rakuten Eagles sends out Tanaka as the closer in the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead.The player with number 18, who had thrown a complete game with 160 pitches and lost the previous day’s 6th game, sealed the end with a spirited pitch, unfazed by fatigue.He shouldered the responsibility for the team’s wins and losses alone, and threw himself into the task tirelessly.

The glory that the team seized on “11.3”.That was the “Top” that Iwakuma tearfully spoke about on “10.24”.

“Joy of 11.3”.It’s been 10 years since that achievement of becoming the best in Japan.The scene where the Rakuten Eagles first stood at the pinnacle of the baseball world is a legendary moment that colors the history of professional baseball.

The journey of Tanaka leading the Rakuten Eagles to the pinnacle of the baseball world.It also represents the process in which Tanaka pursued and tried to surpass the first ace.

There’s no doubt that they were nurtured by Nomura-ism.

TEXT : Masayuki Konno
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)
SPECIAL THANKS : Chiharu Abe