During their coverage of the Rakuten Eagles' spring training camp in Kin Town, Okinawa Prefecture, the syncSPORTS editorial team was taken aback by the fervor of the visiting fans.I truly felt that their thoughts and feelings were boosting the players' motivation and strengthening the team.I must make my voice reach further in order to aim for the championship!

The Rakuten Eagles conducted their spring training at the Kin Town Baseball Stadium in February this year.It’s possible to get quite close to the field and bullpen, allowing you to enjoy scenes that you rarely get to see during the season.It seems that a female fan who was visiting from Okinawa was overwhelmed by the intensity.”I went to see the bullpen, and I was impressed by the sound of the ball settling into the mitt ‘thwack’. It was a great opportunity for the children..”

It seems that the team is focusing on SNS, and as a result, there appears to be an increase in new fans.There was a woman who said, “I felt closer to the athletes when I saw them having fun dancing on TikTok, and before I knew it, I had become a fan.”

Unlike last year when fan services were restricted due to the impact of the new coronavirus, this year the distance allows both players and fans to convey their thoughts directly.The expressions of the players, who were responding to requests for photos and autographs, were filled with smiles.

Became a fan after watching a game in Sendai while traveling, 3 years ago.This year, Mr. and Mrs. Okuzono visited the spring training camp for the first time and were moved by the closeness to the players.

I feel happy and grateful that everyone is so kind, providing autographs and fan service beyond what I had imagined.Last year ended with the disappointing result of B-Class, but this year, under the guidance of our new Manager Toshiaki Imae, we are certainly aiming to become the best in Japan. Please keep up the good work!
My favorite athlete is Ryosuke Tatsumi.Being from Hyogo Prefecture, I always find it interesting how your comments connect with the local area.Please aim for the championship this year and do your best!

The boys living in Okinawa who love the pitcher Masahiro Tanaka were surprised at the size of the professional baseball player’s physique when they saw him up close.For fans in Okinawa where there are no official games, spring training camps serve as an opportunity to experience professional baseball.

“The presence of the athletes makes the camp very enjoyable.”Ma-kun(Masahiro Tanaka), please keep trying no matter how old you get!(Mr. Yugo Suzuki)

It was cool to see Ma-kun up close.Please do your best aiming for the championship!(Mr.Maekawa Shouta)

I came to like the part where Ma-kun striking out looks cool.Please do your best to be able to win.I love Rakuten Eagles!(Mr. Daichi Maekawa)

Ms.Shoji, a native of Sendai and a fan since the team’s inception, visits the training camp every year and also supports the minor league players.

One of the charms of the Rakuten Eagles is the abundant fan service they provide to their local community, due to the fact that they are a team supported by everyone in the area.My favorite player is Fumiya Kurokawa.I have been supporting Chiben Wakayama High School since my time there, and knowing that they are the same age as me, I feel incredibly inspired to work hard as well.At camp, I’m the one who stays until the very end every year, practicing and working incredibly hard.Being able to witness such scenes is also one of the real pleasures of camping. Kurokawa, please do your best so that you can excel in the first team! We are cheering for you!I’ve always loved you. (Ms.Shoji)

I started cheering after seeing Haruki Nishikawa’s (currently at Yakult) game-tying three-run home run when I visited a Baseball game for the first time.Although originally from Tokyo, they are now such a fan of the Rakuten Eagles that they go to watch the minor league games.

A part of the charm of the Rakuten Eagles is that there are many events where the players and fans can interact.My favorite player is  Kotaro Seimiya , a player under development, so I often go to watch the Eastern League. As I get to know various players, I’m becoming more and more fond of them (Ms.Kusanagi).

Having relatives from Kumejima, she had always felt a close connection with the Rakuten Eagles, who set up camp there.I became a fan while watching games on TV, and now I warmly support the team.

Since Kin Town is my local area, I come camping here every year.It’s not often that you get to directly watch official matches, but during the season, you can see scenes of practice that you wouldn’t usually get to see, and even witness interactions between the players. It’s also enjoyable to hear the conversations of the players since they are close by.To all the athletes, I really want to see you win this year!(Mr. Takara)

Once again, this year’s spring training camp allowed us to appreciate the charm of the Rakuten Eagles and professional baseball.Moreover, many people who watched the games at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi have said that they “have grown to love it more” and “want to go again”, suggesting that the charm of the ballpark is indeed being communicated to the fans.This year, why not try inviting your family and friends to watch a game at the stadium?

TEXT: Chiharu Abe
PHOTO: Yuki Nara
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)