The brand concept that the Rakuten Group upholds, "On a Mission: Empowerment," "Behave Ethically: Integrity," "Prepare to Succeed: Professionalism," "Complete Commitment: Get Things Done," and "Solidarity: Succeed as a Team."What if we applied these five to the players of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles?Strangely, or rather inevitably, I found a lineup that fits perfectly.The "Behave Ethically: Integrity" award goes to athlete Daichi Suzuki.As a veteran infielder who has built a solid career, his figure on the bench, cheering on his teammates louder than anyone else, exudes the nobility, pride, and sincerity of a top athlete.

Suzuki, a player known among baseball fans not only for his playing style but also for his sincerity in speech and behavior, from his days at Toyo University and his tenure with the Chiba Lotte Marines.While making victory a major premise, it is also important how to execute it.The more talent and ability one has, the more likely one is to become self-centered.How does he manage to maintain his humanity while continuing to be a “pro”?

“It’s hard for me to think of myself as having high integrity (laughs), but it’s nice to be told so.Reflecting on my life so far, I tried to think about what triggered it, if indeed that was the case.What can be clearly stated is that all such behaviors are things learned from the people we have met so far.

One was the words of my parents.This is about the time when I was in elementary school.At that time, while I was a pitcher, I batted in either the 3rd or 4th spot.I was at the core of what you’d call a team, only thinking about producing results myself.However, it’s not like everything goes that smoothly.Even when I took the mound, I would often get hit hard right from the start, causing a large point gap. There were many times when I would end up crying or sulking at the end of the bench, feeling down.

My parents said this to me when they saw me in that state.”You might be feeling down because you got hit, but even in such times, your friends are playing hard, so you should cheer up.”Back then, I was like, “I know that already!”I thought, “Really?” though (laughs).As I grew, gradually, I realized how incredibly important those words were.Everyone is working hard for the team to win, so it’s not good to get down on yourself for not producing results and not cheering on.Even if you are frustrated, cheer up.It’s easy to say this, but we often forget or find it hard to do effectively, don’t we?Even now that I’ve become a professional, these words remain with me as something important to return to my initial intentions.

Another one was the image of the players I met after becoming a professional.What I always feel as I enter my 12th year is that the players who have achieved outstanding results tend to have a strong character and value their relationships with those around them.Each playstyle is unique, but they all seem to share the belief that “my current position and achievements are not due to my own efforts alone.”I have encountered players who express themselves through their posture, as well as players who communicate their thoughts through words.Conversely, there were also some really pompous players, weren’t there? (laughs).

These encounters with such players are not just limited to seniors, but there is also a lot to learn from juniors.The current Eagles team has many promising young players, so there are times when they can provide inspiration.Through communication, I think, “I still can’t afford to lose,” and conversely, “Like I once learned, I want to move their hearts with my actions and thoughts.”Furthermore, this team has a very close relationship between pitchers and fielders, not just in terms of age differences.When I joined the team in 2019, it was really impressive that we were able to build such a close and friendly relationship, even though we were still unable to go out for meals due to the impact of the coronavirus.

I’m also 34 years old this year, and before I knew it, I’ve become one of the oldest members in the team.How long can one remain noble and virtuous… (laughs).Even so, I don’t take it for granted to be in this world of professional baseball. Struggling, I play hard, and I want to leave something behind for the future of the Eagles.”That’s all.”

TEXT: Chiharu Abe