He is an unusual outfielder. His offense power is not great. Instead, he starts with defense. He has fast feet, outstanding judgment, and special shoulders…. He became a professional. He is not a key player. He won the Golden Glove 10 times. He advanced to the Major League afterwards. He also showed off his class there.
Such an outfielder has revealed an unexpected history. He confessed that he had endured the 17 years of professional career with just one glove. It is not a luxury brand. It costs only 70,000 won (approx. He spent it until he retired by cultivating, overlapping and stitching it.
Even amateur cyclists are investing heavily these days. They use latest brand products that cost hundreds of thousands of won (approx. It is hard to believe that a professional player, especially a defender who played in the Major League, managed to endure with his outdated and shabby glove.
It is the story of Tsuyoshi Shinjo, 52, the coach of the Nippon Ham Fighters.
He posted several pictures on his Instagram account on Wednesday. He made such comments.
“The glove is like the heart for a baseball player. I got the ball inside even in close play thanks to this 7,500 yen glove, and a memorable play was born.” 메이저사이트
There is also a story behind it. “My father taught me that I should cherish tools when I was young. I kept using it until the end of my career without changing it after 17 years of professional career.”
He did not forget his requests for his juniors. “Now that I have so many cool gloves, I can tell how a player feels about changing them every year. However, if you are a professional, I hope you will show your great performance through plays. A person who values equipment will also value people, and others will cherish him as well.”
In fact, Shin’s character is clear. He is said to be more like a celebrity than a baseball player. He has good appearance, good style, and enjoys glamour. When he was active, he enjoyed idol-level popularity.
After his retirement, he started going about his career. He was a regular panelist on TV entertainment programs. He was a talent, creator, and fashion model. There is something that he cannot fall for. He is also famous for his affection for super cars, luxury brands (especially clothes and accessories), and high-end wines.
He is such a person, but when he talks about gloves, he becomes a different person.
It was his first year as a pro in 1990. He joined the Hanshin Tigers as draft No. 5. It was when nobody paid attention because of the low ranking in the team’s nomination. There was one thing I bought first with my first salary. It was his glove. It was priced at 7,500 yen (about 70,000 won). The team logo and uniform number (then changed to No. 63 and No. 5 later) were engraved on it.
And 17 years have passed. The uniforms have changed several times (Hanshin – New York Mets – San Francisco – Darcy Mets). The last one was at the Nifonham Fighters. It was at the retirement ceremony. He appeared in a dark single and cool muffler. He was like a model of manners. In front of him was an old glove.
“This is too much. I have reached my limit. It was this friend who stood by me even when I felt that way,” he said, expressing deep emotion.
There are a few anecdotes, too. I get along well with people, but I sometimes hate it. It’s time for someone to touch my glove. “Don’t touch me. Don’t change your senses by mistake,” he says, jumping up and down.
It must have been amazing in the U.S. It was an episode when we were with the Mets. It’s interesting to see their shabby gloves. A close colleague said he would try them on. Likewise, they are surprised. Rumors have it that they were serious, saying, “If you wear long and thick fingers, you will be in trouble.”
He had several crises. He was also hit by a spike and tore it. He had about four major surgeries. “I saved it and used it only for practice. I had another one for practice,” he said.
They also seem to serve Shinju during long-distance trips or away trips. They always put it on the TV in their hotel rooms. It is interpreted that this is to be careful of moisture and temperature in its own way.
It was in 2006. It was when he played his last game as an active player. A line drive flew towards the center field. No wonder. It was caught by Shinjo’s glove. However, he suffered some damage while catching the ball. He failed to overcome the strong batting speed. He thus achieved the ultimate goal together.
Five years have passed since then (2011). Shinjo’s father passed away. He taught her to cherish her gloves. It’s not just baseball. She was a teacher of life. All her life was hard work. She never escaped poverty. However, she never stopped caring for her son.
It was one winter. He was complaining to his son who had never asked him to buy anything in his life. “My hands are freezing. I can’t train anymore.” Then, the father opens his wallet. He had been saving the money to buy work gloves. He gets a fur glove with it and puts it in his hand.
It is the last day of his funeral. It is time to let go of the deceased. The son puts something in the coffin of his father, who is lying down. What was precious to him all his life, what made him the day, what he cherished for 17 years, and what he and his dreams were embedded in him. It was an old glove costing 7,500 yen.