[Book Review] History of the Keio Senior High School Baseball Club

2024/11/12

Someone once said, "Baseball is love." That person was sports broadcaster Bryant Gumbel. He even added, "The other sports are just sports."

Since the same could surely be said for any sport, I used to think this was a bold statement by someone unafraid of exaggeration. However, upon picking up the "History of the Keio Senior High School Baseball Club," I have changed my mind.

Indeed, this book proves above all else that there are many instances in baseball that can only be described by the word "love," and one cannot help but be moved by the passion of the people involved.

Needless to say, baseball played by Juku students has existed since the earliest days of the sport in Japan. It is said that the Mita Baseball Club, considered its source, did not distinguish between the college or the Keio Futsubu School, and teams were formed based on merit. It must have been quite delightful to see people of all ages enjoying games according to the situation, with alumni and members of other sports clubs sometimes gathering for intra-squad games.

Materials regarding this club, formed in 1888, are said to be "scarce." However, the group photograph of members in uniforms with "MITA" emblazoned across the chest is clear, showing even the equipment of the time. Furthermore, it is valuable that the names of members and foreign teachers, which had been misreported for a long time, have been corrected and made accurate.

Because the members of this era approached baseball with such enthusiasm and earnestness, they not only received guidance from the Shimbashi Athletic Club—formed in 1878 by Hiroshi Hiraoka after his return from studying in the U.S.—but upon that club's dissolution, they were gifted a full set of authentic imported baseball equipment. Keio University was thus able to move forward with an advantage that no other school possessed.

The subsequent activities of the Juku baseball club were dizzying. The chain of hard work and effort in each period and field is described in detail and with fairness. It is noteworthy that the book provides detailed accounts not only of the high school baseball club, but also individually for the baseball clubs of the Keio Futsubu School, the Juku Industrial and Commercial School, and the Keio Second High School.

The chronological table, divided at the point when the school became a high school under the new system, is extremely thorough. It is significant that it includes social conditions through items such as "History of Baseball in the World and Japan" and "Movements in the World and Japan," in addition to the history of the entire Juku outside of baseball.

What is enjoyable to read is Chapter 3, "Memories of the Baseball Club." Here, you can hear the raw voices of the members who graced each era.

A club history that merely recounts a long timeline has little meaning. However, because this book was written with a constant awareness of the role played by Keio Senior High School baseball within the history of the sport in Japan as a whole, its value far exceeds the realm of a single school's records.

Fortunately, supported by many comrades and strong human relationships, Keio Senior High School baseball has always maintained a bright and proactive attitude. The traces of those precious sweat, tears, and cheers can be read here, but that does not mean they only value their own journey. If that were the case, why would there be a section titled "Keio Senior High School Baseball as Seen by Rival Schools"?

I was impressed that for the period after 1990, every single practice match is properly recorded. Also, in "Various Records," outstanding records set by high school players in official games are listed with explanations, which is invaluable. In addition to match results from various tournaments, readings such as "School Building Stories," "Practice Field Stories," and "Uniform Stories" are also enjoyable.

Newspaper articles from the time, placed where necessary, convey a respect for objectivity and composure. The documentary photographs included throughout are all excellent; they seem to capture not only the conditions of the time but even the voices of the players.

Scrutinizing such a vast amount of material and appropriately organizing newspaper articles must have required a staggering amount of time and patience. Even just confirming school name changes and the names of those involved for so many schools must have been a major undertaking.

The behind-the-scenes stories found in the many roundtables, dialogues, reminiscences, and interviews are also interesting. Furthermore, there is much to learn from the words of former managers, directors, and coaches in the included Part II.

This club history feels heavy in the hand, but that comes not only from the quality of the paper and the number of pages, but largely from the weight of its content. The depth of love for baseball, respect for mentors and seniors, and affection for teammates and juniors is truly this heavy. It must be said that the hand of providence was at work, as the completion of this book after many years coincided perfectly with the club's first national championship in 107 years.

If saying "Baseball is love" is not an exaggeration, then it is surely no overstatement to say: "The reason Keio Senior High School baseball is the best in Japan is not simply because they won the national summer tournament, but because they are a club capable of possessing such a heavy, profound club history."

History of the Keio Senior High School Baseball Club

Keio Senior High School Baseball Club / Hiyoshi Club

2-volume set, 676 pages (I), 280 pages (II). Distribution price: 10,000 yen (base price)

*Affiliations and titles are those at the time of publication.