The Keio University Baseball Club sealed victory in the 2021 Fall Tokyo Big6 Baseball League, clinching the title for the 39th time. 2021 saw back-to-back victories in the spring and autumn leagues, a feat not seen since 1991. Haruto Watanabe, a 4th year outfielder from the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, was honored as one of the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League's Best Nine for the season.
A parade and celebration are traditionally held following the closing ceremony for the league, however this season only the celebration was conducted in view of the continuing impact of COVID-19. Venue access was restricted to those directly involved, with proceedings from the stage streamed online via YouTube Live.
The celebration began with a performance from the Keio Cheer Group, followed by a greeting from President Kohei Itoh. In his remarks, President Itoh praised the Baseball Club for their triple-victory at the 2021 Spring Tokyo Big6 Baseball League, the Japan National Collegiate Baseball Championship, and the 2021 Fall Tokyo Big6 Baseball League, a first for the Keio Baseball Club. He followed with a rallying cry ahead of the upcoming Meiji Jingu Baseball Tournament.
After President Itoh's message, Kenta Yamada, President of the All Keio Student Council delivered his remarks, which were followed by a kagami-biraki (breaking open of a ceremonial sake barrel) by President Itoh, Baseball Club President Kotaro Oka, Manager Tetsuya Horii, and Captain Shogo Fukui. Finally, after remarks from the Baseball Club and a Q&A with the players, the Keio School Flag was raised and all present were treated to renditions of the school songs "Keio Sanka" (Homage to Keio) and "Oka no Ue" (Up on the Hill).
A relaxed mood permeated the room throughout the celebration, with all participants sharing in the joy of the victory.