Japan's Hanamaki Higashi High School Celebrates Newest Baseball Sensation

At a school in Japan's snowy northern mountains, reminders of distinguished alumni are everywhere. Banners proudly display Los Angeles Dodgers megastar Shohei Ohtani and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, welcoming every visitor with their faces.

Now, Hanamaki Higashi High School is honoring a new prodigy among its students - one whose high school achievements surpass even those of Ohtani and Kikuchi.

Rintaro Sasaki was born and raised in the quiet town of Hanamaki, located in Iwate prefecture. Baseball has always been a big part of his life, as he spent his childhood playing catch with his sister and his father, who happens to be a coach.

When he enrolled in a school renowned for its top-notch baseball team, Rintaro found himself living in dorms with his teammates. He was fully immersed in the sport, surrounded by the impressive accomplishments of those who came before him.

Sasaki told CNN that legends like Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi played a big role in sparking his interest in baseball, leading him to fall in love with the sport.

Now 18 years old, Sasaki has made a name for himself in baseball history by hitting an impressive 140 home runs during his high school career. This remarkable achievement has even surpassed the accomplishments of the legends he looks up to. He was highly anticipated to be the top pick for Japan's professional baseball league.

Sasaki is taking a different path compared to those who came before him. Instead of immediately pursuing a professional career, he has decided to focus on education. Starting this autumn, he will be attending Stanford University in California, with the goal of playing top-level baseball in the future.

He expressed his excitement about the new challenges he will face at Stanford. Sasaki mentioned that he is not just looking to improve his baseball skills, but also to study and prepare for a second career after retiring from the sport. Stanford's extensive campus, which reminded him of home, and the supportive coaching staff were key factors that drew him to the university.

Sasaki shared that he decided to transition to academia because of his father, Hiroshi, who not only serves as his coach but also plays a significant role in Hanamaki Higashi's baseball program.

Hiroshi, who previously mentored Ohtani and Kikuchi, believes that America is a place where Rintaro's exceptional talents can truly thrive.

Sasaki told CNN that in Japan, people often focus on shortcomings, while in the US, they prioritize developing individuality. He believes this difference is a positive choice for his son.

Under the guidance of his father, Sasaki has developed into a skilled talent. However, in order for his son to reach the level of players like Ohtani and Kikuchi, the coach emphasized the need for more practice.

Los Angeles Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani is honoured during a pregame ceremony at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on May 10, 2022, for his 2021 American League MVP award.

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way player for the Los Angeles Angels, was recognized during a special pregame ceremony at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The ceremony took place on May 10, 2022, to celebrate his impressive achievement of winning the 2021 American League MVP award.

Ohtani, a player for the Los Angeles Angels, recently signed a lucrative contract with the Dodgers. He has been named the American League MVP twice in the last three years for his skills as both a pitcher and designated hitter.

Sasaki, sitting in the same gym where Ohtani and Kikuchi trained under his watch, expressed awe at their athleticism. He believed in their potential to excel as athletes from the moment they joined the team, attributing their success more to their hard work than his coaching.

Now, with three baseball stars hailing from Hanamaki Higashi, Sasaki's teammates are filled with pride at sharing the same hallways.

Taichi Murakami shared with CNN how much he admires the outstanding athletes from Hanamaki Higashi, saying they are so good that he sometimes questions if they are even real humans.

Coach Sasaki revealed that despite being a public school with a limited baseball budget, Hanamaki Higashi has managed to produce three exceptional athletes. He credits their success not to any mystical elements, but to their dedication to rigorous practice and strong mental toughness.

He believes it's crucial to avoid blaming others and making excuses. "Setting firm goals is another key practice," he added.

As Sasaki gets ready for the next phase of his journey, he embodies the values of Hanamaki Higashi, a school known for its impressive track record in developing baseball players.

“One day, I want to be playing on the same field as Ohtani and Kikuchi,” he said. “That’s what’s driving me.”

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the remarkable journey of Rintaro Sasaki, a young baseball prodigy who has surpassed the achievements of his illustrious predecessors at Hanamaki Higashi High School. His decision to prioritize education and attend Stanford University demonstrates his commitment to personal growth and a well-rounded future beyond baseball. Sasaki's story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the importance of balancing athletic excellence with academic pursuits.

The article also sheds light on the influence of Coach Hiroshi Sasaki, who has played a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding these young athletes. His focus on hard work, mental toughness, and accountability has created an environment that fosters success both on and off the field. Hanamaki Higashi High School's unwavering dedication to baseball and its students' development has produced exceptional talent, proving that with determination and a supportive environment, anything is possible. rigorous practice and a focus on individual development has fostered a culture of excellence that has produced three Major League Baseball players. Hanamaki Higashi serves as a model for other schools and sports programs, demonstrating the importance of creating a supportive environment where athletes can excel both as individuals and as a team.