In a baseball match between Stanford University players, the slings and arrows never stop.
The red-shirted supporters yell out abuses at the black-clad players and the black-clad players return the favour.
A black-shirted player shouts, "Whoa, hey, Luke's got a new stance!" as rookie catcher Luke Lavin, presumably trying to mimic Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs, stands tall in the batter's box.
When the black team's No. 3, a stocky adolescent who will not start his freshman year until next year, steps into the box, though,
the atmosphere shifts. After some lighthearted teasing, both parties start yelling out their support. Rintaro, let's go! It's time, Rintaro! Go ahead and hop on, Rintaro!
The presence of the player is still unbelievable, according to infielder Jimmy Nati. "Indeed, we're all completely smitten with him."
Typical Stanford baseball recruit Rintaro Sasaki is not. In his native Japan, he is a household name and can be seen practically everywhere.
In a nation where high school baseball is a national preoccupation, Sasaki was regarded as the top high school player last year.
Select Red Wings eliminated from playoff race despite comeback victory against CanadiensRed Wings eliminated from playoff race despite comeback victory against Canadiens