Original subtitles

Would anyone like a Hyper Dry?

Us Back Then

Would anyone like a Hyper Dry?

Feels like I've seen her somewhere before...

We can even see the bench from here!

E-Excuse me.

Sorry if I'm wrong, but...

You're not Uda Natsume, the idol, are you?!

I... I had your CDs in middle school...

You have the wrong person.

R-Really?

I'm sorry.

She's actually right.

I'm Uda Natsume.

But I'm not an idol.

I'm an actress now.

It says that online, too!

I made my debut nine years ago as part of the idol group Daydream Theater.

We broke up due to poor sales.

Six years ago, I switched to acting—my real dream.

I've been trying hard to land roles ever since.

Though I'll admit I haven't had much luck.

Natsume

Natsume

Natsume

Natsume

Maybe I'll never escape the label of "failed idol."

Huh?

Hey, are you...

K-Kohinata?!

I knew it!

No way! You're still working as a vendor?

Yes!

And this is info that's not even available online...

Natsume 10 years ago

Kohinata 10 years ago

Before I became an idol, I sold beer at this ballpark.

I'll never forget that night you dragged me out to drink 'til dawn!

That takes me back!

That was the day Tsubaki left the MotorSuns.

Right?

Tsubaki Mitsuteru.

A promising player in high school, part of the "Double-T Duo" with Kojiro,

he was expected to become the MotorSuns' ace.

That's right!

You just loved Tsubaki, didn't you?

You told me all about him that night, going back to his high school days.

This is so embarrassing!

It was a great memory, though.

I still remember what he said in his exit interview.

It hurt so much to watch it.

It was covered by so few reporters compared to when he joined.

When I get up on the mound, I can't stop thinking...

"What if I can't get the ball in the strike zone?"

But when I get into that mindset, I always really fail.

From the moment I'd taken the mound...

I'd already lost!

Like that!

That's right! Exactly!

You really are an actress! What a great performance!

Stop that, now.

Formerly of Daydream - Uda Natsume Solo Shoot

When I do magazine shoots

Can't-Miss Year-End Deals!! First Try at a Food Review!!

Formerly of Daydream Theater Uda Natsume

or local TV appearances,

my caption is always "former idol."

Nobody accepts me as a serious actress.

I've failed too many auditions to count.

I'm just like the MotorSuns.

A perpetual failure, you know?

The MotorSuns are an eternal class-B, under-500 finishing,

reliable-loser team, right?

I knew I'd chosen an uphill path, but it still gets to me!

Everyone says that failure is crucial to succeed,

but I don't wanna fail!

So I came here to get comfort from my fellow failures!

More, please!

Here.

Guess the MotorSuns are fielding now.

Everyone hits the shops and the bathrooms at the same time,

and the concourse gets crowded.

Takes me back.

Gets your vendor's blood racing?

Even as a vendor, I didn't have any talent.

It's another hit!

It's one out with runners on 1st and 2nd!

I don't like how this is looking.

Guess we'd better get back to our seats.

Huh? Hey, aren't you...

Hey!

More people who know me as an idol?

I knew it!

You're Natsume, that vendor girl from a decade ago!

Yeah! Boy, that takes me back!

And that's ball four!

One out, bases loaded!

The MotorSuns are in trouble in the top of the 7th!

Can Mitsui get out of this one?!

Go for it, Mitsui!

Keep an eye on the runners, too!

He throws from the stretch!

It's hit hard!

Crap! It's gonna get through!

Shortstop Shishio flies at it!

Tosses it to Ichinomiya! That's a second out!

The throw to first!

And he's out, for a double play!

Sorry, what were we talking about?

Oh, that's right.

I hear you're an actress now, right?

Kohinata's always talking about you.

Oh, not really.

I'm not a big deal at all.

Don't talk like that!

It's a big deal that you keep fighting!

You're a MotorSuns graduate. That means you're resilient!

You keep it up now, you hear?

Th-Thanks.

They still lost in the end.

Man, that one was close!

Too bad, but it's not over yet!

Yeah, just do better next time!

The players fought hard until the end.

We need to keep the faith, too!

It's all about next time!

Wh-What's with you?

Hey. It's true that our team loses a lot.

But no matter how messy and bad we look,

we're still trying to claw our way to a playoff spot.

Nobody here has given up yet.

I think that kind of thing is wonderful, myself!

It's okay, isn't it?

If I think of myself as a graduate...

of that messy team, and of this ballpark?

I've probably been losing the moment I step into auditions, honestly.

You know! Like the thing Tsubaki said!

Wow, you really like him, huh?

I hope he's out there still fighting, too.

Don't you worry.

MotorSuns graduates are all resilient.

Look, we're only in the bottom of the fifth in our lives, right?

Stop that!

This is our second inning, tops!

That's right. Is anyone from the old days still at the base?

Nakaizumi's still there.

He's the leader of the checkers!

No way!

You'd be so shocked to see him!

Whack That Bottom!

Home Team Batting Practice Before the Game

Anthony Bryan (Age 28) 5-Hole DH Third Year Playing in Japan 79 MiLB HRs

That one went over the fence, too!

How many was that over the fence?

Keep it up in the match today, Bryan!

Okay! You bet I will, Shishio!

Share some of that power with the rest of us, man!

Just eat well and you'll catch up soon, Ichinomiya!

Dennis Young (Age 27) 4-Hole Third Baseman First Year Playing in Japan 45 MLB HRs

Hey. What's up, Dennis?

You're looking down.

It's nothing, really. Don't worry.

C'mon, let's talk about it.

Maybe I can help.

Why...

Why is everyone always all over you?

What?

You mean, like in comment sections?

I almost never go online...

N-Not that!

Not online!

What do you mean, then?

I mean...

Your butt.

My butt?!

Everyone's always giving you ass pats.

But... no one ever gives me ass pats!

D-Dennis, nice batting!

It's amazing! You can hit the ball anywhere!

The former Major Leaguer is afforded a respectful distance.

I'm not the most sociable person. I realize that.

But I decided to stay in Japan next season, so I wish they'd show a little...

Oh, is that it?

"The loneliness of the overseas import."

I'm jealous of how well you fit in here in Japan.

Oh, me?

I guess.

My wife's Japanese, we've opened a Puerto Rican restaurant in Tokyo,

and it's doing really well.

Plus, I've got a dream of getting 2,000 hits and entering the Golden Players Club.

Golden Players Club

But that's not what really matters.

Where you're messing up is—

Hey, Dennis!

The manager's calling.

Stop by for a minute.

Sure.

Sorry, Bryan. We can talk later.

Hey, Dennis.

You took two HBPs yesterday. You okay?

Hey, Dennis. Were you okay after being hit by a pitch twice yesterday?

It's okay. I'm ready to do my best.

I'm totally fine.

I'm ready to keep giving it my best, like I always do.

Dennis, that's the problem.

That's where you're messing up.

Even if you can't speak Japanese,

you need to make eye contact with the person you're talking to, not the interpreter.

Bottom of the fifth.

Next at the plate for the MotorSuns,

fourth in the order, third baseman Dennis Young.

C'mon. Here. Your beer.

Oh, th-thanks.

Just getting my wallet...

H-Here. One thousand yen...

D-Dennis has two hits today.

He's looking good, right?

Yeah, guess so.

Ruriko's acting different today...

She hasn't made eye contact even once!

C'mon. Your change.

Oh, uh, sorry. Are you mad at me?

No, of course not.

Later.

Uh, I'm sorry...

That was so awkward!

Why'd I have to call him "Mr. Murata" last time?!

Mr. Murata.

So freaking awkward!

Then, by contrast...

That man is being awfully friendly with my goddess.

I feel like Dennis is staring right into my soul!

Now it's tied three to three at the bottom of the seventh!

Dennis Young has had three hits today.

He can hit for the cycle if he gets a home run!

That's a great achievement,

but the MotorSuns can't afford a loss if they want to make the playoffs!

"The loneliness of the overseas import."

Can he get past Katabira of the Fukuoka Styx?!

Overseas import, huh?

Call me what you like.

Then this import will take his team...

to the Climax Series!

It's a hit!

It's hit hard to right field!

Right fielder's going back! He's at the fence!

Will it go over?!

It's over the fence!

It's a home run!

The MotorSuns get the go-ahead run they need!

Dennis Young moseys over home plate!

He's hit for the cycle!

N-Nice batting!

That was perfect!

It's incredible that you hit a low cutter all the way into the right-field stands!

D...

Domo arigato gozaimasu.

I actually think you went too far on that hit, Dennis!

Congrats on your cycle!

Is that the first time you've ever spoken Japanese?

The spirit of youth!

I wish I could be part of that!

After the game...

Dennis!

I brought in the girl you hit with the home run.

You said you wanted to apologize, right?

Yeah. Thanks.

M-My destiny!

I hit my goddess with that ball?!

I-I'm so sorry...

N-No, no...

Gomen nasai... right?

What?!

Nice batting!

A-Arigato gozaimasu!

We heard the news, Kojiro!

The Double-T Duo

Congratulations on your wife's pregnancy!

Word travels fast, huh?

Thanks. It's been really humbling.

How did your teammates react?

They all gave their best wishes.

Is there anyone you want to tell, besides your family and your teammates?

Anyone else?

Good question.

There's definitely one person I have to tell.

Hey, Kojiro, where are you going?

The team meeting's about to start.

R-Right. Just gotta make a call.

I'll be right back.

I need to find a place to be alone.

Good day, sir!

Mr. Igarashi, good to see you.

Crap! I'm late again!

Ballpark Staff

Waiting Room

Unoccupied

The staff waiting room...

It's unoccupied.

All right.

Hello? Is this... Kojiro?

Y-Yeah.

Sorry to call you out of the blue.

Are you free?

What's up?

It's been a while, Tsubaki.

BASEBALL Tsubaki Takino The Double-T Duo Drafted to the pros together Special Draft Issue

BASEBALL Tsubaki Takino The Double-T Duo Drafted to the pros together Special Draft Issue

Tsubaki... I...

How have you been?

Good. Thanks for asking.

The last time we saw each other was that interleague game,

when I was with the Speedwagons and you were with the MotorSuns.

Thirteen years ago. That takes me back.

Sorry I left before we could revive the Double-T Duo for the MotorSuns.

Where are you right now?

I heard you were playing for an indie league in the US.

I quit three years ago.

Oh, yeah?

It must have been hard over there.

I don't regret it.

My playing was the same as ever, but my English improved.

You should've called me when you got back.

What are you doing for work now?

I'll tell you the next time we meet.

But I take pride in what I do.

You don't have to worry.

I see. That's what really matters.

Seems like you've been cleaning up lately, Koji.

I couldn't say.

I'm in double digits for the first time in a while,

but I'm way past my peak.

Not true at all.

Your starting stance and the position of your elbows...

It's all been looking great for the past month or so.

Wow, seriously?

You've really been watching me, huh?

Koji...

I don't want you to retire for a long, long time.

Come on, that was the plan either way.

Hey, Tsubaki.

I've got something to tell y—

Man, the food at the staff cafeteria here is great!

All right! Let's get down to work!

M-Mr. Kojiro?!

Sorry, is this the wrong room?

S-Sorry! You need the room, right?

I'll be right out.

No, take your time!

We'll wait in the next room over.

Oh... Are you sure?

Sure, no problem at all!

Please excuse us!

Sorry about that. Some people came—

Excuse us!

Oh, hello there! Good to see you!

Sorry, Mr. Kojiro's using our waiting room for a call.

Do you mind if I get changed here?

H-Hey, Tsubaki!

Where are you right now?!

Koji...

I've got to get to work, so I'd better hang up.

Wait a minute!

Are you—

Later, Koji.

Wait a minute!

I've got something to tell you—

Oh, hello again!

Is the room free now?

Sorry about all the trouble earlier!

Was someone else in there?

There certainly was!

Excuse me!

Please let me through!

Tsubaki! You're in there, aren't you?!

Hey, Tsubaki!

Tsubaki, I'm coming in!

Sun... Shiro?

Higher starting stance! Right elbow up!!

Give it a try!

I-It was... you?

Tsubaki!

You are Tsubaki, aren't you?!

Nope I'm Sun-Shiro

No, not like that!

I'm being serious!

I take pride in what I do.

You don't have to worry.

I see.

Yes, of course.

Koji, congrats on your baby

Right. Thanks...

Thank you, Sun-Shiro.

Next Time

"Number One!"

"Number One! (Part 2)"

"Number One! (Part 3)"