As July arrived, the weather grew hotter by the day: the blazing sun of midsummer evenly scorched every living creature exposed to its rays, evaporating not only the moisture in their bodies but also their spirit and vitality.
Ordinary high school students in Japan were now planning their summer vacations, calling friends to arrange outings; but at the Sadaharu Oh Memorial Stadium, the baseball boys of Waseda Industries continued their intense training under the hot weather.
For others, summer might mean watermelons, cold drinks, air conditioning, and the sound of cicadas; but for those who have dedicated their entire high school life to baseball, the summer Koshien is the ultimate dream for most of them.
When Izumi Minoru walked into the field, the Waseda Jitsugyo players were practicing fielding:
