Power Pros Forum

April 1, 2035

16:47

“The whole field’s set up nice, huh?” Nomoto said to me while we waited for the crowd to fill in.
“Yeah, they really did a nice job.”
The Knights had just completed their 20th season, and to celebrate the occasion, the original owner, Matsuo Kanegi and the GM who started it all, Jack Allen, are set to return.
I’ve been bestowed the classified knowledge that Allen will be retiring a whole bunch of the numbers that the “original Knights” wore.

“How was your first year, kid?” Nomoto took a bite of his apple and adjusted his glasses
“Not bad at all, I’ve got a great bunch of kids down there. We’ve got some serious NPB-level talent. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ishikawa, Yoshimi or Kura's son playing for you in the next couple of years.”
“Hunh… You guys made it to the playoffs, didn’t you?”
“Yep. We got knocked out in the first round, but it was pretty exciting to make it there in my first season.”
“Hah, I would imagine. ...You know, you remind me a bit of Jack.”
“Gah, jeez, I wouldn’t say that. You can’t compare someone like me to him!”
“Hahaha, you did always say he was your hero.”
“But of course!”

“Listen, kid, I’m gonna head back to the locker room and catch up with some of the guys.”
“Alright. I’ll see you in an hour or so.”
“See you.”

Nomoto headed back into the locker room area leaving me to look over my books again. You really can never stop learning!

17:50

I was enthralled by the travels of one Housuke Odoroki, rookie lawyer. It’s the masterful 4th installment of a novel series by Shu Takumi.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. “He’s here.”

I looked at my watch and noticed that an hour had flown by. “Jeesh… I need to keep better track of time.”

I walked out onto the field and took a seat in one of the second row’s folding chairs. The first was, naturally, reserved for the players that are going to have their numbers retired. Nomoto took a seat to the left of me.

Looking at the stands made me uneasy, “The Archers’ stands are never this full…”
“Haha!” Nomoto laughed, “you get used to it, kid.”
I couldn’t imagine getting used to something like that.

The crowd erupted in loud cheers, and I looked back at the home dugout. The players were flowing out.

Taiga Kura, Koyato Oda, Daisuke Fukuchi, Ataru Hiyama, Xiao Zenigata, Yoshiro Ushida, Kenta Maeda, Sakutarou Makida, Ryo Fujioka, Masato Kurihara, Takuya Kanazawa, Akitaka Shimozono and Yoshio Fujii walked out, in that order. Behind them, though, was…

Jack Allen.

I am VERY excited for this.

*squee*

Oh boy, a new Knights installment? Is this for the latest game (JPPY 13), I presume?

ye, it is from 2013

SSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQUEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Oh shit the gods have rewarded us.

heh, thought you gave up on that

i'm excited as *(censored)* though, also just like in the previous installments, if you need a guy then PM me

heheh, hopefully I haven't

will do, brah

April 1, 2035

18:00

Allen walked up to the stage that was quickly assembled this afternoon. Pretty impressive if I do say so myself.

He took the mic, “Hello everyone. Been a while since I’ve been here, huh?” The crowd roared

“Hahaha, regardless... Tonight’s not about me, as much as I would like it to be. No, tonight’s about the players. The ‘original’ players. Tonight’s about the guys who made the Knights possible. The guys who made the Knights a powerhouse. Tonight we shall be celebrating the incredible players that made up the Knights organization at the start… Twenty-one long years ago.”

Laisei Matsubara, our current GM, walked up to the stage and handed Jack two large black bags.

“Great, thanks Laisei.” Jack turned back to the microphone, “of course, it’s an honor just to have these guys back at Blue Stadium. But… That’s certainly not the only reason they’re here. No way.” Jack pulled out a circular… thing from the bag. “First off… I’d like to call someone up here.” He took another peak at whatever he was holding. “I’d like to call up one of the more exciting players to watch and someone that I just enjoyed hanging around… Your shortstop of nineteen years, the ever suave, and now ever father, number one, Taigaaaaaa Kuraaaaaa!”

Kura’s face lit up. He, along with the rest of the people in the stadium, barring Nomoto and I, had no idea what was going to happen.

“Why’re you calling me up here, man?” Kura asked
“To give you this.” He handed him a round plaque with a grey “1” on it, I couldn’t help but smile.
“wh...wha” Kura was dumbfounded.
“YEAHHHHH” I could hear Satoshi, his son, cheering behind me. “Satoshi!” Nomoto yelled at him
He quieted down.

“I… Jack… Man…” Kura teared up, “Jeez, man. I… I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything, Taiga. You’re a huge part of why the Knights are still around. This is the least that we can do to repay you.”
“I… Thank you, Allen. Thank you so much.”

KURA
AGE, YEARS PRO, GAMES PLAYED, HITS, AVG, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI
37, 19 years, 2610 games, 3739 hits, .327, 682 doubles, 84 triples, 506 HR, 2053 RBI
(2nd most hits all time, 5th most doubles all time, 7th most triples)

(Note: Age is their age upon retirement)

Kura took his seat again.

“Next up is his middle infield partner, your second baseman of eighteen years with the impeccable flow, number three, Koyatooooooo Oooodaaaaaaa!”
Oda, significantly less shocked than Kura was, walked up and grabbed his “3” plaque.
“I’m not gonna cry like my man Kura did, hahaha, but damn, Jack. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate this. You gave me a chance up here. You threw me at second even though I had barely any experience there… You had faith in some punk kid. If it weren’t for you, Jack… I have no idea where I’d be. So… Thank you. And,” he turned to the crowd, “ thank you, Kyoto! You’re really the best fans anyone could ask for!”

ODA
AGE, YEARS PRO, GAMES PLAYED, HITS, AVG, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI
37, 18 years, 2518 games, 3715 hits, .345, 744 doubles, 78 triples, 499 HR, 2083 RBI
(2nd best batting average of all time upon retiring, 10th most RBI all time, 3rd most hits all time, most doubles all time upon retiring)

They, naturally, erupted in cheer.

Oda took his seat again, and Jack took up the mic, “next up is a special man. He led a bunch of kids to a championship from inside the locker room. He was the bridge between the front office and the players, keeping it all in balance. Of course, I’m talking about your second baseman, CAPTAIN, AND NOW MANAGER HIDEOOO NOMOTOOO!”

NOMOTO
AGE, YEARS PRO, GAMES PLAYED, HITS, AVG, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI
37, 21 years, 2442 games, 2014 hits, .251, 444 doubles, 27 triples, 107 HR, 522 RBI

Nomoto had no idea that he would be included in the ceremony. He only started for the Knights for a year, so it’s natural he didn’t think so.

“M-me…?”
“Come on up here, Nomoto!”

Jack pulled out a plaque with a “4” on it, but instead of the grey that Kura and Oda’s had, his was a royal blue.
“Why’s mine different?” He asked
“I figured that your number four should stick out among the rest, Hideo, for all that you’ve done for the team. We would be in a much different place had it not been for your tutelage. Thank you.”
Hideo pushed up his glasses, “well… You sure know how to make an old man cry, Jack…”
“Hahaha. It was an honor to work with you, Hideo.”
“You as well, Allen. Thank you. And I have to give a thank you to the fans as well. You all stood by us, through thick and thin. Through my first season as manager where we finished in 5th place, we still sold out every night. You all are here because you love the game. Simple as that. I… I really appreciate the support… Thank you.”

He took his seat again, tears still in his eyes. “Congrats, Nomoto.”
“Thanks, kid.”

I'm confused... who's Nomoto? Why did he make such a difference?

where's Kurihara?

Nomoto was the captain of the Knights

He was a pretty minor character, heheh

He's their manager now

Kuri's comin don't worry none

Oh, okay. Thanks for clearing that up, all i could figure out was that he used to play and wasn't very good. .

April 1, 2035

18:21

“Up next is someone I thought about trading early on, honestly. But, behind his stone cold face is unmatchable grit. Though it took him a little while, he really hit his stride. I’m talking about none other than your third baseman of fourteen years, Daisukeeee Fukuchiiiii!”

Fukuchi walked up to the stage, his face unwavering, “Thank you Jack. Thank you fans. You’re great.”

He walked off the stage.

“Fukuchi, everyone!” Jack said as he was clapping. Fukuchi really hasn’t changed, heheh

FUKUCHI
AGE, YEARS PRO, GAMES PLAYED, HITS, AVG, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI
32, 14 years, 1821 games, 2745 hits, .317, 450 doubles, 34 triples, 325 HR, 1541 RBI

“Ahem, right… After Fukuchi comes our first pitcher of tonight’s ceremony. This guy proved everyone wrong, completely blowing us all away, and he got many Darvish comparisons. Please join me in welcoming one of our aces, number eleven, Ataruuuu Hiyamaaaa!”

Hiyama walked up to the mic, “uh… I’ve never really been one for words, but… yeah. There isn’t really much else for me to say. Thank you so much, Allen. I… I don’t even know how to put it into words.”
Jack shook his hand, and the crowd erupted into cheer once again.

HIYAMA
AGE, YEARS PRO, ERA, INNINGS, STRIKEOUTS, WINS-LOSES, SAVES
37, 19 years, 3.68, 2891 IP, 2235 strikeouts, 253 wins-71 losses, 4 saves
(4th best win percentage of all time)

“After him is someone that I, unfortunately, never really had the chance of getting to know. His rookie season was my last one. But goooolly, did he ever prove to be productive. Soooo, here he is… Your thirteen year roamer of the outfield, number fourteen, the Chinese Menace, Xiaoooo Zenigataaaa!”

He handed him his “14” plaque, “thank you, Mr. Allen. I didn’t know you personally, but the other guys always sang your praises. So, I would assume you’re a swell guy. And this is a swell city. I spent 13 years of my life here, and they were some of the best. So, thank you.”

ZENIGATA
AGE, YEARS PRO, GAMES PLAYED, HITS, AVG, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI
33, 13 years, 1651 games, 2363 hits, .341, 457 doubles, 65 triples, 386 HR, 1473 RBI

He walked off.

“Hunh… Swell, heh.” Jack chuckled, “Aaaanyways, up next we’ve got some lanky kid my draft advisor stumbled upon. Who would’ve thought he would’ve been one of the best to ever play? I’d love to welcome your center fielder of seventeen years, Yoshiroooo Ushidaaaaa!”

Jack handed Ushida his “15” plaque, and he took the mic. “Heh, Jack… You called me when I was in the middle of my homework. I was on the team the next day. I don’t think that that was very conventional, but, oh well. Screw conventional. Jack, you changed my life. You saved me from mind-numbing tedium as a salaryman, so I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, kiddo.”

USHIDA
AGE, YEARS PRO, GAMES PLAYED, HITS, AVG, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI
37, 17, 2199 games, 3434 hits, .342, 656 doubles, 61 triples, 367 HR, 1614 RBI
(3rd most hits in a single season with 242 in 2021, 5th best career batting average all time, 6th most hits, 6th most doubles all time)

Ushida waved to the crowd as he took his seat.

“This guy, everyone knows well. It was an absolute honor that the Knights even were able to pick up someone of his immense talent. This man revolutionized pitching, and after twenty long, extremely effective years, I would like to call up our ace, number eighteen, Kenta Maedaaaaa!”

“Thank you Mr. Allen. The trade that I went through was one of the best things to ever happen to me. Kyoto changed me as a person and as a player. The fans expected so much of me, so I had to really bring up my game to make sure I didn’t disappoint. Of course, there were some times that I didn’t do what I was brought over to do, but everyone cheered regardless. In fact… I’m not sure if I ever really heard a ‘boo’ from the home crowd… Hm… Commendable. Thank you, Mr. Allen.”

He grabbed his “18” plaque and walked down the stairs on the left side of the stage to near-deafening cheers.

MAEDA
AGE, YEARS PRO, ERA, INNINGS, STRIKEOUTS, WINS-LOSES, SAVES
38, 20 years, 3.39, 3383.1 IP, 2869 strikeouts, 268 wins-89 loses, 1 save

Jack took the mic once again, “Maeda… You know, I think you’re right. I don’t ever recall any jeers from the crowd. Also, please, you can just call me Jack, haha.”

Maeda cracked a smile, breaking his usual stoic expression. I was shocked. Well, a little shocked. Just a bit.

Oh, I see, you're going through more players than just the first 3.

April 1, 2035

18:34

“And now I would like to invite up here one of the most, er, ‘energetic’ players I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. One of the biggest presences both in and out of the clubhouse, the holder of the 2nd most appearances ever, your bullpen bud, number nineteen, Sakutarooooouuu Makidaaaaaa!”

Makida walked much faster than did the others, but, of course, that was to be expected, since he’s never not bursting with energy. It’s pretty amazing, really. He grabbed the mic hard.

“Hello Kyoto! Hello Jack! It’s great to be back, you know? It’s an honor to receive this honor, Jack…. I am honored! I hope that my sheer number of appearances balances out my kind of high ERA, everyone! I did whatever it was that I needed to do. Leaving the closer role was a hard, but necessary thing put on me. Fujioka was the much better choice, you know? ...Well, I shall cherish this treasure forever, Jack! Nineteen is my favorite number after allllll!”

MAKIDA
AGE, YEARS PRO, ERA, INNINGS, STRIKEOUTS, WINS-LOSES, SAVES
38, 20 years, 3.96, 1709.2 IP, 1358 strikeouts, 120 wins-48 loses, 117 saves
(2nd most appearances all time with 951)

Makida probably didn’t even need the mic. Hell, I think they turned it off halfway through… He walked off the stage and took his seat next to Maeda.

It’s funny to think that they’re friends, despite being so drastically different.

“Hey, thanks for mentioning Fujioka, Makida. Because, if it isn’t obvious, up next is the kid. Now, he was planned to just be an eighth inning guy, but he was moved to the closer role out of sheer necessity. And that certainly seems like it was the right decision, since Fujioka ended up being one of the best closers to ever play the game. So, if you could, please help me in welcoming to the stage, your closer, number twenty three, Ryoooo Fujiokaaaaa!”

“I didn’t play as much or as long as I had thought that I would, but I retired when it was time to retire. Despite having the 4th most saves of all time, I wouldn’t like you to think me any better than any of the other bullpen guys. Without them, I would never have this. Without the batters, I would never have this. My record is indicative of a team rather than an individual. Without my brothers in arms, there’s no way that I would be standing up here in front of you all. Thank you. I can’t truly express my gratitude enough…”

He pushed up his glasses, and wiped his eyes. “Lots of crying tonight, heheh.” Nomoto said under his breath.

“...Thank you everyone…” Fujioka said as he took his “23” plaque and headed back to his seat.

FUJIOKA
AGE, YEARS PRO, ERA, INNINGS, STRIKEOUTS, WINS-LOSES, SAVES
37, 17 years, 2.81, 833 IP, 682 strikeouts, 59 wins-27 loses, 314 saves
(4th most saves all time)

“Fujioka, everyone!” Jack said, clapping his way back over to the microphone.

“Okay, everyone. You all know who’s next, don’t you?” There was a very loud ‘YEAH’ from the crowd as one collective voice.

Up next was, of course, ‘Kami-sama,’ Masato Kurihara.