4月5日、午後4時前の菱沼海岸。荒々しい波音が響く中、砂浜の一角が即席の野球場に変わっていました。
お父さんがバットを構え、息子さんがピッチャーを務める、親子水入らずのバッティング練習です。少年の足元には十数個ものボールが用意され、準備は万端。「さあ、かかってこい！」とお父さんが威勢よくバットを構えます。
「お父さん、行くよ！」と投じられた一球目は低めのコース。お父さん、力一杯振りますが……「オッと、空振りだ」。続く二球目は絶好のストライクゾーン！……に見えましたが、これも空振り。三球目もバットは空を切り、快音はなかなか聞こえてきません。お父さん、大丈夫でしょうか？四球目は大きく後ろへ逸れ、これは当然の見逃し。五球目、六球目と練習は続きます。
ふと左側に目をやると、おじいさんとお母さんが小さな子供を遊ばせている穏やかな光景も。
強い風と白波が寄せる厳しい自然の中でも、ここは家族にとって大切なコミュニケーションを育む、包容力に満ちた空間となっていました。快音こそ響かなくとも、共に白球を追うこの時間は、何物にも代えがたい宝物。いつかこの砂浜から、本物のホームラン王が誕生する日が来るかもしれませんね。
A Windy At-Bat: Training the Future Home Run King
April 5th, shortly before 4 PM at Hishinuma Beach. Despite the strong winds and the rhythmic crashing of white waves against the shore, the beach had transformed into a makeshift baseball diamond.
A father and son were engrossed in their own private batting practice amidst the invigorating sea breeze. With about a dozen balls scattered at the boy’s feet, they were ready for a serious session. “Alright, bring it on!” the father shouted, gripping his bat with both hands. “Here it comes, Dad!” the boy called out. The first pitch was low, and the father swung with all his might—only to miss. The second ball seemed to fly right through the strike zone, but once again, the bat met only air. The third swing followed suit, with no satisfying “crack” of the bat to be heard. One had to wonder if the father was going to be okay! The fourth ball sailed behind the batter, an easy take. The practice continued through the fifth and sixth pitches.
To the left, another family scene unfolded: a grandfather and mother were playing with a young child.
Despite the harsh wind and surging surf, the beach provided a warm, welcoming space for vital family communication. Even without a single hit, the time spent chasing the ball together is a priceless treasure. Who knows? Perhaps a future home run king is being forged right here on the sands of Shonan.