What baseball position would Haruki Murakami play? Fond memories of college days. (unofficial Murakami-san no Tokoro translation - Q/A #131)

(Talked to the mods and it looks like I can post in here still?)

Q131

If you were a baseball player, which position would you play?

I would go for pitcher or middle reliever. I think I’d be the type to have a diverse range of breaking balls, but little stamina, and end up injuring my shoulder pretty early on.

(Niyapurinko, female, 49 years old, company worker)

A131

I’m interested in the 2nd baseman position. You really have to use your head for it, and I get a sense it’d feel rewarding. When I did my P.E. practical at Waseda University, I took softball and covered 2nd base. But then, I was thoroughly drilled in complex cover plays, among other things, and became obsessed with the idea of playing 2nd base. 

Nishiootachime-san, who would coach me, had a successful career as an umpire at the Koushien High School baseball tournament. His guidance was theoretical and was overall a great teacher. Out of all the things I studied at Waseda, this might have been the most beneficial. Even now when I watch baseball, my eye is drawn to 2nd base fielding and movement.

I learned that Nishiootachime-san passed away in 2002 as an emeritus professor of Waseda. Some time ago, I was able to meet Atsuya Furuta and told him a story about Nishiootachime-san. He smiled fondly and said, “You were taught by Nishiootachime-san? Man, I’m so jealous!”

To be praised by Atsuya Furuta, Nishiootachime-san was a very impressive man! At the time, though, I’d had no idea.