The next part of the award ceremony was the receiving of the medals. The same girls that were part of the opening ceremony wearing blue dresses stepped forward and placed the medals over their heads one by one.
While Yokohama received gold medals, the Koryu team received silver ones.
Everyone took their hats off to receive the medals, finally completing the first part of the ceremony.
“We would also like to draw attention to the truly spectacular players who had stood out during this year’s competition.” The Chairman said, his gaze looking down upon the players.
“Our Top Batter award goes to… Hiroki Kondo from Yokohama High. Please come forward and collect your award.”
Hiroki who was standing next to Ken suddenly stiffened, surprise etched onto his features. Ken couldn’t help but smile as he gave the teen a nudge forward. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
The boy then walked forward awkwardly, before bowing and receiving a small trophy with a player swinging his bat atop it. He also received a small certificate before returning back to the lineup with a grin on his face.
Ken couldn’t help but feel happy for the guy. After suffering with a capped potential for so long, he was able to break through and receive recognition for his hard work.
Of course Ken wasn’t jealous at all. He was a pitcher before he was a batter…
Plus there was another award that would net him the most benefits.
He subconsciously licked his lips as he thought about the reward from the system.
“Ahem.”
The Chairman cleared his throat, prompting the crowd to quieten down a little before he read out the next award.
“Our Top Pitcher award goes to… Ken Takagi from Yokohama High also. Please come forward to receive your award.”
Ken was happy, but he wasn’t too surprised for receiving such an award. If they didn’t give this award to the first pitcher to throw a perfect game in Koshien history, then who else would deserve it?
He passed the plaque onto Yusuke who was a little further along the line before walking up and receiving his small trophy. This one depicted a player on the mound instead of a batter like Hiroki’s.
After returning to the lineup, Ken waited in anticipation for the next awards before he was interrupted.
*DING*
Ken’s face turned to one of joy as he heard the system notification ring in his mind. This could only mean one thing…
“Our Most Valuable Player award goes to… Ken Takagi once again.”
A loud cheer burst out from the crowd before a rain of applause came down to the field. Both Chris and Yuki were grinning from ear to ear as their son walked up and received his second individual award.
However, their happiness couldn’t be compared to Ken who almost skipped his way towards the podium to receive his award. The only thing on his mind at that moment were the juicy rewards waiting for him from the system.
After the awards were given out, everyone stood for the national anthem as the Japanese flag was lowered from atop the stadium. This was the final part of the ceremony and brought everything to a close.
Once they were given the all clear, they were led into the tunnels by the girls in the blue dresses towards their locker rooms.
The Coach closed the door behind him before looking at his players with a wide grin.
“We did it!”
“ORYAAHHH!”
The team broke into another round of celebration behind closed doors. Now that they weren’t in the eyes of the public or in the middle of a ceremony, their accomplishment finally began to sink in.
The plaque which Ken had given to Yusuke earlier was already making the rounds between the players who were appreciating it greatly.
Seiji Hanada felt his heart was full in that moment. He couldn’t believe that the players he’d been in charge of had managed to take themselves all the way to a Championship. There truly was no better feeling than this.
“Everyone, I want to say a few words.”
Almost instantly the players turned to the coach and gave him their full attention, showing just how much they respected him.
Seeing this, Seiji’s smile grew wider. If it weren’t for his shabby hair and stubble-like beard, he might actually look handsome.
“I’m so proud of each and every one of you in here today. We worked hard all year, sacrificing our blood sweat and tears in order to pull this off.”
He paused for a moment, taking the time to look around at everybody in the room.
“Whether you played 6 games, 1 game or even cheered in the dugout, you all deserve a piece of this championship. Everyone made their own contributions to our success, so all I can say now is rest well, you all deserve it.”
The players let out a cheer, their joy boiling over.
“Does anyone want to say some words? Captain?” Seiji looked over at the muscular captain who had a satisfied smile on his face.
He appeared to be calmer than usual, lacking the typical intensity that he always had. Nevertheless, he got up and stood in front of the players.
“I… I wanted to say thank you to you all. My time at Yokohama has been the best time of my life and I wouldn’t want to share it with anyone else.” Makoto lowered his head, his emotions barely in check.
The mood turned a little somber in that moment. Although it was left unsaid, everyone knew that the 3rd years would retire after the Summer Tournament.
“Coach…”
Makoto turned to the side and addressed the coach, his eyes moist. In one swift movement he bowed at 90 degrees, showing immense respect for the man who had mentored him for the past almost 3 years.
“T-Thank you for everything!”
His voice broke at the beginning, but everyone could feel his heartfelt words.
It wasn’t just him, the remaining 3rd years like Yuta, Yuki and Naoki all walked up and stood beside him, bowing towards the coach.
“Thank you for everything!”
Seiji felt a lump form in his throat as he looked at the 3rd years.
‘Damn it! I said I wouldn’t cry in front of the players…’