I've got to make it to write just my feelings about what has been going on each day!! "Private Diary": I do not know why, but I feel a little uneasy about until when it will last.  Riko Higashio

March 17.2006 Friday

I have so much to write today but I have to start with World Baseball Classic. Congratulation to the Japanese team for becoming World Champions! I went to see the Korean game on 18th and the final against Cuba today.

Ok, Korean game on Saturday, It was a very good game. Pitchers are the center of the game. Most interesting was the Korean fans and the way they were cheering. You must have watched on the TV but its amazing! It must be their love for the country. Patriotism - this is word I think of now. I am watching this game in a stadium in US but it was almost like I was in Korean stadium. There were so many Korean fans. And all of them got to cheer for the team as one! Then today's Cuban game. I felt for those player who were representing Japan. How nice to play for the country and flag! There were more Japanese fans today. They were chanting "Nippon! Nippon!!"

When I am playing in a tournament, I am inside the rope which separates supporters from us but I am cheering for them. I was enjoying the moment and was hoping to share a similar feeling to my fans when I play.

Anyhow, I was practicing this morning. I had Taniguchi and Tanihara to play with me. We all share the same trainer. It is good have a round with good players even you are doing it forfun. Professional Men are much better players. Needless to say they can hit longer but also the putting and details are much much better. Next 3 weeks, I shall practice more.

Anyway, I enjoyed the baseball today!!