The sun rises...
...and just like the way the orange sky turns violet...
...you too will eventually know the answer.
The horizon is hazy in the distance.
And the easterly wind moves...
...straight to the west, to the west.
Those who've made their dreams come true -
Where do they have to go ?
And those who cannot find their dreams -
What can they look up to ?
It's a journey where you decide for yourself...
...where the beginning and end are.
I have neither the place to return to...
...nor the song to sing yet.
But I feel I've kept moving forward.
And that's the only thing that's certain.
In front of me...
...there's a painting being painted with a palette that's missing a few colors.
And those missing colors will be found one by one.
On those sleepless nights, who will you think of ?
And those that are waiting for you...
...are still there somewhere.
Central Anime (Kansas)
TOUCH
Where the Wind Goes
Um...
Emerald Stadium...
...do you know where it is ?
Thanks.
Hey !
What are you ?
Hey !
Stop it !
Oh, are you a friend of Pinch's ?
See ya, Pinch.
Hey !
Huh ?
Get this stupid dog off me !
Weren't you playing with him ?
Heck no !
Hey, you shouldn't let such a violent dog run free, you know ?
It's already begun.
Huh ?
The meeting.
Oh well.
Being late on the first day...
...he's probably not going to make it.
Well, now that everyone's here, I'd like to introduce myself.
I'm Franklin Beaumont, the owner of the Green Town Emeralds.
And this is Coach Ian Isles.
Once again the season has come when I have to put up with you puppies.
It's not like you'll be able to put in a great performance even if you try hard...
...so just do whatever you want.
Hey now...
I'm sorry.
I'm Uesugi Tatsuya, pitcher.
Oh, Japanese boy.
You've finally arrived.
I'm sorry.
Bastard.
So the 25 of you are members of the Emeralds...
...and will be competing in the Single A Frontier League.
Anyway, we have 145 games.
Maybe you can try and win one game, even if just by sheer luck.
Hey now...
Wow ! That's fast !
Amazing.
That must have hit like 90 mph !
I guess he's got velocity at least.
Wow !
The pitchers seem fairly good.
Perhaps we can go for the A Class ?
I wonder.
Tatsuya.
I heard you're renting a room from the owner.
Yeah.
Me too.
Good to meet you.
Hey. You were pitching some live balls out there.
Thanks.
I'm Bob Kearn.
I'm Tatsuya Uesugi.
I'm Nick Candy.
Nice to meet you.
I hear you come from Japan.
Yes.
I came from the middle of nowhere in Iowa, and it's been 10 years.
I guess I'm a minor league veteran.
If there's something you don't understand, just ask.
Sure.
Oh well, how unlucky.
We were taken by the Emeralds, after all.
The door of the locker room doesn't work.
And the field is like this.
I wonder if that owner is motivated to do anything.
Hey !
Don't complain about Grandpa's ballpark !
What the heck ?
Stop it !
Hey !
Stop it !
What did you do that for ?
Shut up !
Oh no...
Here.
What's with her ?
She's the owner's granddaughter.
What ?
Welcome.
This is my wife, Gina.
I'm Nick.
I'm Uesugi.
Your rooms are in the annex out back.
Yup.
Thanks.
Wow !
It's too tidy for us !
Right ?
I guess you're right.
Here.
Thanks.
Pinch.
This year's pitchers are fairly good.
Frank, I say this as a friend.
You're getting up there in age.
Perhaps it's time to quit ?
The Emeralds won't return to their past.
Green Town's pride, our Emeralds, are now a memory from the distant past.
I'm not chasing the dream of the past.
Then why are you investing all of your assets in it ?
It's the kind of team no one comes to watch...
...and kids just play, running around in the bleachers.
You should just wake up.
I like baseball, that's all.
The Emeralds will disband only when I die.
Kazuya, I'm in America now.
Hey, I'm coming in.
I guess our lives as professional ballplayers has finally begun.
Professional, huh ?
What ?
An FL filter ?
Um, we don't have an FL.
You don't have it ?
But, Mr. Fujimura, you said you wouldn't need one today.
That's why you didn't bring one, huh ?
What ?
Then you can't serve as an assistant.
If you only do what I say just because you're an assistant, then you're not doing your job.
Hey.
Huh ?
The rumor's true, I guess.
What ?
That you started being a photographer.
I'm just an assistant, though.
Were you surprised ?
I'm surprised, too.
Why a photographer ?
Well, when I decided to quit gymnastics...
...I thought no one would ever understand how I felt.
This is your face from your retirement performance, isn't it ?
Yeah.
"Asakura Minami, a delightful smile, toward her new beginning."
When I saw that photo, I realized that there was someone who understood how I felt.
Fujimura Takeshi
Fujimura Takeshi.
I wanted to meet that person.
Then you just...
Yup, I just...
And...
Huh ?
You're going to become a photographer ?
I don't know yet.
How about you, Harada ?
Huh ?
Are you still boxing ?
I quit boxing.
You quit ?
It's a Tibetan martial art.
Tibet...
The 10th...
It's the season opener, Tacchan.
Good luck !
It's finally started.
You're a professional ballplayer.
Do your best.
Tacchan !
It's starting today, isn't it ?
Yeah.
Since I'm not by your side, you feel lonely, don't you ?
Um, yeah.
It's all right.
I'll definitely be cheering for you.
Um, yeah.
Win it all.
Um, maybe not...
Anyway, good luck.
Okay.
How is it ?
Huh ?
How is it going for you, Minami ?
Oh, me ?
I'm working hard.
I see.
I'll write you a letter later.
Right. Okay.
America...
...it's so far away, isn't it ?
Right.
But I can still hear your voice.
Yeah.
The season opener...
I wish I could see Tacchan's professional debut.
I'm getting kind of nervous.
Me too.
Oh, it's Gina.
Here, hold it tight.
Don't spill the ketchup on the seat.
Okay !
Oh ?
It starts today.
I'll treat you to some hotdogs, so eat them and do your best.
Oh, thank you.
Hey.
Keep your hands off our merchandise.
Well, I guess...
Alice was joking.
Here, don't be bashful.
Yes, thank you.
That's the way to go.
The minor leagues are just one stop on your long journey.
Next year, you won't be playing for the Emeralds.
So this is the only season where you get to play in this town.
Make it a special one-of-a-kind season.
One that you'll never forget.
Okay ?
We've got a full crowd today.
It's time for our Green Town Emeralds season opener.
The opponent is the last year's winner, the Silver Sox.
The battery that opens the season is pitcher Kevin Hanks and catcher Nick Candy.
Play !
Okay, let's pull a big one from the opener !
Game set !
Well, it looks like the Emeralds won't betray our expectations this season, either.
There's nothing we can do about it. It's just the opener, after all.
I guess.
Get dressed quickly.
Let's go out on the town !
We still have 144 games left.
We won't hold up if we get too excited this early.
After all, the Emeralds lost 12 in a row last year to open the season.
Phew !
I don't want to break that record.
Is losing a game that fun ?
It's meaningless unless we win the game !
If you want to goof around, why don't you do it in an amateur league ?
I have no time for the baseball softies like you guys play !
Scary.
Huh ?
Hey !
Good morning.
Why are you mad ?
You guys suck.
Huh ?
Losing a game lopsidedly like that.
Oh.
What you guys are playing isn't baseball !
It's not baseball ?
That's right.
I've been watching baseball with my grandpa since I was three.
I see.
In professional baseball, you have to win.
I hear you're starting tonight.
Yeah.
Win it.
Huh ?
Uesugi, you have good stuff.
Good stuff...
But you should learn how to throw breaking balls, too.
Huh ?
It's not like you can beat our opponents with just fastballs.
They're not pushovers.
Breaking pitches...
Pinch !
Right fielder, Number #13, Antonio Sanchez.
Tonight's battery, catcher, #9, Nick Candy.
Pitcher, #16, Tatsuya Uesugi.
Isn't that pitcher still a kid ?
Don't you think so, Brian ?
Asians are baby-faced, you know.
Hey, boy !
Come on !
Win it, Uesugi.
Play !
Strike ! Out !
Good job, Uesugi !
Out !
I did it !
Two outs in the top of the 9th.
The batter is Brian, who already hit two homers in his season opener.
Will he be the last batter of the day ?
Alright !
Game set !
Uesugi throws a shutout !
The Emeralds win their first one this year !
Nice pitching !
Great !
That was great !
Well, that pitcher isn't too bad, I guess.
Uesugi !
Cheers !
I see.
Your first appearance, and your first win !
Good job, Tacchan.
Thanks.
I'm working hard, too.
But...
Huh ?
Why are you being a photographer's assistant ?
Well, I don't really know, either.
But I'm working hard.
That's just like you.
So Tacchan, you work hard, too.
I got it.
Hey, Tatsuya !
Do you know where my shirt is ?
I have no idea.
You're wearing my shirt !
I have no idea.
What do you mean you have no idea ?
Give it back to me !
I have no idea.
Moron.
Oh, you think so, too ?
He's a real moron, isn't he ?
The starter of the third game is from San Clemente in the Caribbean...
...Jose Hernandez.
He's pitched well, keeping the Silver Sox to just one run, a homerun by Brian.
It's now two outs in the top of the 9th.
And the batter is Brian.
It's huge ! But it won't make it !
A flyout to the center ! The game's over !
The Emeralds win two in the row !
Cheers !
Having solved one more mystery of the world...
...I think I can still climb higher.
Though I have yet to find what I'm looking for.
I must have gotten closer to it than I was yesterday.
Beyond the forest I stumbled into.
The soaring blue dreams tell the daybreak.
Everything I've gone through so far was the path for me to get here.
Now I can think of it that way and I want to tell you that.
Wow, she's cute.
She's cute !
Give it back !
Oh, is she your girlfriend ?
How nice.
And she's always with you inside your chest pocket, huh ?
Running faster than the misgivings that are chasing me...
...I think I can go further and further, to anywhere.
Even if someone tells me this way is closer...
...I'd rather run a circuitous way instead of stopping.
A fragment of the blue dream...
...like the color of the blue sky...
...becomes deeper, and it shines more.
What I've gone through -
Sorrow, joy, anger, and love.
They're all precious things.
I think I realize that now.
Everything I've gone through up to now was the path to get here.
I think I realize that now and I want to tell you that.
The Emeralds win the series !
With two promising pitchers, Uesugi and Hernandez...
...the Emeralds are looking good this year !
This error hurts with the bases loaded and two outs !
The opposing hitter is the Silver Sox's cleanup hitter, Brian Wilson.
Uesugi is facing the biggest threat of this game !
Fastballs alone won't do, I guess.
Batting fourth, third base, Nitta.
Hey.
Yes ?
Take some photos.
Huh ?
But...
Just shut up and take some.
Minami, I'm going to America.
Huh ?
I thought I'd play baseball where no one knows Kazuya.
I see.
America, huh ?
Yup, America.
You might be able to find it there, then.
Huh ?
The baseball that's just for Tacchan.
The baseball where you're not Kacchan's replacement.
Right.
I'll look for it, too.
Huh ?
While you look for your own baseball, I'll think about how to become a Minami...
...who can look Tacchan straight in the eye.
Minami, you're doing fine.
I'm not there yet.
When I decided to quit gymnastics...
...I also decided that I'd look for the me who wouldn't waver.
I've decided that.
I see.
Tacchan, you find your baseball in America.
Okay.
And in Japan, I'll look for the me who won't waver.
Sure.
Then...
...Tacchan and Minami can...
...be together...
...just the two of us.
Can't we ?
Of course.
I'll work hard.
Okay.
So, Tacchan, you work hard, too.
Right.
America...
It's so far away.
Huh ?
Strike !
Yes !
Batter out !
Game set !
Pinch, stop it !
You've got good pitches.
What ? Really ?
Yeah.
That little...
Um...
Huh ?
...Uesugi...
Hm ?
You played, didn't you ?
What ?
Baseball, I mean.
I'm still playing it now.
No, I don't mean now.
Huh ? When ?
When you were a child, I mean.
Oh.
My younger brother played.
Younger brother ?
Yeah.
I pitched for the first time in high school, filling in for my brother.
Filling in for your brother ?
On the day he had an important game, he died in a traffic accident.
I see.
I'm sorry to hear that.
It's all right.
It happened many years ago.
We were twins.
So I pitched, just filling in for him.
I see.
But that's...
I couldn't think about what would happen.
Anyway, I tried to be like him and I pitched.
I see.
It sounds like it was painful relief-pitching.
Yeah.
Then I went to college, and I quit baseball.
Then...?
I wanted to play baseball where I wasn't just filling in for my brother.
I couldn't be his replacement forever.
Right.
So I came to America.
Yup.
To play my own baseball.
I see.
I'm envious of guys.
I've been playing baseball since Little League.
It's no fun being a girl.
Why don't you play ?
Huh ?
In the professional league.
Isn't there one ? A women's baseball league ?
Um, yeah, in Florida.
After you finish high school, why don't you go and try out ?
You'll definitely make it, Alice !
When you're playing baseball, you look great.
I've always been around baseball with my grandpa, after all.
I'll try it myself.
Alice, you do it, too.
Your own baseball, I mean.
Okay ?
Yeah.
Crap !
I took the trouble to wash my clothes, and now they'll get soaked !
I'm going to go faster, okay ?
Hang on tight !
Sure.
Let's go !
Strange...
In this manner, on the horizontal line...
Therefore, the two formulae will...
I'm really acting strange.
Alice.
I'm sorry.
Are you all right ?
Huh ? I'm fine.
You don't look well.
I'm doing all right.
Of course she's fine.
Oh, Jane.
Alice is happy right now, you know ?
What do you mean ?
Why ?
I saw you on a date.
Alice had a date ?
Yup.
He was a Japanese boy.
Um, that was...
Japanese ?
What's going on ?
You mean, that one...?
Right. The one on the Emeralds.
That pitcher ?
No, he's not.
He's...
He's kind of cute, isn't he ?
Tatsuya Uesugi !
You little...
Dummy.
I don't get it.
You don't watch baseball, so it's no wonder you don't know.
I see, his name is Uesugi ?
Isn't that great, Alice ?
What do you mean ?
I can't believe Alice is going out with a guy.
So Alice has finally become a girl.
Isn't that a good thing ?
What are you saying ?
It's just...
We have a carnival coming up soon, too.
I'm envious of you, Alice.
Alice's date for the summer carnival is Tatsuya Uesugi, I guess ?
Alice, of all people...
...goes out with a guy.
Alice, you're cute.
In a dress, I mean.
Me ? In a dress ?
Right !
Alice wears a dress, and dances with Tatsuya at the carnival.
Yay !
Cheers !
Alice has finally...
All right !
What's the matter, Alice ?
Um...
Your grandpa won't be home until late tonight.
So it'll just be the two of us for dinner.
It's just going to be a short while.
That's right.
They're coming back from Castle Rock, so it'll be around midnight.
Jose's pitching tonight. It'll be an easy win.
They're looking good this year, aren't they ?
Uesugi's doing well, too.
Um, right.
Um...
What ?
...it's soon, isn't it ?
Yep, dinner will be ready soon.
No, it's not that.
What is it ?
The carnival, I mean.
Huh ?
The summer carnival.
Yeah.
Girls wear dresses, right ?
That's right.
When I was young, I'd wear a new dress and dance with your grandpa.
Uesugi...
...it must be his first time at a carnival...
...so I'm thinking I might show him around.
That sounds like a good idea...
A dress ?
Um...
...Uesugi might want to see the dance hall, too, so...
Alice...
So I can't wear something like this.
It's not like I'm going to dance or anything, but...
Alice !
I'm happy that you want to wear a dress.
It's been my dream, after all.
You're a girl, but you've been all about baseball with your grandpa.
Getting to have you wear a dress !
It's my long-awaited dream.
Your dream ?
Yup.
Leave it to me.
I'll make you a really cute dress.
Alice will be wearing a dress to dance !
Yes, yes, just like that, Alice.
I'm going out now.
A...Alice...
Have fun.
Where...?
To the carnival.
The carnival ?
Why are you, um, well...
How is it ?
Alice looks cute, doesn't she ?
Um, well...
Alice...
That's right.
Alice is 16, after all.
It's not strange that she's wearing a dress.
I guess.
Uesugi and the others have already headed out to the park.
I know.
Oh, isn't that Alice ?
Hey, Alice !
Alice, you look like a girl today.
You look cute !
Alice ?
Where ?
Ten doughnuts, please.
Hey, give me one.
...so that's what happened.
Hey, Tatsuya !
Hey, can't you do that for me, too ?
No way.
It's for Tatsuya only.
She's crazy about Tatsuya.
Uesugi is cool, after all.
But he's off limits.
Why ?
He has someone already.
Right ?
What ?
In far away Japan...
...she's waiting for him.
What ? She's his girlfriend ?
Bingo.
She's always here.
Even now.
Show it to them.
I don't have it here.
What ?
You left it behind because you have a date with Alice today ?
You cheat !
Alice ?
You mean that Alice ?
Yep.
But she's a kid, and she's like a boy anyway.
So it was nothing, wasn't it ?
I guess so.
Aww, that girl in Japan, I'm jealous !
Her name is Minami.
Stop it, moron.
She's thinking of this Tatsuya, in far off Japan.
So American girls are no good.
What ?
Watch it !
Hey, in the youth that passes by silently...
...there are so many goodbyes.
Hey, happy days, please stay as you are.
Stay, stay, stay.
Please don't go away.
I haven't even said to you...
...that I love you.
What am I doing...
...wearing a dress like this...?!
How pathetic...
...pathetic.
I'm pathetic !
So pathetic !
Here.
These are...
That's how Nitta Akio looks to you.
What ?
Photographs are like that.
I'll get going.
Hey.
Why didn't you come yesterday ?
Huh ?
Okay.
Tatsuya, I'm impressed.
A roving instructor from the majors seemed to like you.
You're exaggerating.
What's wrong ?
You should be happy about it.
How unlucky for us.
If we play with a guy like Uesugi, we don't stand out.
Allen, come.
I guess I'm done playing pathetic baseball with you guys.
Allen...
The Emeralds have a kid who wants to stand out this year, after all.
We'll never know when we'll get cut either.
Stop it.
It's not Uesugi's fault.
There's no way Uesugi will get fired.
After all, the owner's granddaughter likes him.
Will !
Those who aren't good enough will get fired.
That's what it means to be a professional.
It's not Uesugi's fault or anything.
What ?
Stop it there.
See ya.
Good luck with your pathetic baseball.
Don't let it get to you.
Right.
Don't worry about that stuff, okay ?
I know.
I wonder what happened.
Uesugi isn't pitching well tonight.
He's given up the third run of this inning, and a runner is still on first.
Coming up is the seventh batter, Pedro Ramirez.
Uesugi...
There's nothing wrong with his brain waves.
But...
It looks like he's out for the season.
Jose...
He and I have been playing baseball together since we were kids.
On a poverty-stricken island in the Caribbean called San Clemente.
Our families and friends are really looking forward to us making it.
Baseball in America is our only hope.
So Pedro and I have to go up the ladder.
He was about to get that opportunity.
He was supposed to be called up to the majors in September.
Uesugi, you can play whatever baseball you want to in America.
But I won't let you get in our way.
Remember that.
Alice, if you hear from Tatsuya, tell him that I'll be back soon.
Uesugi...
Tacchan, hello ?
Tacchan, can you hear me ?
Hello ?
Tacchan ?
What's wrong ?
Tacchan, hello ?
It's me.
It's Minami.
Hello ?
I'm sorry.
Why are you spacing out over there ?
Um, well...
Go home.
If you're spaced out, you're of no use to me.
Go home !
Moron !
Watch where you're going !
Tacchan...
...did something happen to you ?
I called you so many times.
What should I do ?
What am I going to do ?
Tacchan...
Did something happen ?
Why don't you give me a call ?
We're so far apart...
What should I do ?
I can't do anything...!
Hello ?
Minami...
Tacchan !
I'm glad.
Tacchan, what's wrong ?
Did something happen ?
I was worried, you know ?
Yeah.
I'm a little tired.
Tacchan...
Japan is so far away.
Tacchan...
In the past, you were always with me at times like this.
What happened ?
I don't think I can do it alone.
Tacchan, you're mean.
Huh ?
It's hard for me to be alone, too.
Minami...
But I'm trying hard.
Because in the past, no matter how much we were side by side, I couldn't face you properly.
But that's not how I want it to be.
So I'm working hard right now.
That's right.
Every day, I want to fly over to you.
But...but...
...unless I overcome this pain, we will never be together.
I don't want to keep missing out on one another like we've been doing.
You're right.
Tacchan, let's try harder.
I'm always by your side, so please, Tacchan, be by my side, too.
Then, no matter how far away we are from one another, we can keep working hard.
I got it, Minami.
Huh ?
I'm glad I was able to hear your voice.
Me, too.
Next time we meet...
...I'll have it together...
...and accept you, Minami.
Me, too.
I'm a little more motivated now.
Me, too.
I've talked to my superior so many times, but as far as the funding goes...
But please...
The number of spectators are increasing now, too.
If only we can get through this hard time...
I'm an Emeralds fan, too.
I'm sorry I can't be of any more help.
I see.
I've done all I can, but I can't keep it going anymore.
The Emeralds will be done after this season.
You're lying, right ?
You're lying, aren't you, Grandpa ?
That the Emeralds won't be here anymore...
I'm sorry, Alice.
No way, Grandpa !
I don't want that !
No !
I'm sorry, Alice.
No !
Grandpa...no way !
Well, this field is kind of nice, isn't it ?
What's with you ?
You've been complaining all the time.
When you get used to it, it feels comfortable...
...the Emeralds, I mean.
If I don't get promoted to AA next year, I'll...
Moron !
That's not going to happen !
There's no next year !
Don't worry.
The brass will definitely assign you to a new team.
That's not what we mean !
Isn't there anything you can do ?
Still, we were able to have a good final season.
This year's Emeralds are like the ones we used to watch when we were young.
You guys revived the dream.
I'm happy.
To leave the image of this year's Emeralds as our last hurrah...
...let's do that.
Strike ! Out !
Uesugi throws a shutout !
With this victory, the miracle Emeralds go into a first place tie with Silver Sox !
All that's left is tomorrow's season finale, a head-to-head match between the two !
Good !
Welcome...
Mr. Fujimura.
I have a job for you.
Sure.
It's a plane ticket to the U.S.
Huh ?
Take photos of Uesugi Tatsuya that only you can take.
Wha...?
Bye.
Um...
Huh ?
Um...Mr. Fujimura...
Don't get the wrong idea.
It's a job.
All right !
Today's our last game, isn't it ?
Yeah.
Are you going back to Japan for the off-season ?
Yeah.
Next year, you'll at least be in AAA.
You could possibly get called up by the majors, too.
I guess I won't be able to see you anymore.
I guess so.
I...I'm...
Yeah ?
After I finish high school, I'm going to try out for the women's professional baseball league.
I see.
I like baseball.
You've got to follow your passion, after all.
That's right.
What's wrong ?
Uesugi.
Huh ?
Can I ask you a favor ?
Sure.
Can you catch my pitching ?
Huh ?
I want you to catch my pitches.
Uesugi, I...
I...
I really like you, so...
It's hard...
Alice.
Huh ?
This is the ball I gave you, isn't it ?
Yeah.
I will never forget about this town or about you.
Me either.
Our beloved Father, please give our Emeralds a first place finish.
Amen.
Why did we have to have an engine problem now of all times ?
I won't make it in time !
Whether it's God's providence or the caprice of fate...
...all of us were assigned to the Emeralds this year.
From all over the States, San Clemente and Japan.
Birth, age, backgrounds...
...we differ in many ways, but we all came to this town with a common dream, baseball...
...and we played it together.
But whether we laugh or cry, this is the last game for the Green Town Emeralds.
It's the last time we'll play the game with this lineup.
So let's do our best.
For the Owner, Coach, Gina, Alice...
...for those townspeople who've cheered for us, and, above all, for ourselves.
Let's play a game we'll never forget.
Okay.
Let's go get them tonight !
Let's give our Emeralds a first place finish.
All right ?
Yeah !
Play ball !
Now, the fateful game starts for our Green Town Emeralds...
...looking for a first place finish for the first time in 45 years.
The starting battery is Kevin Hanks and Nick Candy, just like the season opener.
Out !
Tonight, the Emeralds Stadium is like a festival.
Inside and outside the stadium, no, in all of Green Town itself...
...people are hoping for the Emeralds to win the pennant.
In the bottom of the first inning, the Emeralds are on the offense.
With a runner on first, the fourth batter is up next.
The pitcher throws from the set position.
It's a hit ! It's huge !
The centerfielder goes back !
The ball goes over him ! It hits the fence !
The runner rounds third base !
Safe ! Safe !
They did it !
They have the first run of the game in the bottom of the first !
It's a hit !
In the top of the 3rd inning, the Silver Sox have a chance to score.
Although with two outs, they have the bases loaded.
Moreover, their cleanup slugger, Brian, is up next.
As you know, he leads the Frontier League in all three categories.
Hey.
Why isn't that guy named Uesugi pitching tonight ?
Oh, he just pitched a complete game shutout last night.
Umpire !
Oh, is it a pitching change ?
Yes, it is.
Moreover, the pitcher going to the mound is the closer, Mark Dickey.
Dickey has a phenomenal record against Brian, but the game is still in the 3rd inning.
It's quite a daring pitching change by Coach Isles.
Brian hits a grounder, a short grounder to the pitcher.
The throw to the first, and it's an out.
Three outs and the side is retired.
Yes !
The pitching change by Coach Isles works wonders.
Mark Dickey gets a crucial out from Brian.
Now the Emeralds send in a pinch hitter.
And now it's a pinch runner.
The pinch runner, Kinsey, dances towards first base.
Pinch hitter, pinch runner, pitching changes... Coach Isles keeps making bold moves tonight.
Strike !
Yeah !
The players respond to the challenge.
The Emeralds are fired up tonight.
One fine defensive play after another...
They're not giving any runs away to the Silver Sox.
But the Silver Sox are doing their part, too.
Although they've allowed runners in scoring position time after time...
...they haven't allowed the Emeralds to score any more runs.
Good job !
Go for it !
Neither side is backing down.
This fine game is still 1-0 after 5 innings.
And in this inning, too, the Emeralds already have two outs.
It's outta here !
Brian hits his 52nd homer of the season.
With this one swing, the game goes back to square one.
Oh, no. I guess it's over.
No way !
The Emeralds will win it, for sure !
That's right !
The Emeralds will win it for sure !
Right !
The Emeralds will win it !
Do it !
If you give up a run, just get another run !
Go for it, Emeralds !
Uesugi.
Yes, sir.
Uesugi.
The game continues with a 1-1 tie, going into the bottom of the 8th inning.
It's a grounder between third and short.
Go ! Run !
Safe !
Nick gives it his best effort of the day and makes it !
Roberto.
Oh ? There's a pinch runner !
Roberto only hits about .200, but his speed is good enough for the majors.
Will he be able to fulfill Coach Isles expectations...
...who apparently is trying to win it this inning ?
The pitcher makes his first pitch.
The runner starts.
The fielder makes a leap to his side, and makes a throw on his knees !
The throw to second...
He's safe, safe !
And then the throw to first...
He's safe, too !
It's a fielder's choice.
The Emeralds have runners on first and second with one out.
They have a huge chance to score the go ahead run !
Chad, go !
Now they send Chad Armstrong as a pinch hitter.
Chad !
Give them the finishing blow !
Chad !
Do it, Chad !
Do it !
Play !
If he hits, they'll score the go ahead run !
Will Chad's bat fire away a hit ?
The pitcher throws from the set position.
It's a bunt !
It's an unexpected sacrifice bunt !
The third baseman fields the bunt !
The throw to the first and he's out !
Roberto rounds third, heading for home !
The throw to the plate...!
Roberto slides, the catcher tags him !
He's safe !
The catcher lost the ball !
Roberto gets the Emeralds an important run in the 8th !
After 8 innings the score is 2-1 !
The Emeralds once again have the lead !
Top of the 9th, the Emeralds put the Steely Man of the Caribbean on the mound...
...Jose Hernandez, who came into the game in the 8th !
One more inning left ! Three more outs to go !
If they protect this lead...
...the Emeralds will win the much-awaited pennant, for their first time in 45 years !
Ball four !
Oh, it's a ball. He gives up a walk.
But that was a very close call.
Jose pitches from the set position.
He fields it and throws to second.
It's an out !
Safe !
That was a good call, Jose.
It's going well.
He struck out swinging !
The Emeralds need only one more out to go for their much-awaited pennant !
We've come this far...
You guys are great !
My Emerald's are really great.
Just one more !
Jose, finish it off with this batter !
The Emeralds don't want to face Brian.
It's a grounder to third !
No out !
How unfortunate !
In no time, there are runners on second and third with two outs.
One hit will reverse the score. Now they're in a fix.
Hey, do something about it !
Okay !
Um, well...
One more out to go for their first pennant in 45 years.
But they face the league's most formidable slugger, Brian.
Timeout !
Jose, you did a good job.
Even if you leave the game now, you'll be the winning pitcher of record.
There's one more player left.
I guess there's no reason for us to leave him in the bullpen.
We're changing pitchers !
The Emeralds will make a pitching change.
In place of Jose Hernandez, the pitcher will be #16, Tatsuya Uesugi !
Tacchan !
I'm counting on you, Uesugi !
In the professional league, it's meaningless unless we win.
Got it.
At this critical juncture where one hit changes all...
...Coach Isles counts on Uesugi's right arm to finish it off.
Although Uesugi has the best ERA and winning percentage in the league...
...but his record against Brian is .500.
Now the game resumes.
Let's do it.
Kazuya, whenever I step onto the mound in this kind of situation, I think of you.
Stopping your breath for a second...
...you gave an earnest look, so from there...
...I can't ask you any questions, stardust loneliness.
He swings and misses ! Strike one !
By holding too precious those I love...
Uesugi sets for his second pitch !
...I've perhaps unwittingly become timid;
He throws !
It's a ball !
So close !
I pretend I don't see the tears that drop.
Uesugi, hang in there !
How many more passing-bys and detours...
Uesugi's third pitch !
It's inside !
...do the two need to go through before they meet ?
A hit ! It's huge !
It goes foul, disappearing out of the ballpark !
Please, touch, touch, touch here.
The batter is cornered into a pitcher's count.
The count is now 1-2.
One more strike.
Just one more.
Touch. Please reach out and grab...
Hang in there, Uesugi !
...this bouquet, woven with flowers of sighs.
If I don't love, I'd go without knowing what loneliness is-
Ball !
It's 2-2.
Quietly, I say hello to sadness.
The count is still 2-2.
Neither one is backing down.
Timeout !
Oh, Brian takes a timeout.
I wish all the loneliness you gave me would go away.
Though we stand next to each other, stardust loneliness.
All by myself, I weigh the tears and smiles...
...and tears are a little heavier.
I cry, pathetically, in sideview.
Youth is the heart's welt.
You know too much and feelings skid.
Kazuya, are you watching me ?
Please, touch, touch, touch here.
Feeling lonely...
Tacchan, Kacchan, hang in there !
Touch. Please reach out and take it...
Minami, I really wanted you to be here.
...this bouquet woven only by flowers of sighs.
Tacchan, I'm here.
A forkball ?
The Emeralds win the pennant !
They've come back, our Emeralds !
Wow !
Fund them ! Get the paperwork ready to fund them !
Certainly !
They did it !
Yay !
Tatsuya: Minami: Alice:
Mitsuya Yuji Hidaka Noriko Takayama Minami
The sun rises...
...and just like the way the orange sky turns into violet...
Beaumont: Gina: Nick: Simon:
Kobayashi Kiyoshi Komiya Kazue Hayashiya Kobuhei Kitamura Koichi
...you, too, will eventually know the answer.
Bob: Harada: Fujimura: Pinch: Jose:
Inoue Kazuhiko Ginga Banjou Akio Ohtsuka Chiba Shigeru Kosugi Juurouta
Ian: Joushi: Sherry: Allen: Will:
Yara Yuusaku Tahara Aruno Itou Miki Kouichi Toochika Itou Kentaro
The horizon is hazy in the distance...
Announcer: Brian: Andy: Joe:
Ryotaro Okiayu Konishi Katsuyuki Takemoto Eiji Maeda Takeshi
...and the easterly wind moves...
Irene: Jane: Girl A: Girl B: Girl C:
Suzuki Mahiru Sasaki Yoko Sugimoto Yuu Tachibana Yuko Imai Asami
...straight to the west, to the west.
Translation: Toshiaki
Song Translation: Toshiaki
Those who've made their dreams come true -
Where do they have to go ?
Timing: Todd Perkins
Editing: Todd Perkins Barbara Dave Brain
And those who cannot find their dreams -
Subtitled by: Central Anime(Kansas) Version 2.0
What can they look up to ?
It's a journey where you decide for yourself where the beginning and end are.
I have neither the place to return to...
...nor the song to sing yet.
Pinch !
But I feel I've kept moving forward.
We won ! We won !
We really won !
He really threw a breaking pitch.
He's really...an idiot.
And that's the only thing that's certain.
In front of me...
...there's a painting being painted with a palette that's missing a few colors.
And those missing colors will be found one by one.
On those sleepless nights...
...who will you think of ?
And those that are waiting for you...
...are still there somewhere.
You did it.
Yeah.
You looked great on the mound.
Really ?
Yup.
I don't know how you made it here.
Mr. Fujimura told me it was my job.
Honestly...
Hm ?
I'm really glad that you came.
Are you sure ?
Tacchan in America, Minami in Japan...
We promised we'd find ourselves there before we met again.
It's fine.
Hm ?
I found it.
I found it tonight.
I see.
That's good.
I'll find it once I return to Japan.
Sure.
I wonder if I'll find it.
I'm sure you will.
You believe that ?
I believe it.
Brought to you by Central Anime (Kansas)