March 2025, one weekend morning, while going to Biima. As we drove past the park near the hospital, we saw a team of baseball kids having their morning practice. My husband and I guessed the team might be nearby, but we were not sure which team it was. When He searched for a baseball team in that area. The Wakakusa Club Jr Baseball Club was the nearest. He inquired about the baseball club and whether there were any tryouts.

The Hino Wakakusa Club is a fun and welcoming baseball team for elementary kids. It is based at Hino Elementary School and is part of the Hino City Youth Baseball League. The team is always open to new members from grades 1-6, from any school in the area. It is run by passionate coaches and a group of parent volunteers who keep things organized and supportive for the kids. Different roles are handled by the team’s coaches and organizers, most of whom are local parents and volunteers.

Every month, they hold a Wakakusa Ballpark Experience Event where children can get together to play baseball. It’s a great opportunity for kids to try and play baseball with parents, make friends, join the activities, or simply come and watch. They use soft, safe equipment like rubber balls, so even small children can participate and play. There’s no fee and no need to register in advance. You can go directly to the venue. There’s no pressure to go join if you prefer just to observe as well. They suggest bringing water bottles, a hat, and towels, and comfy sportswear, especially with the summer heat.

We decided to go for a tryout. My husband and kids attended the April 5 Wakakusa Ballpark Experience Event trial session. He sent me a video of how their baseball trial went. It was really nice seeing our kids having fun playing baseball with other kids. We asked our kids how it was and if they wanted to join the team, and they said yes to it. 🙂

Then, on April 12, the kids joined a practice session at the Takigahara baseball field. It was a large open area with many baseball fields. During that time, it was cherry blossom season. The place and ambiance were really good for a new start. Cherry blossom petals were flying everywhere while the kids were playing. We had a meeting and an overview of joining the team. We received our application forms, while our kids having their practice. It was really nice how the coaches taught them the proper foot, leg, and arm positions for batting and pitching, and more. The coaches and the kids’ baseball team were very welcoming, warm, and approachable. Their teammates guided them well and are very friendly.

We’ve decided to enrol them since they also want to join the team. We submitted our application forms and payment for the registration and uniforms. (You may visit their website for details about club fees Wakakusa )

Then on April 20, 2025, it was Seichi and Seishin’s team-entry ceremony or induction ceremony. They officially joined the club. On this day, they also received their official baseball hat and player numbers, Seichi #38 and Seishin #39.

April 27, 2025 they were officially introduced to the other levels as new members of the team

As new members of the team, our kids didn’t have their uniforms yet. They also provided us with some inner uniforms. Some parents also gave us helpful advice on where and what to buy, which they thought was good material, and more. Having some options and ideas was super helpful for us. The gloves we had were made of synthetic, which works fine for a beginner baseball game. The Coach suggested it would be better if we got them real baseball gloves next time. While we don’t have the gloves yet, the coach generously lent us baseball gloves. They’d probably feel more comfortable and play better with proper gear.

I’m really glad there are sports like this for kids. They get to play, learn, and just have fun all in one. I really think joining baseball or any sport helps them a lot, like learning discipline, teamwork, getting more confident, and also staying active instead of spending more time on screen time. As time goes by, through practice and training, our kids are slowly getting more interested in playing baseball. I noticed they’re more into it. Before, they played with us, most of the time with Daddy, usually after Dad’s work or before/after dinner. While I’m cooking some or doing some chores, they’d play catch ball and batting or some games outside.

I think joining a baseball club isn’t just about learning how to bat, pitch, catch, or run bases. Little by little, our kids start to understand what it means to be part of a team. They try their best, not just for themselves, but for their teammates too. I saw how they hustle during drills, how they cheer each other on, and how they shake off mistakes with a smile and keep going.

There was a time when Seichi said he was worried that the team would lose if he didn’t bat well or make it to the bases. I told him it’s okay even if he doesn’t make it. What matters is that he always tries his best. If he does, it’s alright. Sometimes it’s not just about winning the game, it’s about doing your best and having fun while playing, and that’s a win.