Japanese Baseball Star Hari Isao Remembered by Former Players
Listen to the story
Japanese baseball legend Hari Isao has died, and many former players have shared their memories of him.
Ochiai Hiromitsu, a well-known former player, described Hari as a man with strong judgement. He said Hari knew when to be serious and when to relax. Ochiai also called him decisive and said he always followed through on his plans.
Nakahata Kiyoshi, who now works as a TV commentator, spoke about Hari on the show 'Sunday Morning'. He called Hari a senior player he deeply admired.
Matsui Hideki, another famous baseball star, also remembered Hari. When Matsui was only in his first year as a professional, straight out of high school, Hari tried to guide his batting technique.
Hari wanted Matsui to try a 'no-step' batting style, a method where the batter does not move his front foot before swinging.
However, Matsui admitted that at the time he rebelled against Hari's advice. He said he was too young and did not accept the guidance. Because of this, he never adopted the no-step style Hari suggested.
Vocabulary6 words
- baseball
- a sport where players hit a ball with a bat
- judgement
- the ability to make good decisions
- decisive
- able to make quick, clear choices
- commentator
- someone who talks about events on TV or radio
- batting technique
- the way a player hits the ball
- rebelled
- refused to follow rules or advice
Quiz
Answer key
1. He had strong judgement and was decisive 2. As a senior player he deeply admired 3. Because he rebelled against Hari's advice when young
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Japanese baseball legend Hari Isao has died, and many former players have shared their _____ of him.
Ochiai Hiromitsu described Hari as a man with strong _____. He said Hari knew when to be serious and when to relax.
Nakahata Kiyoshi, who now works as a TV _____, spoke about Hari on the show 'Sunday Morning'.
When Matsui was only in his first year as a professional, Hari tried to guide his _____.
Hari wanted Matsui to try a 'no-step' batting _____.
Matsui admitted that at the time he _____ against Hari's advice.