The National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, better known as Senbatsu, marks its 100th anniversary this year and will kick off on the 18th. The stage for the tournament is the Koshien Stadium, which also celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

This year, a variety of topics are being offered, such as the introduction of new standard metal bats. Particularly noteworthy is the first adoption of a non-flying metal bat with reduced rebound power. This is seen as a way to respect the wonderful plays that have occurred in past tournaments, while further enhancing safety.

Moreover, excellent players from all over the country gather for the tournament. The focus is on whether a ‘new hero be born?’. On the other hand, there are whispers of ‘no star player’, which suggests that each player is getting equal attention, making each game more unpredictable and exciting.

Among the contenders are first-time participants Bekkai High School and Tanabe High School from Wakayama in Kansai, all high schools are going all out for their matches. Also, there are reports that Notojima High School, located in Wajima on the Noto Peninsula, is looking to offer encouragement to the disaster-stricken areas.

On the first day of the tournament, Kanto Daiichi High School from Tokyo and Hachinohe Gakuin Kousei from Aomori faced off. As a result, Hachinohe Gakuin Kousei defeated Kanto Daiichi 5-3. There is much anticipation over how this victory will boost their confidence.

The 96th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, full of heated battles, is expected to continue. With the thoughts of their 100-year history in their hearts, the schools will not only aim for victory, but also for valuable experiences in their baseball lives.