Shogo Kiyohara, the son of legendary baseball player Seiichi Kiyohara, has officially stepped away from the sport, concluding his four-year tenure with the Keio University baseball team this fall. During the team's closing ceremony on October 14, 2023, held on the Yokohama City campus, Shogo reflected on his experiences and shared his hope for the future.
After failing to secure professional drafting interest, Shogo made the decision to retire from playing baseball. "I couldn't become a professional baseball player. I want to entrust my dream to my younger brother," Shogo stated. He emphasized his commitment to supporting his brother Koji, who will soon join the Keio baseball team next spring, saying, "I want to support him as much as I can. A new daily life begins again." This shows Shogo’s dedication not only to his family but to the continuation of the Kiyohara baseball legacy.
Shogo’s college career had its share of ups and downs, filled with both challenges and triumphs. According to Shogo, "Although it was full of frustrations and hardships, I felt it was rewarding after winning two consecutive victories against Waseda University." He described his collegiate baseball experience as one rich with camaraderie and cherished moments with teammates and coaches, especially coach Tetsuya Horii. The bonds formed during these intense years will remain significant to Shogo, even as he transitions away from the diamond.
One of the most poignant moments during the ceremony was when Shogo reminisced about his aspirations when he first stepped onto the field. He expressed, "I was happier giving home run balls to my family than hitting home runs myself." This statement encapsulates the spirit with which he approached both his role as an athlete and his relationships with his loved ones. The home run balls he connected with during his college career now serve as treasured mementos held by his parents and younger brother.
Despite stepping away from the sport, Shogo remains optimistic about his future. He plans to fully dedicate himself to the job market, making this pivotal change after completing his studies. Shogo reflected on his plans going forward, stating, "Even if I’m away from baseball, I want to be a person who brings smiles and energy to others," highlighting his desire to maintain his identity and influence positively, regardless of his athletic status.
This announcement marks not only the end of Shogo’s playing days but also signifies the beginning of his brother Koji’s baseball career, which Shogo hopes to influence. Koji, currently a senior at Keio High School, will look to continue the family tradition by stepping onto the field next spring, and Shogo is eager to support him every step of the way.
The Kiyohara name has long been associated with baseball greatness, and as Shogo shifts his focus from playing to supporting, the family’s legacy continues to take shape. Shogo expressed his wishes for his brother: "The dream is to help my brother become all he can be. I will be cheering for him from the sidelines, ready to offer help whenever he needs it. I believe he has all the potential to succeed."
Shogo’s decision to retire also highlights the realities many athletes face when transitioning from competitive sports to the next phase of life. With the many emotions tied to such decisions, Shogo's outlook can serve as inspiration for others facing similar transitions as well. He leaves with grace and determination, wishing to be remembered for contributing to the sport and uplifting others around him.
With his father Seiichi’s guidance and admiration, Shogo feels prepared to embrace this new chapter. He shared, "When I told my father I was retiring from baseball, he said, 'Good job. I saw some great moments from you. Thank you for the experience.'" This supportive exchange strengthens the bond between father and son as they both navigate life outside of competitive baseball.
Shogo Kiyohara’s story is one of resilience, familial bonds, and the passion for baseball, demonstrating how transitions, whether previous dreams are fulfilled or not, can lead to new beginnings and opportunities to support the next generation. The Kiyohara legacy will undoubtedly carry forward as Shogo takes on his new role as mentor and supporter for his younger brother Koji, building his own way of defining success and happiness beyond the field.
