On March 16, 2025, Naoyuki Uwasawa made his debut for the SoftBank Hawks against Nippon-Ham Fighters at the Sapporo Dome, but it was not the start he had hoped for. Less than stellar performance marred his homecoming as he allowed five runs on nine hits and gave up four stolen bases during the game, leading to the Hawks' 8-3 defeat.
This game was particularly significant for Uwasawa as it pitted him against his former team. Having transferred from Nippon-Ham to SoftBank, the pressure was on him to perform well, especially as fans and analysts alike anticipated what he would bring to his new club. Unfortunately for Uwasawa, he struggled significantly, drawing concern from both fans and the coaching staff.
Uwasawa’s issues began from the first inning when he faced the Fighters' lineup. He was unable to effectively control the bases; by the end of the first, he had already allowed two stolen bases. Starting with Yazawa’s hit, Uwasawa found himself under immediate pressure, culminating in runs scored on the following hits from his opponents.
“連打でつながれて走者をためてしまった,” Uwasawa lamented, reflecting on his performance and the series of consecutive hits and runs against him. Each inning seemed to unravel more as the game progressed. The second inning saw him quickly compromise his defense when he yielded three consecutive hits, resulting in scoring chances for Nippon-Ham.
Critics and fans quickly took to social media, with Uwasawa's name trending on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter). Fans expressed concerns about whether Uwasawa, who had previously proven effective with Nippon-Ham, would be able to find his footing with SoftBank. Meanwhile, Helsinki, Uwasawa's manager, emphasized focusing on correcting Uwasawa’s weaknesses as they continued their preseason.
Uwasawa’s woes continued when he allowed another two-point hit by Yazawa later, which compounded the disappointment of his fans. With the Fighters’ aggressive strategy, which included successful base-stealing efforts, SoftBank struggled to maintain any momentum.
Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the manager of the Fighters, addressed Uwasawa's struggle after the game, stating, “1年向こうに行って駄目で、（すぐ日本の）違う球団となると、監督をしている立場としては『は？』となる.” This statement highlights the expectations placed on Uwasawa as he switched clubs and the intrigue surrounding his return to face his old teammates.
The disappointment of the game spread beyond just the loss. Uwasawa’s performance left the Hawks needing to reassess their strategy moving forward. Despite his poor showing, which also included four stolen bases allowed, Uwasawa's resilience came through as he promised to learn from these mistakes. He expressed, “I want to improve and make my next start count.”
There are indications of his readiness to tackle his future matches, particularly as the regular season starts. Uwasawa is expected to take the mound again against Lotte on March 30, 2025. There is hope among SoftBank fans and coaching staff for him to embody the name “Sunday Uwasawa” he earned during his previous campaigns, reflecting on the potential for redemption.
Although pre-season games might not hold the same weight as regular-season matches, this initial performance has made waves, marking Uwasawa's transition as one of the season's narratives to follow. His ability to bounce back from the pressures of transitioning to his new team will define his season and possibly the fate of the Hawks.
This marked game served as both challenge and motivation for Uwasawa as he prepares to amend this experience. With analysts and fans eagerly observing his progress, it remains to be seen how he builds on this and whether he can reclaim the strong performance he’s known for within the league.
Overall, his mixed debut serves as a stark reminder of the assertive nature of professional sports, where even past accolades can be swiftly overshadowed by performance failures. Uwasawa’s potential remains evident, and he is for sure determined to rise above this rocky start.