All Japan Sports newsletter, (20x9, January issue) - Released on 20x9, 20th December

Sasahara Souhei announces hiatus

In a surprising move at the height of his career, Sasahara Souhei from the Kawaguchi Orcas baseball team has announced his intentions not to play in the upcoming season. This has sent shockwaves through the sports entertainment world, as speculations arose on who among the ranks of players in the Orcas would take over his place as shortstop.

The man himself recently sat with us, appearing relaxed and brimming with the easy-going charm he is well-known for as he gave his two cents on the sudden decision.

All Japan Sports: You've been with the Kawaguchi Orcas for ten years now.

Sasahara: (laughs) Now that you've mentioned it, I really have been in the Orcas for ten years! Man, I feel old!

That's quite an achievement.

There are other players who spend their entire careers with the same team, and it's not just in baseball as well.

So you have the intention to stay with the Orcas for the rest of your career as well?

I don't see why not. The Orcas are a great team and full of good people, and I've always been a great fan of them since I was a kid. But who knows? Maybe things happen and I get cut? Or nature could have run its course and I'm suddenly too old and incapable to play properly? Anything could happen, but I'm really loyal, so I'll stay with the Orcas until I can't.

Why the decision for the hiatus then?

It's for personal reasons, actually. My wife is currently pregnant, and due anytime soon. My twins are only three years old, and you know that's the age when they're starting to become a handful. It's a no-brainer that I need to be with my family when the new addition joins us, and it's also so I can help my wife whenever I can, instead of worrying while I'm out in the field. I can't fathom the thought of her handling the twins and the new baby alone. Raising children is a lot of work! Though really, my wife is amazing! I can't imagine what we would all do without her.

So you'll be gone for one season. How do you think you would fare when you come back?

(shrugs) Who knows? I could be better. Or worse. The future is a very mysterious thing.

Who among the other players do you feel should be shortstop during the time that you're gone?

That decision is up to Manager Abe. I think our players are all pretty good, and if you ask me to pick one, I probably can't choose. I'm a fair team member, and that means I don't play favourites. Manager Abe will choose someone who's best for the team, I'm sure. Just a warning to the new regular shortstops though… to everyone actually: you guys better up your game. When I'm back, it'd be nice to see a winning team.

Have you got an exercise regime planned during the time you're on hiatus?

Not yet, but I'm definitely planning one and keeping to it. It's still important that I keep fit and not lose my edge. I still want to come back, you know? My children can probably join in some of the routines. They certainly have enough energy to outlast me. And they make pretty good weights.

Weights?

You'll be surprised by how much exercise you can do with your children. When my wife and I work out at home, our children would crawl all over us for attention. We've since learnt to incorporate them into our exercises. They really enjoy it when we lift them up high. It's also good for them too, since they also imitate our moves. Who know? Maybe they'll follow their father's footsteps and be great sportsmen too.

Real time

"You didn't have to do that."

"I want to."

"You're not that young, you know? Those young bloods out there can easily top you, even more so when you're back."

"So this is a chance for them to prove themselves. That's what the young bloods, as you call them, are for."

"But—"

"It's the same for you, isn't it? There'll always be a supply of younger, prettier models, but there's only one Natsume clawing everyone down."

"Hey! Don't make me sound like a hungry beast!"

"Don't worry about me. Worry about yourself. You're the one who's gonna pop any moment now."

"Hn! Go get me some lemon slices now!"

"Yes, anata!"

A/N: Okay, I cringed a bit at the last part, but that's like the Japanese equivalent of "honey" or "darling", isn't it? This took so long because I couldn't think of what to write, and I know it has to be something related to Sasayan, because I haven't wrote an 'article' on him for the last few chapters. So there, a sport newsletter. It probably looks nothing like a sports newsletter and super inaccurate, because I have NEVER read one in my life, so apologies! For the last two 'questions', I was inspired by this family exercise video I was watching online, where the parents did their workout with their children, two of them twin babies, going all over their parents, and I thought it was pretty cute. You guys could watch it if you search "family workout" and click the fourth option on Youtube. It's pretty awesome.

Anyway, I've been fuelled on by my wonderful readers, so I really gotta thank you guys. AND! More than FIFTY favs! You guys are the best! I never thought one of my stories would even get that kind of numbers! (That's the pessimist in me talking.) I've got a timeline down, so it shouldn't take too long for the next chapter! So, this longest entry is my gift to you guys. Now I really gotta get rid of this stupid grin on my face and go to sleep (yes, it's 4AM here).