TAMAYOMI: The Baseball Girls (球詠)

Out!

You're out!

That makes two outs, guys!

Hm!

Tama, how was that? Was it good?

Awesome! It curved like a magic ball!

That's what... we'll call it!

"Magic ball" is great!

Think it can take me to the pros?

No way. Adults use hardballs.

You know that.

Oh, you're right.

But maybe if you could pitch like that with a hardball.

Hey, when we grow up, let's keep playing, 'kay?

Mm! Promise!

Here it comes, Tama!

Let's go!

Starting today, I'm a high schooler!

I'm gonna have so much fun this year!

Okay. So, where's my seat?

Uh!

Oh, nice. I got the one in the very back!

Lucky me!

Huh?

Oh, the girl in the seat next to me is so cute!

Huh? Is she reading Pennant Weekly ?

A baseball fan?

Uh?

Sorry, but isn't that "Pennant Weekly?"

The baseball magazine?

Yep! It sure is!

Huh?

Hi there! Yomi Takeda!

I'm Yoshino Kawaguchi.

Nice to meet you, Miss Kawaguchi.

Yoshino is fine!

So did you take the train in today?

I did. It's about a twenty-minute ride.

Do you take the train, too?

No, I just walked. My house is really close by.

Oh, yeah?

Let me guess, Yomi. You're a fan of baseball, too?

Uh. That's right.

I was in my school's baseball club.

What position?!

Um. I'm a pitcher.

Mostly...

Wow, were you the ace?

More or less.

We lost in the first round, though.

Mind if I look at your hand?

Uh, why not?

Wow! Look how callused it is!

That's proof you've thrown a ton of pitches!

So, is your strikeout pitch a curveball then?

I'd love to see it!

Right on the money! Who the heck is this girl?

The fact that you worked so hard

and still lost in the first round...

You must've had some bad luck out there.

Jeez, Yoshino.

Stop it, you're creeping her out!

Huh?

Ibuki!

Didn't I tell you to quit jumping all over

anyone who plays baseball?

You're embarrassing both of us.

Sorry.

Wait. Am I seeing things?

You're so alike.

Are you two twins or something?

That's right! How'd ya guess?

My name's Ibuki. The older one.

This is Yomi.

She's an ace pitcher and I get to sit next to her. Lucky me!

You have got to get a good look at her hand!

Oh yeah? Lemme see.

Wow. You're not kidding!

I know, right?

I'm acting just like Yoshino!

But did you hear?

Our baseball club is on hiatus right now.

Which means that you might not be able to play

for who knows how long.

Well, uh. I'm about done with baseball anyway, so...

I picked this school just for the adorable uniform!

Yeah, it's super cute!

Morning!

Please take your seats now, everyone!

See ya around!

Yeah.

Good morning and welcome.

After I take attendance,

we'll head to the gymnasium for a little ceremony.

I hope...

Hey, uh, Yoshino?

Hm?

Can I have my hand back now?

What a lovely day to begin the new term.

The air is filled with birdsong and the sweet,

fresh smells of springtime.

I'd like to start by welcoming all the incoming students

and congratulating them on beginning this new chapter

in their lives.

Hey. Would you wanna hang out after school today?

That sounds great!

I'm dying to chat with you!

Do you wanna eat lunch together, too?

Sure!

So, where to?

Well, How's LakeTown sound to you guys?

I would love to check it out!

That place is enormous!

That's right!

I heard it's a big shopping mall that's one full kilometer

from one entrance to the other!

Really?

This is just what I envisioned high school life to be like.

Hanging out with friends after class at a mall?

Sign me up!

Yomi?

Huh?

Wow, it really is you!

It's Tamaki. Don't you remember?

Huh?

Tama? Is that you?

How could I forget?

Long time no see!

Wait a sec. There's no way!

You transferred to another school!

Those were the days.

We used to play together all the time!

Yeah, it's definitely you!

You even still smell the same!

They must have been really close.

You okay?

Whoa, that girl is the Tamaki Yamazaki!

In middle school, her second year at Minami Girls'

to be exact, she was infamous for her

aggressive calls and insane defense!

Last year, they subbed her out for a catcher

who was a big-time slugger.

But I think that was a mistake.

They should have gone with Tamaki.

In any case.

Tamaki! Will you please sign this?

Sure...

Ah. So, you kept up the whole baseball thing, too?

Of course. And did you keep playing, as well?

Yeah, but we lost in the first round last year.

Oh yeah! Let's do this!

What's "this?"

You know!

We've got a pitcher and a catcher having a big reunion!

This calls for a game of "catch!"

One, two, three, four!

There's literally no one here.

Of course not, the club's on hiatus.

That's true, but why does the field look so perfect?

All right, are you two ready?

I guess. It's just catch, though.

Yeah, but I still wanna see you play!

You good to go?

Yep!

So, then.

From what I've heard, you're still a catcher, right?

Yep, I still am. And you're a pitcher?

Yep!

It's so crazy!

Real baseball players look amazing

even when they're just playing catch!

For real!

Well, then? How do my throws feel?

Hmm. 'Bout average.

Just like old times.

As always, you're tough to impress.

Still, though...

It's a shame she lost in the first round.

Huh?

You wanna practice your pitching next?

Sure!

Awesome!

I'll stand in for the batter, then!

Nice! And I can be the umpire!

Just bring it on!

Shouldn't you be wearing a helmet, though?

Should I?

Also, it's dangerous back there.

Yeah, but you're Tamaki Yamazaki.

You've had zero missed balls in all your games.

I have faith in you!

Who is this girl?

Hey, Yomi. Remember that one pitch?

Huh?

You know, the one you loved to throw back then.

Your Magic Ball.

Are you... sure?

Huh?