Before the game began, Izumi Minoru and Lin Guanglai, as the team's manager and captain respectively, went to the interview area for the pre-game routine interview, led by the relevant personnel.
As soon as Lin Guanglai stepped into the interview area, dozens of reporters and cameramen rushed forward, surrounding him from all sides, leaving no space: several professional photography and video equipment were set up around him, and a dozen or so microphones and recorders were pushed towards him, some almost touching his face.
The level of attention rivaling that of a Professional Baseball Player is an honor only Lin Guanglai enjoyed during this Summer Koshien—it's the media's adoration for the greatest talent of the generation, the biggest championship favorite.
"Lin, your team has made a rotation at the starting pitcher position for this game—what do you have to say about this as the captain? Was this decision made because you view the opponents as less formidable?"
