This is an article in Sporty Seniors, a bi-weekly column celebrating M-A senior athletes’ dedication to their sport.
Senior third baseman Masataka Shudo has played baseball for over nine years, after originally being introduced to the sport by his friends and parents. “I first started playing in third grade [or] second grade. I started because a bunch of people around me were playing Little League,” he said.
When Shudo first started playing, he enjoyed baseball for a variety of reasons. “I honestly enjoyed everything about the game. I think [that’s] why I still play. [I] enjoyed hitting, pitching, and catching the ball,” he said.
Eventually, Shudo’s love for the game turned to a determination to improve and continue to grow into the player he is today. “[At first] I was bad and never made any [all-stars] or anything, never hit the top of the lineup. Then, when I got to middle school, high school, I got better. It’s been a gradual growth. There’s been a few jumps in ability, which have helped me,” he said.
Shudo’s development also grew as he learned to love the sport. “I think I just started caring about the game a little bit more. It was definitely a really big part [in my improvement],” he said.
Shudo’s hard work and dedication contributed to his improvement in hitting last year. “I kind of had trouble hitting a little bit, but I picked it up at the end. I believed in myself and in the process,” he said.
The culture of the baseball team is another important part of the game for Shudo. “I think everyone has each other’s backs, even if a person messes up,” he said. “[During games] everyone’s yelling. The atmosphere is pretty good for baseball games—I think they’re very fun.”
Shudo’s parents have consistently played a pivotal role in his success in every stage of his career. “They always believed that I could do better, so that definitely helped. [I] just didn’t give up,” he said.
Shudo has had an amazing experience playing on the baseball team. “[It’s been] definitely a good place to bond with people. Practicing every day has been a good way to pass the time. Every day everyone’s so happy. We were just really happy because we were winning a bunch of games,” he said.
After high school, Shudo hopes to walk on to a collegiate baseball team. “I’m just trying to find the right place that would take me, but also would develop me, and is a good school,” he said.
Shudo’s advice to other athletes is to stay consistent: “At first, even if you’re bad, if you work towards your goals, then you won’t be bad for very long, and it becomes more fun.”
