Professional baseball may look easy on the outside because players make lots of money, but Gurazeni's second season shows otherwise. After a solid introduction to the show and concept in Season 1, the writers are able to go in-depth with character development and show what really happens behind the scenes.
Protagonist Natsunosuke Bonda goes through more adventures through the season, though Season 1 cut off right at the Interleague break. Despite the four month break between both seasons, this show is almost in exact sync with the real life 2018 NPB season as Bonda returns from a four-month injury. It picks up right where we left off wondering how the Jingu Spiders do as they make a run for the Central League Pennant.
Season 2 is less about what happens on the baseball field and more related to what happens from the business and player perspective. There is less action with pitching and games played, but the build up towards the end is exactly the Money Pitch everyone has been waiting for. Fittingly, "pitch" has multiple definitions as it's not always about throwing a baseball.
A good thing is the teasers are minor and we learn more about Yuki-chan, who was introduced in the Season 1 finale. We see some interaction and after seeing her in the credits of Season 1, we're understanding her role beyond just being Bonda's love interest.
Overall, the segments involved with Yuki-chan might end up leading to no direction to a diehard anime fanatic, but it makes plenty of sense given how Japan works. It's full of teases.
Other story lines are not just focused on Bonda's payday or what his salary is, but also the tales of those around him. We learn about Roppa Itsuki, a teammate who has been mostly tearing up the minors, but has issues cracking time at the ichi-gun.
We also see recurring characters seen from Season 1, where broadcaster Toku-san's backstory of post-retirement from his playing days has been a transition to being a color commentator. Tohko-San was the team's 4th catcher and ends up facing the challenge of wanting to still play after being cut by the Spiders.
This season does a good job at mixing up the story arcs without being overly obsessed and focused with Bonda himself. Viewers already know the concept of the show and it does a nice job expanding it when introducing other story lines.
As earlier mentioned, this show as in sync with the 2018 NPB season with events nearly happening at the same time. From Thanks Festa, to senryokugai tryouts Japan Series and salary negotiations.
The 24-episode build up goes to the finale, where Bonda sits face-to-face with Spiders executives and agree on a salary for the next year. After being told that Bonda makes only ¥18 million for the season, he aims to get a raise with his play on the field and using a number of factors to build his value. This is when Bonda gives his money-pitch to the team on why he's worth more instead of just taking the offer they present on the table.
Gurazeni avoids the cliche of a player trying to be the best and covers an angle about survival to stay relevant. Not everything is rosy and easy for a baseball player, because not everyone is as rich as Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout, or Hayato Sakamoto. This is about players trying to find relevance and stay productive in their work place, similar to how any shakaijin are at their everyday jobs.
What makes this show great is the slice of life angle where even an average Joe can relate to what Bonda and the others in the baseball business are going through in order to keep their work position. There are plenty of struggles along the way from the business side of NPB and we see that among anyone who isn't a star.
Bonda knows very well how important it is to perform on the big stage, or in this case, the mound. It will setup a possible payday or pay cut later down the line. Whether it's his ERA, innings pitched or number of mound appearances in the season, Bonda knows he has to cling to whatever accomplishments he has in order to get that potential pay raise.
Many stories are told and portrayed in an indirect manner and with Bonda narrating about his past, but it's not predictable and has enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.
Let's hope this show is renewed for another season, but if this one is only going for 24 episodes, it ended on a very strong note to subvert any expectations. This show is built for any diehard baseball fan who follows the concepts of payroll, Moneyball and business. If you're one who follows NPB, this show's themes should enhance your perspective on Pro Yakyu.
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