(Niihama City, June 2, 2019) — The platitudes and cliches flowed easily from the lips of Ghosts second baseman Eisaku Ito.  “I’m just happy to contribute.”  And: “Individual awards are nice, but I’m focused on winning.”

Still, the occasion of his remarks — being named the Shining Star Group Batter of the Month for May — had to be particularly satisfying for Ito, since it came almost precisely one year after a devastating injury ended his 2018 season.

On May 30th of ’18, Ito threw to first on what appeared to be a routine grounder and suddenly clutched his right shoulder, his throwing arm.  The diagnosis came a day later after an MRI: a torn labrum.  His year was over, and some wondered if Ito — an All-Star in 2016 — would ever return to form.

“The (post-surgery) therapy was not fun,” he admitted to reporters, looking back to the ten-month rehabilation process.  “It was painful and it was a lot of hard work, but I had great trainers, and my wife kept my spirits up.”

His doubting, and the doubting of many fans and pundits, can now officially end.  Ito launched into 2019 with a roar, posting a .448 average in 103 at-bats to lead the Shining Star group.  He also showed some surprising power, notching 6 home runs for 18 RBI and 21 runs scored.   Ito’s .641 slugging percentage in May dwarfs his career SLG of .417.

“I’d be lying if I said I was never worried,” admitted Ghosts manager Andrés Quiñones.  “But I know Eisaku worked very hard to bounce back.  He never wavered.”

Did Ito himself ever doubt he’d be back?  “Never.  But — I wasn’t sure how I’d feel once I came back,” he said with his usual candor.  “I wasn’t sure how I’d play.”

“You feel good now?” asked one scribe.

“Yeah,” Ito laughed as he picked up his favorite bat.  “I feel real good now.”