If there's one vital lesson that Eiji Sawamura, a dedicated sophomore from Tokyo, has embraced during his second season at Odessa College, its the importance of self-trust when stepping up to the plate. This newfound confidence has played a crucial role in his performance this season, marking a significant turn in his baseball journey.

In previous seasons, Sawamura faced challenges, particularly with a tendency to pull his hits, which hindered his overall effectiveness as a batter. However, after dedicating time to improve the mental aspects of his game, he has developed a clearer understanding of his strengths. This season has been nothing short of impressive for the young player, who has tallied an astounding 37 hits, 28 RBIs, and an impressive batting average of .363. This marks a notable leap from his freshman year, where he managed 26 hits and concluded with a batting average of .325.

Sawamura credits much of his progress to the unwavering guidance of his coach, David Wood, who has consistently reinforced the idea of trusting ones abilities. Coach Wood has been telling me to just trust myself, Sawamura shared. So I just keep it simple, and I also work with a shortstop every day at practice. During batting practice, I just hit to the shortstop. His disciplined approach to training has evidently paid off, resulting in a performance that has made him an invaluable player for the Wranglers.

The Odessa College Wranglers are currently facing fierce competition in their pursuit of the title of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC). With an overall record of 35 wins and 13 losses, along with a conference record of 27 wins and 5 losses, they are gearing up for a crucial four-game series against their close rivals, New Mexico Junior College. The latter boasts a solid record of 36 wins and 15 losses overall, and 26 wins and 6 losses within the conference. The series is set to commence with a doubleheader at noon on Thursday at Wrangler Ballpark, followed by another doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on Friday in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Coach Wood believes that a significant aspect of Sawamura's growth lies in recognizing and capitalizing on his strengths as a hitter. We wanted to help him understand that his strength lies in staying on the ball and targeting the middle of the field while also utilizing his skills with bunting, which he excels at, Wood explained. He was struggling with the mental side of things, as he wasn't fully trusting his approach during batting practice and in games. The shift in Sawamuras mindset has been pivotal, enabling him to embrace each at-bat with confidence.

Every time Sawamura steps into the box, Coach Wood shouts encouragement, urging him to trust his training and instincts. I just yell trust, and hes starting to believe in that more and more, Coach Wood said, reflecting on Sawamuras evolving mindset.

A standout moment for Sawamura this season came during a dramatic walk-off hit against Western Texas College on March 28 at home. He describes this event as a career highlight. It was my first walk-off in my life, he recounted, his eyes lighting up as he recalled the exhilarating experience. So, yeah, that was a crazy moment for me. It was so great. This sense of achievement has only fueled his determination and passion for the game.

The transformation within the team this season has been remarkable. Last year, the Wranglers finished with a disappointing record of 27 wins and 28 losses, unable to qualify for the Region V Tournament. In stark contrast, with a new coaching staff and an invigorated team spirit, this season holds much promise for Sawamura and his teammates.

Growing up in Japan, a country that shares a profound love for baseball akin to that of the United States, Sawamura idolized former Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. He also admires the incredible talent of Shohei Ohtani, who has made waves in the MLB. When I was younger, I loved Ichiro so much, Sawamura recalled fondly. And then, after I came over here, I saw Shohei play, so I would say my two favorite players are Ichiro and Shohei. These influences have shaped his game and aspirations.

As the Wranglers gear up for their pivotal series against New Mexico Junior College, Sawamura remains focused on clinching a WJCAC title. I think we can beat them, he stated confidently. I believe we can sweep them because we have a lot of confidence. He is convinced that the unity and camaraderie within the team will play a crucial role in their success. We trust each other. I think we have a great chance to beat NMJC this week. We just need to go out and play, and thats it, he concluded, embodying the spirit of teamwork that he believes will lead them to victory.