Tadashi Shimano

Shimano is proud, competitive and highly conscious of his standing as Ryuou's star batter. He wants to occupy the center of the team's offense and does not welcome another player threatening that position.

His confidence is supported by genuine ability, but his desire to protect his prominence affects Ryuou's lineup decisions. He prefers remaining the undisputed centerpiece to sharing attention with another exceptional hitter.

Shimano is an accomplished power hitter who bats cleanup for Ryuou and plays first base. Occupying the fourth spot in the batting order reflects his responsibility for driving in runners and providing the team's central offensive threat.

He is capable of handling strong pitching and remains dangerous against Kou Kitamura. In Seishuu's first major game against Ryuou, Shimano manages a hit against Kou even while much of the lineup struggles to create opportunities.

His status within a nationally ambitious baseball program places him among the stronger hitters Seishuu encounters.

Shimano is introduced when Seishuu faces first-seeded Ryuou during Kou's early high-school tournament experience. Ryuou enters as a major favorite, and Shimano is presented as the batting star at the center of its offense.

Another exceptional hitter, Keitarou Mishima, threatens that position. Shimano pressures the team's selection so that Mishima remains on the bench, preserving his own place as Ryuou's principal batting attraction.

Ryuou's tournament run is eventually complicated when Shimano is injured, creating the opening for Mishima to take a more prominent role in the lineup.

Keitarou Mishima is Shimano's most important internal rival for batting prominence at Ryuou. Shimano recognizes Keitarou Mishima's talent as a threat to his own position and uses his influence to keep him out of the regular lineup.

Kou Kitamura faces Shimano as Seishuu's pitcher. Shimano is one of the Ryuou hitters capable of producing a hit against Kou Kitamura's pitching.

Takurou Oikawa is one of Ryuou's leading pitchers and plays on the same powerhouse team as Shimano.