Ep 1. The Real Ace

In Big Windup season 1 episode 1, titled "The Real Ace," viewers are introduced to Ren Mihashi, a timid and insecure high school student who is not only struggling to fit in with his new baseball team but is also haunted by his failed experiences with baseball in the past.

Ren's history with baseball is disastrous as he was constantly bullied by his team members during middle school because of his lack of skills and inability to pitch accurately. These negative experiences have left Ren with a deep-seated fear of failure, making him incredibly reluctant to play and face his teammates' scrutiny.

Despite this, Ren has been recruited by the South Furuya High School baseball team because of his impressive pitching skills. This opportunity forces Ren to face his fears and confront his past experiences to overcome the challenges awaiting him.

The episode opens with a practice game between South Furuya High School and Kisaragi High School. The game quickly takes a turn when one of Kisaragi's top players, the ace pitcher, takes the mound and begins to strike out South Furuya's batters. The Kisaragi team is confident in their lead, and all hope seems lost for South Furuya until their coach orchestrates a substitution, putting in Ren to pitch.

As Ren steps onto the field, his teammates' skepticism is palpable, fueling his anxiety. However, his coach sees something in him that the others don't, and he has full faith in Ren's abilities as a pitcher.

Ren's first pitch is a curveball, which surprises everyone and catches the Kisaragi batters off guard. This earns Ren the recognition he deserves and builds his confidence. Throughout the episode, Ren's teammates begin to appreciate his skills as they witness his pitching and his unwavering dedication to the team.

Meanwhile, the episode also sets up the dynamic between Ren and his senpai, Takaya Abe, who is the team's catcher and de facto leader on the field. Takaya is initially perplexed by Ren's behavior and lack of confidence, but he slowly starts to understand the trauma that Ren has gone through and becomes a reliable ally to him, constantly providing support and encouragement.

Overall, "The Real Ace" sets up the character development for Ren and establishes the groundwork for the team's growth as they work to overcome the challenges that await them. The episode also provides an exciting spectacle of baseball, showcasing the thrill and intensity that the sport can bring.