Put up a Good Fight

Celebratory gathering to praise the team's efforts in taking second place.
Konosuke Matsushita making a toast along with executives and team members.
August 10, 1960.

As you all are aware, our team put up a tenacious fight throughout this year's Intercity Baseball Tournament.
To be honest, even after winning the first round, I couldn't help but wonder if we were capable of progressing further in the tournament.
However, when the team persevered and won the second round to play against Nippon Beer, the tournament favorite, in the next match, this led me to reacknowledge the strength of our team.
The team achieved a stunning victory in the third round, which further renewed my perception of their strength. I was confident that they would go far in the tournament, which made me want to cheer them with all my might shouting, "Keep it up! Give it your best!"
The team responded to our expectations and steadily won the semi-finals, reaching the championship match. At this point, I only had a strong desire-almost a prayer- for them to play a decent and honorable game since they made it this far.
As many of you are already aware, the team ultimately lost the final game. Nevertheless, they did extremely well.
Of course, it would have been better for them to win the tournament. I believe that all team members were deeply saddened. Our employees and I, as well as many people who were expecting victory by a team representing the Kinki region, must have been truly downcast with the result.
However, I believe that everything turned out for the best. This result is actually better than winning the tournament. I don't mean to be a sore loser, nor am I merely offering words of comfort to the team.
Taking second place means that we have another goal ahead of us.
This attitude goes for everything, but having a higher goal provides a sense of urgency and helps us devote more of our efforts. Above second place is first place. I encourage all team members to make further endeavors to achieve it.
In this year's Intercity Baseball Tournament, our team literally collected wins one round after another and played games worthy of a Kinki region representative. We also must not forget that our support players contributed substantially to these victories. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to these team members and genuinely appreciate their efforts in blending into the team and playing as one.

Konosuke Matsushita
Posted in the Matsushita Electric in-house magazine Shofu (issued in September 1960)