The Japanese remake of SBS's drama "Hot Stove League" premiered to positive audience reactions, credited with smartly blending enjoyable elements from the original Korean version. The inaugural episode aired on the 29th and featured a distinctive narrative focusing on Jun Sakurazaki (played by Kamenashi Kazuki), a character devoid of any baseball experience, who takes charge of the "Dreams," a professional baseball team that has consistently occupied the last position. The team faces its direst situation yet, holding the record for the lowest season with a disappointing winning percentage of 56 wins, marked by a streak of consecutive losses. After the previous general manager resigns under pressure, Operations Manager Risa Makita (Negahama Neru) contemplates her own resignation while searching for a replacement to revive the faltering team.
In a surprising turn during the general manager candidate interviews, Sakurazaki provocatively asserts that “the Dreams might be at the bottom of the standings for the next 10 years.” With a background in managing ice hockey, volleyball, and rugby teams, he faces skepticism from Makita, who initially brushes aside his concerns regarding internal conflicts, established managerial incompetence, and outdated practices. However, the club president acknowledges Sakurazaki's illustrious history of guiding teams to championships and ultimately appoints him.
Immediately upon taking office, Sakurazaki presents a reform plan highlighting the retention of the existing coaching staff while controversially proposing the "trade" of Kudo, the team's emblematic veteran cleanup hitter. In response, Kudo orchestrates a media campaign expressing his desire for his jersey number to be retired and resorts to intimidation and vandalism aimed at Sakurazaki. The new general manager remains unfazed, declaring that he "doesn't need a rotten signboard" and is prepared to trade Kudo for a substantial return.
Sakurazaki rationalizes Kudo's release by pointing to statistical evidence underscoring the team's lackluster performance at crucial moments, waning stamina during the pivotal summer period, reduced hitting distances due to an official ball change, a necessary generational shift, and the detrimental effect on team cohesion. His approach culminates in signing back Sawada, a top pitcher who had previously left the team due to Kudo. Confronting Kudo, who had attempted to intimidate him regarding damages to their relationship, Sakurazaki defiantly asserts that Sawada deserves the honor of a retired number instead.
As the episode concludes, a glimmer of hope dawns for the Dreams, hinting at a future where they may no longer rank at the bottom. However, a final twist occurs when the team president hints at a hidden agenda behind Sakurazaki's hiring, stating he is known for winning championships followed by organizational disbandment. This revelation stirs anticipation among viewers, leaving them curious about the true nature of Sakurazaki as he acknowledges the president's directive to leverage his previous experiences moving forward.