Rookies (manga)

Rookies is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masanori Morita. It was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1998 to 2003 and collected into 24 tankōbon volumes.

The story revolves around Koichi Kawato, a newly appointed high school teacher with a passion for baseball, and his efforts to rehabilitate the Nanakubo High School baseball club, which had been suspended due to a violent incident involving its former members. The members of the club are initially a group of delinquents with little interest in baseball or education, but Kawato's unwavering optimism and belief in their potential gradually inspire them to pursue their dreams and aim for Koshien, the prestigious national high school baseball championship.

Rookies is known for its themes of perseverance, teamwork, redemption, and the importance of believing in oneself and others. It combines elements of sports manga with a focus on character development and the challenges faced by troubled youth. The manga's popularity led to several adaptations, including a live-action drama series, a film, and several video games. While focusing on baseball, Rookies also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and overcoming adversity.