Pesäkarhu’s Emilia Itävalo ended her career in the Finnish championship, when the people of Pori defeated Manse PP in the fifth and decisive final match.
On Saturday, a wonderful and successful baseball career ended, when Pori’s Pesäkarhujen Emilia Eastern Light29, ended his career with the Finnish championship in Tampere.
Itävalo’s emotions were on the surface after the championship was secured. During the party, he covered his face in disbelief and a moment later jumped flat-footed in the home nest.
– It can’t be better than this. When the finals went to the fifth game, I thought that the career would end in a pretty crazy way. But the fact that we won the Finnish championship is a dream come true, Itävalo tells Urheilu.
Itävalo played a decisive role in the final match, as he put the Bears in the lead in the opening period and scored the tying run in the super inning Tiia Peltonen with a punch.
Itävalo admits that he had to struggle terribly with being able to keep his thoughts together in a moment. The second period, which ended 0–5, was especially difficult.
– The second episode was really raw. When the guy threw such great punches, we talked that now we have to keep pushing and believe in this thing of ours, Itävalo said.
– It’s a struggle all the time to stay in the moment, to not let the thought escape. This has been up and down.
Itävalo’s career has included many stages. He has spoken openly about how mental endurance has been a tough test in recent years. That’s why termination was already close after last season.
– I’m sorry when I have to say an ugly word, but I’ve seen both heaven and hell in my career. One season went by in which the leg went completely. In recent years, I have struggled with my own mental endurance, Itävalo bundles up his career.
Itävalo previously justified his termination by saying that he wants to prioritize other things in his life, such as his work life, relationship and family.
The fact that Itävalo played in Pori, but lived in Oulu in the last years of their career brought a unique challenge to playing. He also graduated as a teacher in the spring.
– Because of that team, I have been able to get up and train every time. For me, this has always been what I have prioritized everything on and been able to cope with everyday life. This community is amazing, Itävalo says.
The championship was the second of Itävalo’s career. On a personal level, Itävalo was chosen as the baseball player of the year and the best outfielder. He also topped the regular season leaderboard in his first championship season.