From the Daily Sports Online column / デイリースポーツオンラインの連載コラムから The Hanshin Tigers have been having themselves a dream season, winning their first Central League pennant in 18 years and sweeping their way through the Final Stage of the Climax Series. On the other side of NPB, the Orix Buffaloes won the Pacific League by a long…
Based on Daily Sports Column (Japanese) / デイリースポーツの連載コラムから So, Major League Baseball owners were unable to reach an agreement with the players’ association. The result is that the collective bargaining agreement that expired on December 1, 2021, has not been replaced by a new one, and the owners, who locked the players out the very…
Sources: Sanspo / Nikkan All 12 NPB club presidents gathered in Tokyo with a team of experts and have agreed to make preparations to start the regular season on April 24. It was the fourth such gathering, and while the season was first rescheduled to begin on April 10, it has now been determined that…
While not really a Bible of baseball know-how or biographies, it definitely gave me a fuller idea of who has shaped the game and how. Most importantly, it has added to my respect and appreciation for one of the most influential men in the history of baseball in Japan. Good instructional booklet for a wannabe like me.
Manager Akihiro Yano entered the 2019 NPB Draft with promises of surprises as well as a good feeling that he would pull the winning ballot. Before the draft, the Tigers cut one catcher, two infielders and two pitchers. They also lost two pitchers to retirement. In case you’re interested, here’s a look at the post-draft…
The common thought about the NPB playoff format, particularly among the ex-pat community, is “it’s stupid” or “ridiculous” or “unfair.” I dare argue that it is actually quite reasonable.
As Seen in T-Ray’s Japanese Column in Daily Sports As of December 1, NPB players are officially on winter vacation. Naturally, they keep practicing and working out on their own – it’s what players do away from coaches and media that determines their greatness. Year in and year out, they strive to put on the…
You’ve probably already seen my promotion of this book from last year‘s edition. Well, despite the sudden, sad passing of Wayne Graczyk (compiler of the book for 40+ years), the annual guide continues to be published. And the 2018 edition looks great! Complete with team schedules, players’ vitals, stadium information, last season’s standings, playoff results,…
Heading into last weekend’s playoff series at Koshien, the weather forecast looked quite grim. The best-of-three schedule was to see Game 1 played Saturday, Game 2 on Sunday, and Game 3 on Monday. Tuesday was a rain date in case it would be needed. The Final Stage of the Climax Series has been scheduled to…
In case you missed it, there is an amazing baseball tour that can take you all across Japan. You can travel in from anywhere in the world, join the group, and experience Japan and its yakyu from multiple perspectives: different cities, stadiums, seats, subcultures, and more. The tour comes in three options: Main Tour, See…