Whenever a new manager takes over the reins of the Hanshin Tigers chariot, the media seems to find every last one of his ex-teammates to ask their thoughts on how they think he will fare. Who would have thought that asking George Arias this question would result in a desire to join the coaching staff?
What’s a fan? Why do we do what we do? What’s up with autograph seekers? These questions and more are addressed in the latest edition of T-Ray’s Daily Sports column.
Japanese version on Daily Sports here / デイリースポーツのコラムはこちら Spring training! Yes, I know… it’s still winter. Snow monkeys are still bathing in hot springs. Polar bears are still snoring. Birds are still suntanning down south. Not to worry, feathered friends! The felines are flying south to Okinawa and will join you in paradise soon! Ah,…
Original Article in Daily Sports HERE 元の記事はこちら It’s that time of year when Hanshin reloads its roster. Players come and players go, and the expectations on new import talent is sky-high. The way things have gone lately, one can’t help but reminisce fondly on the days when Matt Murton was in the heart of the…
As seen in T-Ray’s Japanese Column in Daily Sports No matter how long I live in Japan, it still feels a little lonely that Christmas is not celebrated around me. Even stranger for this toque-donning Canuck is a December 25th without snow on the ground. During this holiday season, memories of my childhood come flooding…
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…
Original Article (also written by T-Ray) can be Found Here デイリースポーツの記事はこちら There’s some validity to people boasting that the proof of their Hanshin Tigers fandom is in their fan club membership. But then, all that really requires is a few hundred yen a month, and if you attend enough games, your investment pays for itself…
Original Article (also Written by T-Ray) Can Be Found Here The news came just three days after his manager told the media he was not concerned about his prodigy’s shortened start on the mound (September 2). A new tear in the UCL in his right arm. His throwing arm. The two-way player would have to…
Daily Sports Article (in Japanese) Here “I’m home!” That is to say, I returned “home” to Canada for a few weeks, and now I’m back “home” in Japan. And the Hanshin Tigers are also about to make their return “home” to Koshien Stadium (where they are playing 17-25-1 ball). It was hard to watch baseball…
T-Ray Original (in Japanese) in Daily Sports here Summer vacation is upon us at long last. School’s out and the kids are free to do whatever they want. Well, most kids. A select few hundred boys are getting ready to stand on the most important stage of their lives. That’s right — while the Hanshin…