messenger

Game 5 @ BayStars: They Never Got to Second Base

Game 5 @ BayStars: They Never Got to Second Base

If you like strikeouts, then this was a great game for you to watch. Both pitchers brought their A games, but there was just no beating our ace today. Starting PItchers: Randy Messenger (1-0, 1.29 ERA) vs. Katsuki Azuma (0-0)  4 Our lads gave Azuma a great start to his pro career, letting him strike…

Opening Day 2018 @ Giants: Homers + Ace = WIN!

Opening Day 2018 @ Giants: Homers + Ace = WIN!

After what has to be the worst preseason in history, the Tigers looked lifeless, and that all the February talk about a pennant was smoke and mirrors. And heading into Tokyo Dome to face the reigning Eiji Sawamura Award winner surely wouldn’t be an encouraging start to the regular season, would it? Starting Pitchers: Randy…

Preseason in Tokai (@ Eagles, @ Dragons x 2)

Preseason in Tokai (@ Eagles, @ Dragons x 2)

March 16: Stomping on the Eagles in Shizuoka This game started quite slowly, as the two aces showed off their repertoires before helpless bats. Our guys finally got to Takahiro Norimoto in the fifth, when Kento Itohara smacked a 2-run double to the left field corner. T 2-0 E Randy Messenger is just getting warmed…

Spring Training 2018 – Le Sixieme Cours

Spring Training 2018 – Le Sixieme Cours

Camp is over! The team packed up late this morning and are on their way back to mainland. Exhibition season up here starts on March 3 (in Fukuoka, where they’re selling “open seating” all-you-can-eat tickets for ¥2500) and runs through the 25th. Looking forward to see how the field and mound start to take shape!…

Spring Training 2018 – Le Cinquieme Cours

Spring Training 2018 – Le Cinquieme Cours

We’re most of the way through this long meal called Spring Training. The fifth course is now in the books, and on this, Wilin Rosario‘s 29th birthday, we bring you the news of the past 3 days. First, Rosario took some time during batting practice to teach struggling outfielder Taiga Egoshi about hitting. We can…

Messenger Talks About Bacque, Legacy, Future

Messenger Talks About Bacque, Legacy, Future

Part 1 of the Interview is Here / Part 2 of the Interview is Here “Me and Bacque are Friends!” Hanshin pitcher Randy Messenger (36) did an interview at his home in Sevierville, Tennessee, and spoke of his surprising connection with former Hanshin pitcher Gene Bacque (80). The legendary righty holds the club’s import record for most…