The Marathon began at Seibu Dome in Saitama. I met Dennis Chiocchi and we watched the Saitama Seibu Lions beat the Chunichi (Nagoya) Dragons in a preseason game (3-2). There was one home run in this game, but being preseason, it was mainly backup players.
Seibu Dome is interesting in that it's a Domed Stadium, but not an enclosed building. Basically it's like a solid tent on stilts covering the field and seating area. I like this atmosphere since you don't need to be concerned about rainouts, but you still have the regular weather/temperature variations of outdoor games (of course the field service is artificial turf). The Seibu fans aren't so wild, but it was a nice area and out in the "countryside" which made for a nice change of pace.
Game 2, March 25th - Oakland @ Yomiuri (5 - 0) - Tokyo Dome
This was the start of my busiest baseball week and it was an exhibition between the Oakland (formerly Philadelphia) Athletics and the Yomiuri Giants. I worked in the afternoon, but finished just early enough to buy a ticket at a 7-11 and get to Tokyo Dome in time for the opening. This was the A's first game in Japan, and when Yomiuri was up, the A's outfielders seemed to be a bit entertained by the fans' songs and cheers.
Nothing too dramatic here, but as a Yakult Swallows fan, it's nice to see Yomiuri lose even meaningless games :-)
Games 3 and 4, March 26th - Oakland @ Hanshin (6-12) - Seattle @ Yomiuri (3-9) - Tokyo Dome
My first double-header! In the AM, I got to see the Hanshin (Osaka/Nishinomiya) Tigers beat the A's in a high-scoring affair. Of course, the A's finished their previous game about only 14 hours before first pitch, so I wonder if that affected their performance. I was joined by Kaz Seto, and we had low level seats near the first-base side dugout. Fun to see that even in a meaningless international exhibition in Tokyo, the Hanshin fans came out in force! They are the Philadelphians of NPB!
In the evening, I was joined by Tim Rudder to see Iichiro versus the Giants. Despite being an exhibition, clearly Iichiro returning to Japan was a highlight to most local fans. He never got on base, but the number of camera flashes when he was up to bat was impressive (humorously, his visage hung above left field hawking Kirin Beer)
Game 5, March 28th - Seattle @ "Oakland" - (3-1) - Tokyo Dome
My first MLB opener, joined with Eiji Kaneko and Keith Hagstrom.
Due to the Philly-A's connection, I was casually cheering for the A's, but of course my interest and knowledge of the AL West is a bit limited. A low-scoring game, and the stands were filled with "Seattle" (ie- Iichiro) fans. This was a fun event, and at the start it was a bit surreal to be in a stadium full of Japanese standing for the Star-Spangled Banner.
Also, being in the upper decks this time, I was able to get some SuperPretzels (from Pennsauken NJ), which are surprisingly available in Tokyo Dome!
Game 6, March 29th - Seattle @ "Oakland" - (1-4) - Tokyo Dome
The final game of the MLB Japan Opening Series. Joined again by Keith, and also Stephen Thorne (and met another co-worker, Daisuke Watanabe, a real-life A's fan from the San Fran/Oakland area).
It was nice to see Oakland get a regular-season win and split the series.
More SuperPretzels, and more good times!
Game 7, March 30th - Yakult @ Yomiuri - (4-0) Tokyo Dome
Now, for the NPB opening day!
Joined by Momoko Yamada, my Japanese teacher and a Giants fan, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows (the team that I support!) got off to a strong start and won their first game of the season in the Giants home.
More SuperPretzels too...
Game 8, April 6th - Yomiuri @ Hanshin - (0-3) - Koshien Stadium
Possibly the biggest rivalry in Japanese sports!
Took a 1 night trip to Osaka to hit two stadiums. Now I'm at the infamous Koshien. A very old open-air stadium, reminiscent of Fenway Park and home to the craziest fans in NPB.
I joined a Osakan friend of an American who I met at Tokyo Dome, and he was 100% the stereotype of Osakan Hanshin fans. Koshien's outfield keeps the spirit of Veteran's Stadium's 700-level alive (good or bad, depending on your view and loyalties....) Excellent atmosphere and very welcoming locals (as long as you're wearing some Hanshin Tigers colors!) Good to see the home team win here as well!
Games 9 and 10 - April 7th - Rakuten @ Orix - (3-2) and Yomiuri @ Hanshin (0-1) - Kyocera Dome & Koshien
My surprise Osaka double-header (since I picked up a ticket from a friend of a friend of I guy I just met for the Hanshin evening game).
The first game (and my first regular-season Pacific league game) showcased two poor teams in a beautiful facility. Kyocera Dome felt like the inside of the Death Star. Very modern, great food options, and I got a free Orix Buffaloes shirt since it was the opening home series. *as a side note, the Buffaloes (along with the Yakult Swallows) are the two teams Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel played for when he was in Japan.
When game 1 ended, I had 1 hour to ride the Hanshin lines to get to Koshien for another Tigers v Giants matchup.
It was cold this evening, but I got to see Hanshin win a 1-0 affair before rushing back to Osaka's main station for my bullet train back to Tokyo.
Game 11 - April 13 - Yomiuri @ Yokohama (6-0) - Yokohama Stadium
Joined by Thomas Lim, I took the short trip to Yokohama to see the rechristened DeNA Baystars face Yomiuri. The Baystars are a low-budget team, but they have a pretty respectable following of fans in adversity. A nice older gentleman even gave us some snacks since we were sitting in the Baystars cheering section. The stadium is quite nice too -- a newer open field (similar to Citizens Bank Park in Philly) and near Yokohama's Chinatown and the waterfront.
However, the Baystars couldn't put any runs on the board, and they faded quickly. I did see a classy act by Giants fans who cheered their former slugger, Ramirez, who is now on the Baystars and tipped his hat to his old supporters.
Game 12 - April 16 - Nippon Ham @ Seibu - (13-0) - Seibu Dome
Back to Seibu Dome, this time for a real game and I joined Nami Hamada & her mother, very serious Nippon Ham Fighters fans from Sapporo! The Fighters put on a good show, utterly decimating the home team in front of a sparse Monday night crowd (even the reduced-price beer didn't bring in many fans). Tadano of the Fighters pitched most of the shut-out, and made it a very entertaining evening.
Game 13 - April 20 - Seibu @ Chiba - (1-0) - QVC Marine Stadium
I was joined out in Chiba by Kevin Sheridan, and we saw a low-scoring contest. Tadahito Iiguchi (former Phillie) of the Chiba Lotte Marines had some good defensive plays, but otherwise couldn't do much.
This was another nice outdoor stadium that bears a striking resemblance to the Mets' old Shea Stadium.
Game 14 - April 21 - Yomiuri @ Yakult - (0-2) - Jingu Stadium
My first Yakult home game of the year was a good one. Yakult pulled out to an early 2-0 lead in the first, and that's all they needed. Kevin Sheridan joined again, and we cheered from the Swallows' outfield. This stadium, which I was already quite familiar with, is another old one (Babe Ruth played an exhibition here) and is quite similar to Koshien in Nishinomiya. Akagawa pitched the shutout, and it was a packed house. Always a good experience there.
Game 15 - April 26 - Chiba Lotte @ Nippon Ham - (1-2) - @ Tokyo Dome
While I'm still planning to visit Nippon Ham's real home in Sapporo, this game can be a bit of a cheat in my goal to see every team "at home", since the Fighters used Tokyo Dome as their home this time. Joined again by the Hamadas (from Hokkaido) It was a new TD atmosphere with no sign of Giants logos, fans, mascots, or songs in the arena. This one was low-scoring, but I got to see the Fighters pull off another win against one of their cheif opponents for the Pacific League pennant.
Game 16 - April 29th - Nippon Ham @ Tohoku Rakuen - (4-0) - @ K-Stadium Miyagi
The travels begin with another FIghters win! This was my first visit to Sendai, in Tohoku (where the 3-11 earthquake hit). A very nice city, and I've noticed that outside of the Tokyo area, the fans of local teams tend to really dominate the stands. For Yakult or Yomiuri games, the visiting fans generally are well-represented -- sometimes it's even 50-50. In Sendai, it was closer to 90-10 -- lots of Eagles maroon (a strange combination of Philly's football team's name and baseball team's old color).
This is a great new open stadium. Not so huge, but good views of the field from everywhere, and nice locals.
Staff in the stands even provide blankets to sit on, or to stay warm (still a bit of a chill in Sendai in late April -- the cherry blossoms, 3 weeks' past in Tokyo, were still going strong up in Tohoku!)
Game 17 - April 30th - Nippon Ham @ Tohoku Rakuten - (1-2) @ K-Stadium Miyagi
This was my first time to view a Fighters loss, and the 'Igloos' fans were quite happy. (Due to the katakanization of "Eagles", the fight song here appears to strongly support Eskimo dwellings.....)
Another nice day and a good Tohoku atmosphere.
Game 18 - May 1st - Hiroshima @ Yomiuri - (0-5) @ Tokyo Dome
Back in Tokyo to work two days before the rest of Golden Week, I was able to catch a game at Tokyo Dome after my day at work. The Carp were visiting, and I was met up with Kaz Seto & his friend 'Naka' at the Dome. We gave the Carp our love, but to no avail, they couldn't put any runs on the board. It was another nice Tokyo Dome moment though and quite relaxing.
Game 19 - May 2nd - Hanshin @ Chunichi - (2-2) @ Nagoya Dome
The travels begin with my first tied game! After working this day, I hopped on the Odakyu Romancecar to Odawara, where I switched to the Shinkansen for Nagoya.
Due to having some good Hanshin friend experiences, I chose to sit with the Tigers fans here (plus, Chunichi ended Yakult's season last year.... still a bit bitter..)
This was a nice place. A fairly typical Dome with no special character though (seemed like a less passionate Tokyo Dome, especially at the start when I had almost an entire section of seats to myself! -- but other fans slowly filed in).
I had one of my best "nice fellow fans" experiences here. Sitting near me was an older couple from Osaka who have been living in Nagoya for a long time. They gave me a small Hanshin 'magafon' (plastic clapper for cheering) and we took photos together & exchanged mailing addresses. Upon my return to Tokyo, I found a nice letter from them in my mailbox including copies of our photos. Very nice!
Game 20 - May 3rd - Chiba Lotte @ Orix - (6-1) @ Kyocera Dome
The craziest travel day of the week, I woke up in Nagoya, hopped a train to Osaka for a game, then contined to Fukuoka that night.
The Buffaloes have possibly the least passionate fans I've encountered in NPB thus far. Maybe it's because they are the result of 2 teams merging (I'd think they'd be able to inherit some fans, but it appears none care so much) Still, they're in a beautiful Dome, and it's a peaceful family atmosphere, but not so exciting. They even play the opposing team's song over the speaker system at the start of the 7th inning. A kind gesture, but I wound't want my team giving that privilege to its opponents.
It was interesting to see that this time, they did fix the "Buffaroes" on the big screen during the home teams's song! Again, I got to see Tadahito Iiguchi have a good game for the Marines.
Game 21 - May 4th - Rakuten @ Fukuoka Softbank - (5-0) @ Yahoo Japan Dome
Game 22 - May 5th (3-4)
Game 23 - May 6th (3-7)
My time in Fukuoka began with seeing the visiting Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles pick up their only win of the series, followed by two wins for the local Softbank Hawks of Fukuoka.
Fukuokan fans are quite passionate & possibly as both a result of geography and interest, the stadium was close to 99% home fans. Also, they had possibly the most unified 7th inning stretch event in which they sang a lengthy song and released many balloons (I'd say it's an average of 1.5 per person in attendance) -- the cheap trinket industry must love Softbank fans...
The Dome itself is very interesting with a retractable roof (although I can't fathom why it wasn't open for the games, since the weather was beautiful every day. One would think that's the main reason for allowing it to open)
This stadium did a great job of featuring the local specialties. I was able to get Ichiran ramen in a stadium at a reasonable price. Also, they provided adequate amounts of Sho-chu (a liquor that Kyushu is quite famous for).
As a non-Japanese observer, I found that Fukuoka's English-language marketing & slogans are the absolute worst of all the NPB teams. Their slogan of the year is "Bu-i, bu-i" (this is a mangled interpretation of saying "V", as in "v for victory" twice). What made that especially grating was the fact that they employed a foreign (presumably American) announcer who still used the wrong pronunciation of the letter. In contrast, Yakult employs a similar announcer, but he doesn't over-compensate his speaking, and it sounds much more natural to all in attendance.
All in all, the 3 games in Fukuoka were very nice, and now I've seen all 12 teams play. The only remaining home grounds are Hiroshima and Sapporo.
Game 24 - May 19 - Orix Buffaloes @ Yakult Swallows (6-3 Orix in 11th) @ Jingu
After neglecting the hometown Swallows a bit in favor of getting in some travels, I returned to Jingu Stadium to cheer them on as interleague play progressed. Joined by Kevin Sheridan, we saw some extra innings in a back and forth matchup, but the home team eventually lost. We did run into Naoki, another Swallows fan who we had met last year, which was nice as he joined in for some future games.
Game 25 - May 20 - Orix @ Yakult (4-1 Orix) @ Jingu
Yakult didn't fare well in interleague at all, this was part of their 10 game losing streak. The weather was good and I was joined by Naoki and some of his friends, so it was a fun time, but an unfortunate result.
Game 26 - May 25 - Yakult @ Seibu (10-0 Seibu) @ Seibu Dome
Yakult's interleague woes contined at Seibu Dome. It was fun to be in the Yakult cheering section as a visitor, and I met up with Naoki again. The game was rough, but there was a fun thing at the end, since fans are allowed onto the field after the game to have catches and shake hands with some former players.
Game 27 - May 27 - Rakuten @ Yakult (4-1 Rakuten) @ Jingu
Nearing the end of Yakult's losing streak. Fun atmosphere but not such great baseball. I was joined by Kevin Sheridan and Hanako at this one, and we got some Ippudo ramen in Omotesando afterwards.
Game 28 - May 28 - Nippon Ham Fighters @ Yomiuri Giants (3-2 Fighters) @ Tokyo Dome
This was a fun time since now I've seen the Nippon Ham Fighters both "home" and "away" at Tokyo Dome.
I met with the Hamadas and some of their friends, and my streak of always seeing the Fighters win with them continued. Followed the game with some good food at the "Baseball Cafe" in the Tokyo Dome City complex.
Game 29 - June 6 - Chunichi Dragons @ Seibu Lions (3-1 Seibu) @ Seibu Dome
Due to an early finish at work on a Wednesday, I decided to travel to Seibu Dome. This was a relaxing game with no major rooting interest (although a Seibu win helped the Swallows against the Central League leading Dragons in the standings). I saw a beer girl get hit in the head by a foul ball, but she was unscathed and contined selling with energy and smiles.
Game 30 - June 8 - Chiba @ Yakult (13-4 Yakult!!) @ Jingu
It had been a while, but finally saw Yakult win, and in a big way!
I also got a free Kawabata T-shirt and had a nice seat along the first base line.
Kevin joined me again at this one, and it had a very festive feel. A lot of Tokyo Ondo was sung. The rain started around the end, but the game finished and it was a great time.
Game 31 - June 10 - Tohoku Rakuten Eagles @ Yokohama (6-2 Yokohama) @ Yokohama Stadium
I ended work slightly earlier this day, so I was able to get to Yokohama by the end of the first inning. I sat amongst the Tohoku fans (and wore a Philadelphia Eagles jersey) so I was warmly welcomed into their fold). Rakuten led most of the game, but Yokohama rallied at the end to take it. A highlight was meeting an older gentleman from Sendai who asked me "Why do you like my lovely team?" before buying me a beer. A fun way to end the work day!
Game 32 - June 11 - Seibu @ Yakult (5-1 Seibu) @ Jingu
Another free T-shirt, and nearly the end of interleague. Swallows just didn't look sharp here though.
Game 33 - June 18 - Fighters @ Yokohama (7-3 Fighters) @ Yokohama
I joined the Hamadas and friends again to cheer on the Fighters. Lots of Hokkaido supporters showed up in Yokohama for a good game. Nakata (OF) was the Fighters' hero this game with a timely HR and good defense. Another good Fighters showing.
Game 34 - June 20 - Chiba @ Yakult (6-0 Chiba) @ Jingu
Even though former Phillie Tadahito Iiguchi was resting this day, the Marines still beat Yakult solidly. Thankfully this was the last interleague game, and things would start looking up for the Swallows.
This was a rain make-up game - it was twice cancelled (the original date was rainy, and then June 19th was a typhoon passing by, so the tickets were significantly discounted -- an ticket that usually runs 4000円 was dropped to only 1000円! So, the price was right, but the result was not great.
Game 35 - June 22 - Yakult "@" Yomiuri (5-2 Yakult) @ NAGANO OLYMPIC STADIUM
This was a special game. In service to out-of-town fans, NPB holds games at alternate sites around the country. I took a 1 day trip up to Nagano to see Yakult "at" Yomiuri, and it was worth it! Wladimir Ballentine hit 2 HRs in this matchup, and the Naganoites seemed to love the excitement. The majority of fans were sporting Giants gear, but I think that was more out of habit and not any deep connection. As Yakult rallied up in the mountains, I began to see orange-shirted fans hoisting umbrellas.
The stadium was built for the 1998 Winter Olympics, and from my seat in the upper deck behind home plate, I saw a great sunset over the mountains. Definitely not a typical professional park though. There was no real vending area nor concourses, but it was a great experience.
Game 36 - June 26 - Rakuten "@" Fighters (2-1 Rakuten) @ Tokyo Dome
This marked my 10th game in Tokyo Dome this year! (and only 2 normal home games for the Giants, since the year started with some MLB play, and a few Fighters "home" games mixed in).
Another Fighters "home" game in Tokyo Dome. This time I joined the Hamadas and Kevin, but it was my first time seeing a Hokkaido loss in the Kanto area. Close and low-scoring, but the result wasn't good for the representatives of the North.
Game 37 - June 27 Rakuten "@" Fighters (5-4 Rakuten) @ Tokyo Dome
This time I joined some of the Hamadas, but Nami had to work (at least she didn't miss a win...)
It was exciting and the Fighters had a chance, but just couldn't pull off a win. I later met with Kaz and Maddy at their place near the Dome, and Kaz was able to feel some Fighters nostalgia. (The Fighters did win the last game of this series, but I wasn't able to make it there)
Game 38 - June 29 - Hanshin @ Yakult (7-6 Yakult) @ Jingu
This was a wild one and beautiful baseball weather! Thomas Lim joined me, and he was able to get his "Lim" (Chang-Yong) (Swallows relief pitcher) jersey. What a dedicated fan!
Hanshin got to an early 4-0 lead and things weren't looking good, but then the offense appeared and we got to do a lot of Tokyo Ondo-ing while the birds came from behind to take this one!
I got to order a beer from Yoshiko (the outfield beer girl who Naoki is friends with) and it was a great time.
We capped off the evening with some Ippudo in Omote-Sando before calling it a night.
Game 39 - July 2 - Seibu Lions "@" Softbank Hawks (4-1 softbank) at Tokyo Dome
Softbank is truly the rainbow team. I've seen their "main colors" now as the following: yellow, black, light blue, pink, red, and green (maybe more too). I think this was a promotion they did a few years back with new uniforms every year. It's interesting, but to me it feels like there's no real team image/identity.
This was another in the series of some teams' "home" games in alternate locations, this was the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks as the home team in Tokyo Dome.
The "batter" for the ceremonial first pitch was the "son" of the Softbank "white family". He got more applause than most on-field plays of the actual game.
While I'm not a fan of the Hawks themselves, and their in-stadium advertising includes the same "Bui Bui" instead of "V, V" as their victory cheer, they are very effective marketers. All of the pillars surrounding Tokyo Dome (usually featuring large Yomiuri posters) were covered over with Softbank stuff.
Also, for the price of a 2000円 standing room only ticket, I received a green (Softbank in Tokyo) jersey of surprisingly good quality, and a green flag. Not a bad value. While I was passively cheering for the Lions (more legitimately "home" since they're actually based in nearby Saitama), it may have been good that the Hawks won to justify the pyrotechnics show at the end.
Game 40 - July 5 - Chunichi Dragons @ Yakult (12-3 Yakult) @ Jingu
I was treated to quite a show here. Yakult put on a hitting clinic and Milledge had an excellent showing with 2 HRs.
Also, I'm not sure who it was, but in the pre-game I got extra respect for one of Chunichi's outfielders. Chunichi was doing batting practice and a ball that flew into the outfield stands destroyed the parasol of one of Yakult's fans. Following that, the nearest Chunichi player went up to the parasol-less young couple, and signed a ball to give to them. Even though he wasn't the offender, it was a classy act (and if the umbrella/parasol [not a Yakult cheering one] was of the cheap variety, maybe they could even turn a profit!)
Game 41 - July 6 - Hanshin @ Yomiuri (3-6 Yomiuri) @ Tokyo Dome
Kevin Sheridan joined me for this one. His Giants pulled off the win, while crappy pitching by Messenger put Osaka's representatives in an early hole that they never recovered from.
It was a fun time though, and a seriously full house. We were had the good deal of 1000円 standing tickets, but were pretty close to the action.
Game 42 - July 7 - Hanshin @ Yomiuri (7-5 Yomiuri) @ Tokyo Dome
Joined by Kaz this time for my 14th game in Tokyo Dome this year, but the game went similarly. This time it started off close, and Hanshin even had a mid-game lead, but the blew it, and the Osakans would be dissapointed again (and Yomiuri ended up sweeping the series the next day, which I wasn't at)
Game 43 - July 13 - Hiroshima @ Yokohama (12-4 Hiroshima) @ Yokohama Stadium
The visiting Carp had their way with Yokohama at this one.
Game 44 - July 15 - Hiroshima @ Yokohama (7-1 Hiroshima) @ Yokohama
I joined Keith, Stephen, and Ken, all big Yokohama fans to see their Baystars fall to the Carp again.
Ended the evening at the Bashamichi Taproom where they had many microbrews (including Southern Tier from NY State)
Game 45 - July 16 (Ocean Day) - Yakult @ Yokohama (7-5 Yokohama) @ Yokohama
On the holiday, post-BBQ, I met up with Keith, Kevin, Hanako, and 3 other Irish people to cheer on the Swallows. Despite pulling out to an early lead, the birds couldn't secure the win. It was a fun time to hang out, despite the result.
Game 46 - July 20 - Central League All-Stars v Pacific League All-Stars (4-1 central league) @ Kyocera Dome
Happy Birthday to me! I took a one-day trip to Osaka to catch the 1st of 3 all-star games. Lots of good entertainment, and I got to swing my Yakult umbrella a lot as the C-Leaguers pulled off a good show.
Game 47 - July 27 - Yakult @ Chunichi (9-2 Yakult) @ Nagoya Dome
Another one-day trip. Nagoya was warm (ie- in the midst of a heat wave) and welcoming. I joined the few Yakult loyalists in Nagoya and got to see a good win that helped keep the Swallows in contention.
Game 48 - July 30 - Orix @ Seibu (6-2 Orix) @ Seibu Dome
Basically an "exhibition" to me, since I have no strong feelings for either team. It was perfect baseball weather on this Monday evening though, and I got to enjoy "Monday price down beer day" at Seibu Dome while having a chance to wear the Buffaloes shirt I got for free earlier this year at Kyocera Dome.
Game 49 - July 31 - Fighters @ Chiba (5-3Fighters) @ Chiba Marine Stadium
I met with some of my favorite Hokkaidoans to see an exciting game which put the Fighters in #1 in the P-League standings. Oi oi Hokkaido!
50 - 8/4 Chunichi @ Yakult (8-4 Chunichi)
The Swallows lost some ground in the C league standings against Chunichi.
51 8/5 Chunichi @ Yakult (4-2 Chunichi)
I met up with Tim Rudder after this one. Swallows struggles continued.
52 8/8 Yokohama @ Yakult (3-2 Yakult)
The Swallows did a bit better this time. I finished work early this day & some serious Yakult fans invited me to sit with them. After the game, a guy ran up to me and asked if I remembered him. We met in Nagoya when I traveled down there to cheer on the birds!
53 8/10 Fighters @ Seibu (7-1 Seibu)
I joined the Hamadas to cheer on the Fighters. They didn't perform too well, and then Seibu pulled into the #1 spot in the P league.
54 8/14 Fighters @ Rakuten (2-1 Rakuten)
I had a free day and the travel bug bit again. Unfortunately, the Fighters weren't able to pull off the win in Sendai. Interestingly, there's a lot of local support for the Eagles in Sendai. JR staff at the train station and 7-11 employees were all sporting their Eagles jerseys!
55 8/16 Hanshin @ Yokohama (4-4)
I wanted to check out some more Hanshin times. It was uneventful since the game ended in a draw, but perfect weather and quite relaxing.
56 8/16 Hanshin @ Yakult (9-7 Hanshin)
Back to Jingu! I joined the serious Yakult fans again, and got to meet up with Gary (a friend of a friend) for the first time -- despite our best cheering efforts, the birds couldn't end up with a win.
57 8/21 Yomiuri @ Yakult (6-6)
This was a very entertaining day. My coworker from Australia, Warren, joined for his first baseball game. Also, Greg, a friend from my hometown who's now living in Kobe, came up to Tokyo for work and was able to join. We were treated to a draw (although against the Giants, that's not so bad)
58 8/25 Yomiuri @ Yokohama (5-4 Yokohama)
Another convenient chance to visit Yokohama stadium, and always nice to see the Giants lose.
The teams wore their "throwback" uniforms this day, and the game ended in the bottom of the 10th with a walk-off (or "sayonara") homerun by the Baystars.
59 8/28 Seibu @ Nippon Ham (6-3 Seibu)
Only one more stadium left to visit!
Hokkaido was great, but the game didn't result in a win. Nippon Ham is still securely at #2 in the standings, so not bad, but the result could've been better. After the game, we went to a small sushi place that was covered in Giants memorbilia -- a bit of a surprise in Hokkaido.
60 8/29 Seibu @ Nippon Ham (3-1 Seibu)
The Fighters struggled again in this one, but it was nice to check out the stadium again and see the (fairly placid) Nippon Ham fans up in their own territory.
61 8/31 chunichi @ yakult (4-4)
Another draw in throwback uniforms. I came here almost directly from Narita airport after returning from the Hokkaido vacation.
Game 62 Sep 1 - Chunichi @ Yakult (6-2 yakult)
With both teams wearing their throwback uniforms, Yakult pulled this one off. There was a brief 'edge of a typhoon' midgame rain, but after a 10 minute or so delay, everything continued smoothly.
Game 63 Sep 4 - Rakuten "@" Nippon Ham Fighters at Tokyo Dome (3-1 Fighters)
Fighters were down early, but caught up for the win. I joined the Hamadas for this game and the next.
Game 64 Sep 5 - Rakuten "@" Nippon Ham Fighters (10-5 rakuten)
Fighters were winning for the majority of this, but they collapsed big at the end. "Rakuten Gyakuten (逆転)" (change)
Game 65 Sep 7 - Yomiuri @ Yakult (8-2 yomiuri)
Yakult got in a hole in top of 1st 3-0, and it continued from there.
This day I got my Wakatsubame happi coat! Tim Rudder joined for this one.
Game 66 Sep 11 - Nippon Ham @ Chiba (3-2 Fighters)
I joined the Hokkaido gang for this good win. Also, I met Deanna, she's from Philly and writes a blog about the Fighters in English.
Fighters pulled into 1st place & with Yakult beating Hanshin, and Yomiuri beating Hiroshima, Yakult got in a tie for 3rd in the CL with Hiroshima.
Game 67 Sep 14 - Yokohama @ Yakult (6-2 yakult)
A good win that is keeping Yakult in the CL 3rd place (aiming for playoffs)
Game 68 Sep 15 - Yokohama @ Yakult (6-3 yakult)
Yakult continues its winning streak & looking good for playoff chances.
Game 69 Sep 16 - Yokohama @ Yakult (2-1 yakult)
Same as the previous day. A tighter game, but a good result.
Game 70 Sep 17 - Yakult @ Hiroshima (5-4yakult)
My challenge to attend games at all Stadiums is complete!
This was the start of a 3 game sweep of Hiroshima which essentially cemented the Swallows 3rd place finish in the CL.
Game 71 Sep 21 - Fighters @ Seibu (4-2 seibu)
I joined the Hamadas again for a nice Seibu Dome experience. Unfortunately, the Fighters couldn't hang on.
Game 72 Sep 22 - Fighters @ Seibu (5-4 seibu)
Similar to the previous day. Slightly closer, but Seibu always seems to have the Fighters' number.
Game 73 Sep 23 - Yakult @ Yomiuri (2-0 yomiuri )
I had very nice seats courtesy of Hanako's dad, and was invited to join Hanako & Kevin. Also, Tim Rudder and his sister (visiting from Australia) joined. Had some fun post-game Hub time.
Game 74 Sep 27 - Hanshin @ Yakult (12-0 hanshin )
Yakult got obliterated -- no pretty, but a fun time and I met up with Tim & Heather (cheering for Yakult) and James and May (from Osaka and pulling for their big winners)
Game 75 Sep 28 - Hanshin @ Yakult (6-3 yakult)
Yakult got some revenge this day, and Kaz joined me; introduced me to the "Jingu Highball", Haruki Murakami's favorite beverage.
76 Oct 1 - Yomiuri @ Yakult (5-0 yakult)
That's more like it! Beat the Giants and I made some new Yakult friends at the Hub afterward.
77 Oct 6 - Hiroshima @ Yakult (4-2 Hiroshima)
The Coopers joined - we enjoyed Jingu highballs, but unfortunately had to depart slightly early due to heavy rain in the 9th.
78 Oct 7 - Hiroshima @ Yakult (1-0 hiroshima)
A 1-0 loss, but quite interesting anyway. This was the last home game of the season, and Greg was up from Kobe for work, so he joined me. Miyade and Fukuchi had a big farewell celebration after the game -- lots of friendly cheering from both sides then.
79 Oct 9 - Fighters @ Chiba (9-8 Fighters)
This was my last regular season game of the year.
Similar to Jingu 2 days ago, lots of mutual respect and cheering from the fans afterwards, and it was Chiba's Manager's last game.
Also of note, this was the last game I attended this year where the team I wanted to see as a victor actually won.
PLAYOFFS
CLCS Round 1
Game 80 Oct 15 - Yakult @ Chunichi (4-1 chunichi) CS round 1, game 3
I met some Tokyo and Nagoya Swallows fans for this one. After Chunichi won game one, the Swallows battled back and forced a third.
In this game, the Swallows struck first with one run, and it remained 1-0 until the bottom of the 8th, when Chunichi's Blanco hit a grand slam.
Thus, the Swallows' season came to an end.
CLCS Round 2
Game 81 Oct 19 - Chunichi @ Yomiuri (5-4 chunichi) CS round 2, game 3
With this win, it looked like the Japan Series would be Fighters vs Chunichi, as Chunichi was then up 3-0 (ie- 3-1, due to the 1 game handicap) over Yomiuri.
Game 82 Oct 21 - Chunichi @ Yomiuri (3-2 yomiuri)CS round 2 game 5
Yomiuri got its second win, making the series tied at 3-3.
Game 83 Oct 22 - Chunichi @ Yomiuri (4-2 yomiuri) Game 6
The Dragons collapse was now complete and the Giants punched their ticket to the Japan Series.
JAPAN SERIES
Game 84 Oct 27 Nippon Ham @ Yomiuri (8-1 yomiuri) Game 1
Nippon Ham came out rather weak to start the Japan Series here.
Game 85 Oct 28 Nippon Ham @ Yomiuri (1-0 yomiuri) Game 2
Nippon Ham (defensively, at least) looked much better, and even had runners on base and a chance to win near the end, but it slipped through their grasp.
Also of note, Giants' pitcher Sawamura hit 2 batters by pitches in the first, cementing him as being a jerk.
Game 86 November 3 - Nippon Ham @ Yomiuri (4-3 yomiuri) Game 6 - Final
This game started off all Yomiuri and was 3-0 for a while. Mid-game, Sho Nakata hit a 3-run homer, making it competitive and giving the Fighters some hope. However, Abe of the Giants knocked in the winning RBI shortly afterward.
In the top of the 9th, the Fighters had some baserunners and posed a threat, but nothing came of it. Made for an exciting finish though.
I was struck by the general nonchalance and what seemed to be almost disinterest of many Giants fans upon their team winning. I can't imagine others being so calm. (I supposed it's expected and unsurprising after so many titles to not be so geared up about them).
