For those who don't know, I'm currently stationed in Japan. I've decided that during my three-year assignment here, I'm going to try to watch a game at every Japanese baseball stadium. In my first year here (as of today), I've seen home games for the Fukoka Hawks and Yokohama Bay Stars.
While I don't know any of the players (although I'm sure there are a few old timers from the Majors floating around), I'm finding myself enjoying the games just as much as I did in the States (although it's been years since I've been a Major League game, just to a handful of minor leage games in recent time). One thing that really stood out to me is how energetic Japanese fans are. From the beginning to the end, they're constantly chanting and banging bat-shaped noisemakers. Even in the pounding heat and humidity, fans of all ages are caught up in the game. I can't help but think the Japanese love baseball more than Americans!
I don't really have a team I'm rooting for (I've only seen a couple of other games on TV) so right now I cheer for whoever's home I'm at. Today's game between the Yomiuri Giants and the Yokohama Bay Stars quite the matchup. The Bay Stars got an early lead and managed to keep the Giants hitless for five innings before the Giants turned around pounded in seven runs in a single inning. But the best part was yet to come: in true classic baseball, the Bay Stars were one out away from losing when they rallied in the bottom of the ninth and knocked out a grand slam! I may not have a team I'm rooting for but it's hard not to be swept up into moments like that.
While I don't know any of the players (although I'm sure there are a few old timers from the Majors floating around), I'm finding myself enjoying the games just as much as I did in the States (although it's been years since I've been a Major League game, just to a handful of minor leage games in recent time). One thing that really stood out to me is how energetic Japanese fans are. From the beginning to the end, they're constantly chanting and banging bat-shaped noisemakers. Even in the pounding heat and humidity, fans of all ages are caught up in the game. I can't help but think the Japanese love baseball more than Americans!
I don't really have a team I'm rooting for (I've only seen a couple of other games on TV) so right now I cheer for whoever's home I'm at. Today's game between the Yomiuri Giants and the Yokohama Bay Stars quite the matchup. The Bay Stars got an early lead and managed to keep the Giants hitless for five innings before the Giants turned around pounded in seven runs in a single inning. But the best part was yet to come: in true classic baseball, the Bay Stars were one out away from losing when they rallied in the bottom of the ninth and knocked out a grand slam! I may not have a team I'm rooting for but it's hard not to be swept up into moments like that.
