Latest news with #NipponProfessionalBaseball
New York Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How to watch the Dodgers at Mets series, an NLCS rematch starring Shohei Ohtani and Pete Alonso
We're getting a top-shelf series across three national TV broadcasts, with the Los Angeles Dodgers' loaded bats visiting the New York Mets and their lights-out pitching. Two of the best teams in the National League and two of the biggest payrolls in baseball show out this weekend. Coming into Friday, three Dodgers pace the National League in different offensive outputs. Shohei Ohtani is tied for first in home runs (with Philadelphia's Kyle Schwarber) and first alone in runs scored; Freddie Freeman leads in batting average and slugging percentage; Will Smith has the top OBP. That trio is demanding enough on opponents, but LA puts out additional All-Star-level talents in Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández. Not for nothing, Andy Pages is on pace for 30 homers. Advertisement The strength-on-strength draw puts these big barrels against New York's elite mound work. The Mets hit Flushing on Friday with a league-best 2.82 team ERA, and all three probable starters have sub-3 ERAs through the first quarter of the season. Series-opening RHP Griffin Canning (5-1, 2.47 ERA) has allowed two or fewer runs in seven of his eight starts, though he gave up two homers to the Yankees in his last outing. Saturday's starter is David Peterson (2-2, 2.86 ERA). The southpaw has also been sharp this year, though he surrendered four walks to the Yanks last weekend. Right-hander Kodai Senga (4-3, 1.43 ERA) is slated to go on 'Sunday Night Baseball.' His offspeed stuff is in MLB's 95 percentile. The Japanese ace has ample experience against Ohtani, dating back to 2013 in the Nippon Professional Baseball league. The other side of this matchup is a bit less impressive — the Mets are hovering around league average in scoring, and the defending champs' collective 4.16 ERA ranks No. 22 in MLB. Still, there are generational names to appreciate here. Pete Alonso is on his way toward a fifth All-Star nod in seven pro seasons. Francisco Lindor, the runner-up to Ohtani in last year's NL MVP voting, is at a 30-HR, 30-SB pace. And Queens gets especially rowdy for Juan Soto, despite the relative slump to start his Mets career. They'll all get to face Clayton Kershaw, former MVP and three-time Cy Young winner. The 37-year-old lefty was rocked in his season debut against the crosstown Angels (five hits and five earned runs in four innings). He'll try to get right on Friday night. Saturday's starter, RHP Tony Gonsolin (2-0, 4.05 ERA), is still working his way back from 2023 Tommy John surgery. Fellow righty and Sunday probable Landon Knack will be tasked with eating innings until LA's rotation gets healthy. Advertisement Dodgers-Mets from the NYT archives, 20 years ago: 'For seven and a third innings, Pedro Martínez soothed the Mets and successfully distracted them. Players thought less about their injured teammates Mike Cameron and Carlos Beltran than the status of Martínez's blossoming no-hit bid. Perhaps they began to visualize their wretched Southern California swing concluding with a pile at the mound. But with one out in the eighth inning, on the brink of a no-hitter and a Hollywood ending, Martínez and the Mets received one more kick in the shins. The Dodgers followed their first hit with their second, and that was implausibly enough for a 2-1 victory. Martínez gave up two hits and took the hardest-luck loss imaginable.' 40 years ago: 'The attraction tonight was Dwight Gooden and Fernando Valenzuela, but their work was finished by the time the game was decided. Darryl Strawberry sliced a double just inside the left-field line, scoring two runs in the 13th inning to give the Mets a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.' Starting lineup of best players to wear both jerseys: Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. (Photo of Shohei Ohtani and Pete Alonso: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
Tokyo Weekender
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Tokyo Weekender
Everything You Need To Know About Watching Baseball in Japan
Baseball isn't just a sport in Japan — it's a national passion. Since its introduction in the 1870s, baseball has evolved into Japan's most beloved spectator sport, with games regularly drawing massive crowds and television viewership. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or a curious traveler, watching a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) game offers a unique glimpse into Japan's lively fan traditions, iconic stadiums and thrilling gameplay. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about watching baseball in Japan: from buying tickets and choosing the best stadiums, to understanding the fan rituals and local customs that make Japanese baseball truly unforgettable. List of Contents: Introduction to Baseball in Japan The Japanese Baseball Season Getting Tickets to Japanese Baseball Games Major Baseball Stadiums in Japan The Game Day Experience Baseball Vocabulary and Useful Japanese Phrases Related Posts Introduction to Baseball in Japan Popularity and Basics of NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is Japan's equivalent of Major League Baseball (MLB), consisting of 12 professional teams divided into two leagues: the Central League and the Pacific League. While the basic rules are similar to American baseball, there are key differences — games can end in ties after 12 innings, the ball is slightly smaller and the strike zone is interpreted differently by umpires. The level of play is considered by many to be comparable to Triple-A or even MLB quality, with many Japanese players eventually moving to the American major leagues and vice versa. Stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish and Ichiro Suzuki all got their start in NPB. Brief Overview of Teams and Leagues The Central League features the following teams: Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo) Hanshin Tigers (Osaka and Kobe) Hiroshima Toyo Carp (Hiroshima) Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Yokohama) Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Tokyo) Chunichi Dragons (Nagoya) The Pacific League includes: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Fukuoka) Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (Sendai) Saitama Seibu Lions (Tokorozawa) Chiba Lotte Marines (Chiba) Orix Buffaloes (Osaka) Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (Sapporo) For those in Tokyo, the most accessible teams are the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Jingu Stadium. The stadiums of the Chiba Lotte Marines, the Saitama Seibu Lions and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars are just a short train ride away. The Japanese Baseball Season Regular Season Schedule and Timing The NPB season runs from late March to October, slightly longer than MLB's schedule. Each team plays 143 regular season games, with most games starting at either 2 p.m. (weekends and holidays) or 6 p.m. (weekdays). The season is divided into two half-seasons, with an All-Star break in mid-July. Teams typically play six-game series, with Monday often serving as the league-wide day off (though this varies). During summer vacation in August, daytime games become more common to accommodate families and children. Playoffs and the Japan Series After the regular season, the top three teams from each league advance to the Climax Series (playoffs). The first stage features the second and third-place teams in a best-of-three series. The winner advances to face the league champion in a best-of-six series (the league champion starts with a one-win advantage). The champions of both leagues then face off in the Japan Series, a best-of-seven championship similar to the World Series in MLB. The Japan Series typically takes place in late October and is the most prestigious event in Japanese baseball. Special Events and All-Star Games The NPB All-Star Series typically features two or three games in mid-July at different stadiums around the country. Unlike MLB's single All-Star Game, the NPB version is a series where the best players from the Pacific League compete against the best from the Central League. Other special events include interleague play in May and June, and occasional season opener games held in unique locations or even overseas. Getting Tickets to Japanese Baseball Games Online Ticket Purchasing Options The most convenient way for foreign visitors to buy tickets is through online services. Each team has its official website for ticket sales, though these are primarily in Japanese. Fortunately, several English-language options exist: Ticket Pia and Lawson Ticket offer English interfaces for some games Voyagin and Klook serve as third-party sellers with English support Japan Ball specializes in helping foreigners get baseball tickets StubHub sometimes lists Japanese baseball games Most tickets become available roughly one month before games. For popular matchups (especially Giants games or weekend rivalry games), purchasing well in advance is recommended. Buying Tickets at Convenience Stores Convenience stores such as Lawson, Family Mart and 7-Eleven sell baseball tickets through in-store terminals. While these machines are primarily in Japanese, many stores in Tokyo have English-speaking staff who can assist. Each chain has its own ticket service: Lawson : Loppi terminals (L-code required) Family Mart : Famiport terminals (P-code required) 7-Eleven : Multicopy machines (7-code required) You'll typically need to find the code for your desired game on the team's website, enter it at the terminal and pay at the counter. The machine will print a receipt that you exchange for actual tickets. Same-Day Tickets and Stadium Box Offices Most stadiums sell same-day tickets at box office windows, opening approximately 2-3 hours before game time. While this is a viable option for weekday games, popular weekend games and matchups between rival teams often sell out in advance. Each stadium typically reserves a certain number of same-day tickets, which are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. For high-demand games, lines can form hours before the box office opens. Price Ranges and Seating Options Ticket prices are generally more affordable than MLB games, ranging from ¥1,500-2,000 for outfield bleacher seats to ¥6,000-8,000 for premium infield seats. Special 'performance seats' with extra amenities can cost ¥10,000-15,000. Major seating categories include: Infield reserved seats : Often divided into S, A, and B classes by proximity to the field Outfield unreserved seating : Typically divided by team cheering sections Field-level premium boxes : Higher-priced seats closest to the action Upper deck seats : More affordable options with a bird's-eye view Many stadiums also offer special sections like beer gardens, family areas, or party decks with unique experiences. Major Baseball Stadiums in Japan Tokyo Stadiums Tokyo Dome (Yomiuri Giants) – The 'Big Egg' is Japan's most famous baseball venue, seating 45,000 fans in a covered dome. Located near Suidobashi Station, it offers climate-controlled baseball year-round with excellent facilities. The surrounding Tokyo Dome City complex features restaurants, shopping and even an amusement park. Jingu Stadium (Tokyo Yakult Swallows) – This historic outdoor stadium near Gaienmae Station offers a more traditional baseball experience. With a capacity of 31,000, Jingu provides an intimate setting with reasonable ticket prices. The open-air environment means weather can be a factor, but the authentic atmosphere makes it a favorite among baseball purists. Transportation and Access Information Most baseball stadiums in Japan are conveniently located near train or subway stations. For Tokyo-area stadiums: Tokyo Dome : 5-minute walk from Suidobashi Station (JR and subway lines) Jingu Stadium : 5-minute walk from Gaienmae Station or a 10-minute walk from Aoyama-Itchome Station It's advisable to arrive at least 30-60 minutes before game time, as security checks and entry can take time, especially for popular games. Most stadiums open their gates 2-3 hours before first pitch. Stadium Amenities and Facilities Japanese baseball stadiums are typically well-equipped with modern facilities. You'll find: Multiple food and beverage options (both Japanese and Western) Clean restrooms throughout the venue Team shops selling official merchandise Information desks, often with some English-speaking staff Coin lockers for storing belongings Some stadiums restrict the size of bags that can be brought in, and all will conduct security checks. While policies vary, most stadiums allow outside food and non-alcoholic beverages in plastic bottles. The Game Day Experience What to Expect at Japanese Baseball Games Japanese baseball games offer a unique spectator experience that differs significantly from American games. The atmosphere is more akin to a soccer match, with organized cheering, band music and synchronized fan routines. Games typically last around 3-3.5 hours. Each team has designated cheering sections (usually in the outfield) where the most passionate fans gather. These sections maintain constant energy throughout the game with coordinated chants, songs and rhythmic noise-makers. One distinctive feature is the 'Lucky 7' tradition — during the 7th inning stretch, fans release colorful balloons that whistle as they deflate and fly around the stadium. Fan Culture and Cheering Sections The heart of Japanese baseball culture lies in its highly organized cheering sections. Each team has an official ouendan (cheering squad) that leads fans in team-specific songs and chants. These groups typically include: Cheerleaders and performance teams Brass bands playing team songs Cheer leaders with megaphones directing the crowds Fans with trumpets, drums and thundersticks Every player has a personalized chant that fans sing during their at-bats. While visiting fans are welcome to join these sections, it's better to observe first or sit elsewhere if you're unfamiliar with the routines. Stadium Food and Souvenirs Japanese baseball stadiums offer an impressive array of food options that go well beyond the typical hot dogs and hamburgers found in American ballparks. You'll find: Traditional Japanese fare like bento boxes, ramen and curry. Team-themed specialty items unique to each stadium. High-quality beer served by beer girls who roam the stands with kegs strapped to their backs. Regional specialties reflecting the local cuisine. Souvenir shops sell a wide range of team merchandise, from standard caps and jerseys to quirky team mascot items and limited-edition collectibles. Many fans purchase small noise-makers, team towels or jerseys to participate in cheering. Practical Tips for First-Timers For the best first-time experience at a Japanese baseball game: Consider sitting in the reserved infield seats rather than the cheering sections for your first game. Arrive early to explore the stadium and watch pre-game warmups. Bring cash, as some smaller vendors don't accept credit cards. Try to learn a few basic cheers for the home team if possible. Stay until the end of the game — unlike American fans, Japanese spectators rarely leave early. Be aware that some stadiums prohibit certain types of cameras or selfie sticks. Remember that while you can bring your own food and drinks, outside alcohol is not permitted. Baseball Vocabulary and Useful Japanese Phrases Basic Baseball Terms in Japanese Baseball: 野球 (yakyu) Game: 試合 (shiai) Stadium: 球場 (kyujo) Home run: ホームラン (homuran) Strike: ストライク (sutoraiku) Ball: ボール (boru) Out: アウト (auto) Pitcher: ピッチャー (pitcha) Batter: バッター (batta) Ticket: チケット (chiketto) Useful Phrases for Buying Tickets and Navigating Stadiums 'I would like a ticket, please': チケットをお願いします (Chiketto o onegaishimasu) 'Where is the entrance?': 入口はどこですか (Iriguchi wa doko desu ka?) 'Where is my seat?': 私の席はどこですか (Watashi no seki wa doko desu ka?) 'How much is a ticket?': チケットはいくらですか (Chiketto wa ikura desu ka?) 'Where is the restroom?': トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka?) 'One beer, please': ビール一つお願いします (Bīru hitotsu onegaishimasu) Attending a baseball game in Japan offers a perfect blend of familiar sport and unique cultural experience. With this guide in hand, you're well-equipped to navigate the Japanese baseball scene and create unforgettable memories at the ballpark. Whether you're a dedicated baseball fan or simply looking for an authentic Japanese experience, the energetic atmosphere of an NPB game shouldn't be missed during your time in Japan. Related Posts A Guide to Sumo in Tokyo: Rules, How to Get Tickets and More Rintaro Sasaki: A Future Japanese Baseball Superstar Ichiro Becomes First Asian Player Inducted Into the Hall of Fame
The Mainichi
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Baseball: Dragons fall to Giants, but rookie pitcher Kanemaru shines
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Top prospect Yumeto Kanemaru struck out seven in six innings of one-run ball but fell short of his first Nippon Professional Baseball win as the Chunichi Dragons lost 4-2 to the Yomiuri Giants on Friday. Making his second start as a pro, the 22-year-old southpaw limited the Giants to three hits and no walks at Tokyo Dome. His only blemish came in the bottom of the fourth when he gave up a solo home run to Riku Masuda. "I'm making good adjustments, so I'm not worried," said Kanemaru, picked by Chunichi in the first round of last October's draft. The former Kansai University standout was otherwise sharp, painting the corners with his fastball, which clocked in at over 150 kilometers per hour. His breaking ball control improved as the game progressed, enabling him to throw consecutive 1-2-3 innings in the fifth and sixth. Seiji Uebayashi homered twice for the Dragons, tying the game 1-1 in the sixth and putting his team up 2-1 in the top of the eighth before the Giants turned the game around on Naoki Yoshikawa's three-run bomb.
Edmonton Journal
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Blackballed MLB star rips league for Pete Rose reinstatement
Article content If Pete Rose can be forgiven, why can't Trevor Bauer? Article content That's what the former Cy Young Award winner is asking after the Cincinnati Reds great was posthumously reinstated by the league earlier this week after seemingly serving a lifetime banishment. Bauer hasn't pitched in the majors since being suspended in 2021 over sexual assault allegations, which he was later cleared of. 'So, since Pete is welcome back now, does that go for everyone who has been blackballed?' Bauer wrote on X. 'Or do you actually have to be guilty of something to qualify for that?' Article content So, since Pete is welcome back now, does that go for everyone who has been blackballed? Or do you actually have to be guilty of something to qualify for that? — Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) May 14, 2025 Rose had been on the league's permanently ineligible list since Aug. 1989 for gambling on baseball while serving as manager of the Cincinnati Reds. After decades of denying the claims, Rose later owned up to them while maintaining that he never bet on his own team to lose. Bauer, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2020 with the Reds, is currently pitching for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league. His profile on X boasts that he is the first pitcher to be a MLB, NPB and LMB (Mexico's top baseball league) all-star. While Bauer is eligible to sign with any of the 30 MLB franchises, the pitcher claims that he has been blackballed since getting hit with the allegations. Bauer initially was placed on administrative leave before eventually being suspended for 324 games — which later was reduced to 194 upon appeal. Article content Latest National Stories
National Post
16-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Blackballed MLB star rips league for Pete Rose reinstatement
Article content If Pete Rose can be forgiven, why can't Trevor Bauer? Article content Article content That's what the former Cy Young Award winner is asking after the Cincinnati Reds great was posthumously reinstated by the league earlier this week after seemingly serving a lifetime banishment. Article content Bauer hasn't pitched in the majors since being suspended in 2021 over sexual assault allegations, which he was later cleared of. Article content 'So, since Pete is welcome back now, does that go for everyone who has been blackballed?' Bauer wrote on X. 'Or do you actually have to be guilty of something to qualify for that?' Article content Article content So, since Pete is welcome back now, does that go for everyone who has been blackballed? Or do you actually have to be guilty of something to qualify for that? — Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) May 14, 2025 Article content Rose had been on the league's permanently ineligible list since Aug. 1989 for gambling on baseball while serving as manager of the Cincinnati Reds. After decades of denying the claims, Rose later owned up to them while maintaining that he never bet on his own team to lose. Article content Bauer, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2020 with the Reds, is currently pitching for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league. Article content His profile on X boasts that he is the first pitcher to be a MLB, NPB and LMB (Mexico's top baseball league) all-star. While Bauer is eligible to sign with any of the 30 MLB franchises, the pitcher claims that he has been blackballed since getting hit with the allegations. Article content Bauer initially was placed on administrative leave before eventually being suspended for 324 games — which later was reduced to 194 upon appeal. Article content Last fall, Bauer claimed that it was 'an MLB decision' whether he ever signs with another team, though the league denied it in a statement obtained by the Daily Mail. Article content 'Trevor Bauer served the entirety of his discipline and is an unrestricted free agent available to sign a contract with any team,' the statement read. Article content During his MLB career, Bauer pitched for Arizona, Cleveland, Cincinnati and the L.A. Dodgers, compiling a record of 83-69 with a 3.79 ERA. Article content After the decision by commissioner Rob Manfred – after reported prodding from U.S. President Donald Trump – Rose is now eligible to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Baseball's all-time hits leader, who died in September, will be considered by the Classic Baseball Era Committee in Dec. 2027.
