Baseball Banter: Giants vs Carps


My brother was visiting briefly this week before a conference in Hong Kong. What to do on a very hot day in mid August? Tom, frequent commenter and old friend from London, suggested - baseball! I would rather have gone sailing with Pandabonium, but as I checked out the game, it all made sense. 45,000 fans at Tokyo Dome, for a fun event (I watched the Carps beat the Giants in Hiroshima in May) so I got the tickets.

What a good call that turned out to be.

Baseball fans in Japan are the best, with brass bands, drums, and good manners. When the home team is batting, only the home team fans will cheer. Then, when the away team bats, their fans get to lift the roof. Johan, an avid Malmö FF football fan, noted that there was no hatred, no firecrackers, no violence. Check one for team sports, Made in Japan. We have a lot to learn in Europe.

He also liked how they serve beers and while not cheap (800 Yen) it is the Real Deal, no imitations. A big cheer for the young ladies running up and down the stairs serving the stuff. We also noted that so many of the fans brought their young kids and everyone had a good time. Fun for all generations, from 5 to 85.

As for the game, Tom noted,

Its a DISGRACE! Not only did the Carp have the bases loaded with just ONE out on one occasion they did it TWICE!?!?? Two opportunities for Grand Slam home runs at best, just get any runs on any hits at least but, no, literally no-one stepped up to the plate. Grand Slam home run = 4 runs, so obv the three on base plus batter.

Hiroshima Carps led 0-2, then it was 3-2 and suddenly 6-2, Yomiuri Giants won the day. 3 hours of great fun, my first real baseball game in Japan. Johan got a proper Giants's shirt and I wish him the very best in Hong Kong. Lycka till!!

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