An in-depth look at the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Jingu Stadium, the Central League, and Japanese Pro Baseball
August 21st, 2009 Yomiuri Giants 6 Tokyo Yakult Swallows 9 Streak: Won 1 Last 5: WLWLW (Jingu Stadium) Can anyone remember the last time Tokyo won a three-game series? Neither can I. The birds went into this game hoping to catch the visiting Giants napping as they desperately seek a win or two to [...]
August 11th, 2009 Yokohama BayStars 4 Tokyo Yakult Swallows 5 Streak: Won 1 Last 5: LLLLW (Jingu Stadium) The birds have had a dismal start to the second half of the season, winning only four of their last 12 games. They were able to take a series from Chunichi, but they’ve gotten whupped by everyone [...]
August 9th, 2009 Tokyo Yakult Swallows 0 Yomiuri Giants 2 Streak: Lost 5 Last 5: LLLLL (Tokyo Dome) Well, for the second day in a row we were treated to a bit of a pitcher’s duel. And for the second day in a row, a Kamei home run sent Tokyo packing.
A common conundrum encountered by enthusiasts of NPB is that of the sac bunt. It happens all the time, especially in the Central League where there’s no designated hitter (DH). And because of the absence of a DH, the pitcher often has to hit. You can occasionally find guys that know how to swing a [...]
August 2nd, 2009 Chunichi Dragons 6 Tokyo Yakult Swallows 5 Streak: Lost 1 Last 5: LLWWL (Jingu Stadium) A win was definitely within reach tonight, but a combination of too much bunting and a couple more unfortunate calls by the umpiring staff put the kaibosh on this extra-innings game.
April 7th, 2009 Chunichi Dragons 4 Tokyo Yakult Swallows 3 Streak: Lost 1 Last ?: LWWL (Jingu Stadium) At Tokyo’s first home game of the 2009 season, there were fireworks and new dance routines. There were old friends and the beer prince (who is also an old friend). There was old-school hitting (Miyamoto) and new [...]
