As a delayed Fathers' Day celebration, we checked a major box on our "Japan To Do List" and attended a Japanese baseball game between the Yokohama Baystars and the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants! Although it's the same sport that embodies "Americana" back home, there are distinct differences between Japanese and American baseball traditions. In no particular order, here are some of the most unique things we noticed at the game:
The fans are enthusiastic and most of them dress in their team's color.
Two of the stadium sections were specific to each team, complete with a cheer leader (a guy or gal in white gloves and a polo, no pom poms) who coordinated a cheer specific to each player at bat for that section's team.
When one's favored team is playing outfield, the fans are quiet. No heckling the other team at bat!
Want a beer in the stands? Stay put! Girls selling beer wear kegs on their backs and sell it to you right in your seat.
The seats are packed in and much less spacious than in the States, at least in our section.
The 7th inning stretch consists of a balloon release by the home team.
On several occasions, cars/trucks drove on the field to either deliver players to be subbed into the game or to shoot team schwag into the stands.
Attending the game was tons of fun, and while neither of us is a serious baseball fan, it was fun to get a taste of home through baseball, even if it did have a Japanese twist!
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| Our Yomiuri Giants cheering section (notice the gloved leader down in front)! |
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| Need a cold one? |
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| Family photo! JohnPaul was evidently enthralled with the game :-). |
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| Hiding from a bit of rain. |
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| Friday night under stadium lights! |
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| On-field truck complete with enthusiastic female, costumed mascot and cannon! |
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| JohnPaul blends right in, right??? |
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| Blue Yokohama Baystars cheering section, ready to release its 7th inning stretch balloons! |
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| Yokohama Stadium! |
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