Japanese Baseball (Pro Yakyu)

By: Eli Bleemer

History of Japanese Baseball

• In 1872, Horace Wilson, an American traveling in Japan, introduced the game to Japan.

• By 1878 the first collegiate team was formed• Until 1906, games in Japan could be viewed

free of charge.• In 1920, the first two Japanese professional

teams were created.

Sadaharu Oh

• Sadaharu Oh was unquestionably the best Japanese baseball player of all time.

• Hit 868 HR in Japanese Professional League from 1959-1980

• Transitioned from pitcher to 1B in 1961.• Played with Yomiuri Giants throughout 22-

year career.• Also a manager until 2008.

Ichiro Suzuki

• Ichiro is currently the best Japanese player playing in MLB.

• Seattle Mariners star since 2001.• Holds MLB record for hits in 1 year with 262.• Played nine years for the Onix Blue Stars of

Japan before 2001.• Also holds record for most consecutive 200-hit

seasons with nine.

Hideki Matsui

• Played ten years for the Yomiuri Giants before coming to America to play for the New York Yankees from 2003-2009.

• Currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

• World Series MVP in 2009 World Series.• Didn’t miss a game in his first 518 MLB games.

Makeup of Pro Yakyu

• Two Leagues:– Central League:• Yokohama Bay Stars• Hiroshima Toyo Carp• Chunichi Dragons• Yomiuri Giants• Tokyo Yakult Swallows• Hanshin Tigers

Makeup of Pro Yakyu, Cont.

• Pacific League– Orix Buffaloes– Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles– Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters– Fokuoka Softbank Hawks– Saitama Seibu Lions– Chiba Lotte Marines

Japan Series

• AKA Japanese Championship Series is similar to World Series of MLB (7 Game Series)

• Winner represents Japan in the annual Asia Series

• Central League has been more successful than Pacific League, thanks to 21 wins by the Yomiuri Giants.

• Held in late October-early November