Baseball in Japan

April 12 Swallows @ Giants (8-4) My first game at Tokyo Dome - with my parents for my dad's b-day. Prior to this, I decided to cheer for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows primarily because even though the Yomiuri Giants are also in Tokyo, they don't include the city in their team name.

May 1 Carp @ Giants (6-0) What a perfect game! Tressa and I were wearing Carp gear too, so we were very happy! Similarly as before, our chosen team goes by the name of "Hiroshima Toyo Carp" so it was good to see the Giants lose again!

July 1 Swallows @ Giants (7-4) This time I rounded up some co-workers and shocked them by my Swallows attire (hat & shirt) -- after the game, we made some friends in a bar, and I even got a Yakult umbrella as a gift from one of them!

July 28 Tigers @ Swallows (3-4) Again, some friends joined -- this was Jeff's 2nd game & he risked the wrath of the Swallows fans by wearing a Hanshin (Osaka/Kobe) Tigers hat. Also, this time I learned some words for the Swallows victory song. It always begins with "Kutabare Yomiuri" (essentially it's "go to hell, Giants!"), even when they aren't playing against the Giants! I love this style! (but despite seeing the Swallows more often, the Carp are still near & dear to me!)

August 12 Tigers @ Giants (0-7) Surprisingly here, the league-leading Hanshin Tigers fell to the home team Giants. Regardless, it was a good time and I got to be up close (with standing room tickets) with some of the rowdiest fans in Japan!

And now, the mascots of my favorite teams:

First, the Swallow, who is, clearly, a swallow.


Now, "Slyly", who represents the Carp and looks shockingly similar to our own Phillie Phanatic!

A list of the games I've seen so far.