KOSHIEN

Furious that this not only received little publicity ahead of airing (I first learned of it from an Athletic article after it was 90 minutes in), but it also has no future airings shown, either on ESPN or on the app. Damn shame.  

As one who witnessed the 2002 Goodwill Series to which Bob refers above, I can attest that the following that baseball, generally, receives in Japan is extraordinary. Every one of our six games was played in a Japanese major league stadium, and the turnout had us American family members awe struck.

It was truly a sight to behold; and, once we'd witnessed these games between all-stars from the six prefects against our American all-star team, we could readily understand how the Japanese high school championship could pack a Japanese major league stadium.

I wish every American fan of the game could witness first-hand the passion and reverence accorded the game by Japanese fans. It's truly a sight to behold and has given my son and me a memory that we will never forget. We will also both be indebted to Bob, his staff, and the series' sponsors for the opportunity to have been a part of it.

This is one of the coolest baseball experiences in the world. My husband took our son last year on a baseball trip to Japan with MVP International, and they were lucky enough to get to experience Koshien on his birthday. He was not happy at the time to have to get up at 5 am to stand in line for tickets in the heat for hours, but he said it was an amazing experience and definitely the highlight of the trip. The energy, the rituals, and the pure spirit of baseball there were unparalleled. This should be on a bucket list for any baseball fan. I hope we can make it back there, so I can also attend. Thank you for sharing the documentary. Do you know if they will air again or if it is available anywhere to stream? 

@Senna posted:

Furious that this not only received little publicity ahead of airing (I first learned of it from an Athletic article after it was 90 minutes in), but it also has no future airings shown, either on ESPN or on the app. Damn shame.  

I found it with the search feature in the ESPN app this morning.

@MidAtlanticDad posted:

I found it with the search feature in the ESPN app this morning.

And there it is. Thanks.

Last night it only was finding the "currently airing" showing.

Thank you so much for posting this Bob. Japan HS baseball can compete in hype with the Friday night lights and South American football. 

Great doc.  Enjoyed it immensely.  I'm an American expat living in Tokyo.  Unfortunately, the high school tournament at Koshien was cancelled this year because of the virus.

Prepster:

Did you see the preview of the documentary?

https://vimeo.com/366753473?ref=tw-share

There are 4,500 HS teams in Japan and only 49 will play in Koshien.

The Regional Playoffs will attract 5,000 fans each game. Actually for the players who play in Koshien they will receive a "job offer" from the Japan Corporations. After every game the media interviews the players. They are treated like "rock stars"!

Pitchers throw complete games [mounds are flat] and they also keep throwing between innings. Each pitcher has his arm X-ray after the game. The Japan officials knew my opinions on "over pitching" and we often discussed.

Bob

I have now, Bob. Thanks very much.

There are some very familiar looks in that clip, aren't there? It caused me to recall so much from our experience; in particular, the Japanese players' academy-mates, cheering their all-stars on in excited unison from the stands. It's awe-inspiring.

Another recollection: In one of the six cities (Either Kumamoto or Nagasaki.), we stayed at the same hotel where a visiting Japanese major league team was staying. We were checking out as they were checking in or vice-versa. To witness the melee that accompanies a major league team's presence was also unforgettable. Those players are exalted.

I watched it with my rising HS junior kid. Talk about shock and awe...Typical him, he was first blown away by the pitching velos then he converted the KPH to MPH and made some snarky reply about if he was there he would drop tanks...I really wish he was there, shaved head, seniors teaching underclassmen how to be behave and to articulate when speaking to their coaches, fans etc., coaches ask them to do something and they ALL hop to it.

Is there a RE-air?

Maybe on Disney+ after Hamilton?

It's on ESPN, I am not sure if you need a plus account to replay it

don't need plus.

Bob, thanks for letting us know about this.  My two older sons were able to go to Japan with a group of players from Hawaii to play against many Japanese college teams.  Our teams were mostly handed their lunch. Customs like the spring to the foul lines before a game were great to learn.

Smoke;

the Hawaii/Japan Goodwill Series has existed for 60 years. It

Please see the information on the twin BP in Japan. During our 17 years of games, I often pitched BP. The fields were turf or all dirt to allow the twin BP.

With 2 BP cages the baseballs were flying in all directions. The pitching screens had no "wings" on the sides. We placed the left handed hitters in the right side cage to lessen the danger. This was "scary". Also efficient [time management].

Bob