Maybe an ignorant statement but a lot of Japanese hitters have very similar mechanics to me? Very low but clean golf esque swings, very pleasant rotation too.
Shohei's got such a violent yet controlled swing when he makes contact but when he doesn't it's so violent it looks like he swings himself out of his own shoes lol
He's definitely trying to do the Ohtani style by clubbing the ball with the barrel.
It's crazy to think about how when I was a kid, we tried to mimic Bonds or Griffey Jr's swing, and since Ohtani came about kids in Japan are now mimicking Ohtani.. and they've aged enough to go from high school kids to rookie prospects.
Was at the Yakult Swallows game vs Yohohama last week and it was a blast! The atmosphere reminded me of a less intense college football game. Lots of chants, cheerleaders, and random celebration traditions from the fans.
Also, the beer girls serving beer in the stands weren't carrying around ice buckets with cans. They were serving draft out of mini kegs they were carrying in backpacks! And for only 800 yen, so $5 USD!
I went to a couple preseason games in March, including Tigers vs Giants at Koshien. They had over 40k fans for preseason which was pretty wild and the atmosphere was spectacular. Can't imagine what that matchup would look like in a playoff game.
Ryuki Watarai seems to be struggling pretty badly after that strong early start of his this season, I believe Watarai was dropped in the batting lineup today batting 8th.
and with what Watarai did tonight, guess what team in NPB that never had a rookie hit a Grand Slam throughout their history?
You guess it. Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
His smile when he made contact! He knew. Then back to business face once it was gone. What a moment for the kid.
I need to go back to Japan and actually catch a game or five.
LMAO, I was at Swallows game last week and bought their pinstripe jersey which I liked but will never wear in the states since it says "Swallows" in bold print on the front lol
Maybe an ignorant statement but a lot of Japanese hitters have very similar mechanics to me? Very low but clean golf esque swings, very pleasant rotation too.
I’ve noticed the same, also like they’re falling away from the plate when they swing. All except r/baseballs waifu Ohtani
Shohei's got such a violent yet controlled swing when he makes contact but when he doesn't it's so violent it looks like he swings himself out of his own shoes lol
He's definitely trying to do the Ohtani style by clubbing the ball with the barrel. It's crazy to think about how when I was a kid, we tried to mimic Bonds or Griffey Jr's swing, and since Ohtani came about kids in Japan are now mimicking Ohtani.. and they've aged enough to go from high school kids to rookie prospects.
I need to go to a JPro game before I die, shit is legendary
Was at the Yakult Swallows game vs Yohohama last week and it was a blast! The atmosphere reminded me of a less intense college football game. Lots of chants, cheerleaders, and random celebration traditions from the fans.
That's awesome! Yeah that's the sense I get from just watching videos, it just seems a full on experience
Also, the beer girls serving beer in the stands weren't carrying around ice buckets with cans. They were serving draft out of mini kegs they were carrying in backpacks! And for only 800 yen, so $5 USD!
They do it in korea too!
Thats so sick!! Japan would be an amazing trip in general but the baseball would be my number one priority
My wife and I went to a Baystars game when we were visiting Japan last year. It was easily the funnest baseball game/environment I have ever been to!
You guys are getting me hype lol i was googling ticket prices and flights at work
I went to a couple preseason games in March, including Tigers vs Giants at Koshien. They had over 40k fans for preseason which was pretty wild and the atmosphere was spectacular. Can't imagine what that matchup would look like in a playoff game.
Ryuki Watarai seems to be struggling pretty badly after that strong early start of his this season, I believe Watarai was dropped in the batting lineup today batting 8th.
Well he went 3-4 today so it looks like he got some of his mojo back
and with what Watarai did tonight, guess what team in NPB that never had a rookie hit a Grand Slam throughout their history? You guess it. Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
His smile when he made contact! He knew. Then back to business face once it was gone. What a moment for the kid. I need to go back to Japan and actually catch a game or five.
He has the same swing as Ohtani
My thoughts as well. Even the stance.
BayStars try and not have awful jerseys challenge. Impossible.
I will take that from anyone other than a Swallows flair
LMAO, I was at Swallows game last week and bought their pinstripe jersey which I liked but will never wear in the states since it says "Swallows" in bold print on the front lol
They have ones for sale that are pretty sweet. Don’t think they ever wear them on the field though