04/23/24
May 05, 2005
Shiki Masaoka: was a 19th century Japanese poet and baseball fan. His baseball tanka and haiku is pretty cool and was written to garner more interest in baseball in Japan (at the time).
If you would like to know more about Japanese baseball, I would suggest catching up on their terminology, and learning a little about the history at the Japanese Baseball HOF.
And yes terrapin, they have baseball cards.
posted by jasonspaceman to baseball at 11:59 AM - 6 comments
cool. thanks for the links. and to add to your terminology link, here's a list of japanese curses used at the ball park.
posted by goddam at 12:46 PM on May 05, 2005
Many Japanese firms recommend the book "You Gotta Have Wa" by Robert Whiting to Americans who want to get insight into Japanese business culture. It is a superb book that not only serves as a primer to Japanese baseball, but also honor, culture and philosophy that infuses the way they play the game -- including the lost art of the bunt -- indeed, right down to the way practices are conducted and even fan behavior. Anyone looking for insight into Japanese baseball -- and culture -- would do well to pick up the book, it's engrossing. [book review]
posted by the red terror at 12:48 PM on May 05, 2005
The baseball is slightly smaller. (my note: do you think this is how Ichiro sees the ball so well?) The greatest batsman in the history of cricket is the late Sir Donald Bradman. The Sporting News called him the Babe Ruth of cricket. The legend has always been that as a boy he practised his hand-eye coordination by hitting a golf ball with a wicket.
posted by the red terror at 12:55 PM on May 05, 2005
That Robert Whiting book is a great read. I recommend it.
posted by chicobangs at 12:46 PM on May 06, 2005
Little white sphere soars Falls into outstretched glove hand Runner safe at third
posted by alumshubby at 05:08 PM on May 10, 2005
Also, so the FPP wasn't so big: This page lists some differences in baseball in Japan. * Games can end in a tie. In fact, some teams play for a tie. * Teams avoid humiliating opponents either by running up big scores in a game or by winning their league by an immodest number of games. * The baseball is slightly smaller. (my note: do you think this is how Ichiro sees the ball so well?) * Players are more loyal to their ball clubs. * Play is not as aggressive. * The strike zone is larger. * Games are limited to 4 hours or 15 innings, whichever occurs first. * Free-agent system is more restrictive. * Training is year round. And a little info behind some of the teams.