Baseball fans are buzzing with excitement as the Hanshin Tigers achieved remarkable victories against both the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers during preseason games held at the Tokyo Dome, winning each match with 3-0 scores. Scheduled on March 15 and 16, these games showcased incredible pitching performances from Hanshin's young talents.
On March 15, 2025, pitcher Akihito Toi, just 20 years old, captivated audiences with his flawless performance against the Cubs. Toi, who has previously been viewed as one of Hanshin's promising up-and-comers, pitched five complete innings without allowing any hits, astonishing not just the fans but also the opposing lineup. Justin Turner, the Cubs' number four hitter with 198 career home runs, was one of the many who found themselves confounded by Toi's skill. "I couldn’t believe he didn’t allow any hits!" Turner said after the game.
The following day, Hiroto Saiki, at 26, continued the Tigers' impressive streak against the Dodgers, also finishing five innings with only one hit surrendered. Saiki’s battle against Shohei Ohtani, who took the lead-off spot as designated hitter, was particularly thrilling. Saiki successfully struck Ohtani out with three consecutive pitches during his first at-bat and managed to send him back to the dugout with a fly-out during their second encounter.
Hanshin's new manager, Kyuji Fujikawa, 44, expressed confidence following the team's performance. "Winning is our goal. If we maintain this momentum, we can aim for at least one win per three-game series when the real season begins," Fujikawa noted, highlighting the importance of starting strong.
These accomplishments are not just morale-boosters; they hold significant weight as the Tigers prepare for their official season opener against the Hiroshima Carp on March 28, 2025. Fujikawa's aim to secure at least a .500 win average throughout the season is becoming clearer as they continue their strong showing.
Meanwhile, the Hanshin team took time to rest before their upcoming match against the Yakult Swallows, which is set to take place at Jingu Stadium. On March 17, the Tigers took advantage of this brief respite, preparing themselves for the upcoming games as they reflect on their successful escapade against two major league teams.
Adding another layer to the excitement, the opening day of the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament was upon them only the day before, coinciding with the Tigers' notable performances. A rehearsal for the opening ceremony took place at Koshien Stadium under brisk, chilly conditions, as temperatures dipped to just 6 degrees Celsius due to the unexpected cold snap.
Among the event attendees was Chuya Hitomi, the manager of Chiben Wakayama High School. Hitomi has quite the baseball legacy, having led his team as captain to victory during the national championship tournament back in 1997 and later being drafted by the Hanshin Tigers. He managed to take the reins of his alma mater back in 2018 and continues to lead the team with great pride.
Hitomi reminisced about his past successes, but like many other coaches, he now faces the pressures of matching those achievements. His school has had its successes, winning the Spring Invitational Tournament, but recent years have yielded disappointing early eliminations from the tournament. Hitomi’s focus now lies on strategies to reclaim glory, realizing the thirst for victory is palpable not just for his players but for their supporters as well. "We’re eager to win, and we’ll train hard to breach our past disappointments," he said.
This sense of yearning and determination is echoed throughout the Tigers’ organization, especially after their first successful warm-up against major league teams, which has fans and players alike feeling optimistic. The buzz surrounding the team intensified as they beat two formidable teams with the same 3-0 scoreline, harking back to the glory days of the Tigers.
To juxtapose the Tigers' triumphs, the situation for their long-time rivals, the Yomiuri Giants, is much gloomier. Following disappointing defeats to both the Dodgers and the Cubs, with scores of 1-5 and 2-4 respectively, Giants fans are facing another season of uncertainty. Responses on social media revealed excitement among Hanshin fans, who reveled not just in their victories but savored the Giants' misfortunes—an intoxicative blend as the rivalry between the teams deepens.
While the atmosphere is festive and promises of future success abound, both fans and the organization remain grounded. Fujikawa’s calm approach and focus on practical improvements highlight his experience. "What matters is our continued preparation and evaluation of our players throughout the season, we must not get carried away. This is just the beginning," he reminded fans and players before heading toward the long stretch of the official season.
With the Tigers set to take on formidable opponents and carry the momentum built from the preseason success, the sentiments of both hope and caution will undoubtedly define the mood heading toward the season opener. Enthusiasts of Hanshin lean eagerly toward both memories past and dreams of future wins as they gear up for what lies ahead.
