The highly anticipated 2025 professional baseball season kicked off on March 28, with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars taking on the Chunichi Dragons at the iconic Yokohama Stadium. This season marks a significant moment for the BayStars, who are looking to build on their stunning success from last year when they claimed the Japan Series title for the first time in 26 years. The excitement was palpable as a record crowd of 33,840 fans filled the stands, setting a new attendance record for a professional baseball game at the stadium, surpassing the previous record of 33,761 set during a game against the Hanshin Tigers in October 2024.
Manager Daisuke Miura, now in his fifth year at the helm, has set the bar high for his team, declaring, "Winning the Japan Series is a thing of the past. We are all aware that there is one more thing we are missing. We aim to challenge for this year's league championship." The team's slogan, "Yokohama Dabu-shu" (夺首), reflects their ambition to reclaim the league title, an honor they haven't held since 1998.
As the opening game approached, all eyes were on the starting lineup, particularly on ace pitcher Taiga Higashi, who has been named the opening pitcher for the second consecutive year. Higashi enjoyed a stellar season in 2023 with 16 wins, followed by 13 wins in 2024, and he is eager to continue that momentum into the new season. Joining him in the starting rotation is Trevor Bauer, who returns to the mound after a two-year absence, alongside foreign pitchers Andrew Jackson and Ansonny Kai, both known for their impressive fastballs that reach speeds of 150 km/h.
In the bullpen, closer Yasuaki Yamasaki has been working on a new curveball, and he is just 19 saves away from reaching a milestone of 250 career saves. The team is also excited about the potential growth of young pitchers like Yuta Ishida, who is in his second year and has developed a sweeper pitch to enhance his game. Additionally, 21-year-old Kozono, sporting the number 18 jersey, showcased his ability to throw fastballs close to 150 km/h during the open games.
The BayStars' batting lineup is equally formidable, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. Tyler Austin, who emerged as the top hitter last season, is slated to bat fourth, while Hidetomo Maki, now in his second year as captain, aims for a personal best of 30 home runs. Veteran Toshiro Miyazaki continues to impress with his consistent performance, showing no signs of decline.
Another key player to watch is shortstop Keito Mori, who faced struggles during the open games, finishing with a batting average of 0%. His performance will be crucial, as he competes with Kota Kyoda, who has been delivering results, for the starting shortstop position. Manager Miura may have some tough decisions to make as the competition heats up.
As the game against Chunichi unfolded, the BayStars demonstrated their intent to start the season strong. The team’s strategy revolves around their powerful batting lineup, which includes the speed of Kajihara and the strong arm of Mori, both of whom are expected to enhance the team's offensive capabilities. The combination of speed and power could make the BayStars one of the most dangerous teams in the league this season.
Last season, the BayStars made headlines by overcoming a two-game deficit to win four consecutive games against the SoftBank Hawks in the Japan Series. This resilience has become a hallmark of the team, and it is a testament to the unity that Manager Miura has cultivated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining that same spirit as they enter the league play, stating, "We need to have the same sense of unity as we approach the league games. The slogan 'Yokohama Dabu-shu' is not just a phrase; it embodies our goal of taking the top spot in the league."
With the season now underway, fans are eager to see if the BayStars can replicate their previous success and push for another championship. The combination of experienced players and emerging talents creates a sense of optimism as the team embarks on this journey. The opening game against Chunichi is just the beginning, and the BayStars are determined to make a statement right from the start.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the BayStars as they navigate the challenges ahead. The team's performance in the early games will be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the season. With a strong roster and a clear vision, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars are ready to take on the league and aim for the ultimate prize.
