Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters is one of the Japanese Professional baseball team in the Pacific League.

Their home stadium is now in Hokkaido, but it used to be in Tokyo until several years ago.

One of the reasons why they moved to Hokkaido is to increase number of fans who come to the stadium. 

Since Hokkaido had not had the professional baseball team before, many people were looking forward to having their own team. 

In the year of moving to the new home stadium, Sapporo Dome, one of the most memorable players joined the Fighters.

His name is Tsuyoshi Shinjo. 

He declared his two goals at a press conference when becoming a member of the Fighters.

His two goals are to “Make Sapporo Dome full of fans” and “Make the Fighters become the national champion.”

Sapporo Dome
Capacity: about 42,000

Tsuyoshi SHINJO
Picture from Nikkan Sports 

His 3 years of performance in the Fighters entertained many fans and even his teammates.

When he achieved making Sapporo Dome full of fans, he decided to end his career.  

And his team won the national championship in his final year as a professional baseball player.  

His outstanding fielding skills and cheerful character attracted not only the Fighters fans but also a lot of baseball fans.

One of the most remarkable active players from the Fighters must be Shohei Otani.

His pitching at the Premier 12 in last year is still fresh in our memory.
 He surprised a lot of baseball fans, players and scouts in the world.

Shohei OTANI
Picture from Nikkan Sports 

What makes him more famous is that he plays as not only a pitcher but also a batter (out-fielder) and he has been making good results in both positions. Some people say he should focus on either a pitcher or a batter for his future.

Anyway, he is already the baseball player who represents Japanese baseball even if whichever positions he chooses. 

Can’t wait to see his next season! 

http://www.4860.jp/special/ohtani/

↑↑We have some his model’s items!! ↑↑

Another Fighters’ player who showed his presence at the Premier 12 is Sho Nakata.

He went 10-for-19; including 2 homers and 13 RBIs in the qualifying round and most of hits led Japan team to victory. 

Sho NAKATA
Picture from SANSPO.COM

When he was a high school student, he had been a regular player since the first grade and recorded 87 homers in 3 years! 

He was called “A monster of Heisei”. (Heisei is Japanese era name)

He is now a cleanup hitter in the Fighters and his future success is greatly anticipated. 

http://www.4860.jp/special/mizunowoodbat/

 ↑↑He uses Mizuno Bat! ↑↑

Last season, they finished at second place in the league.

I think they will be in the race for the championship in next season again. Excited! 

loading..