2024 Great Moments in Sports: All of Japan in Tears! The moment the Yokohama DeNA BayStars won Japan’s first baseball championship in 26 years!

Yokohama DeNA BayStars, November 3, Game 6 of the Japan Series
A victory by a small margin, and a long-cherished wish to win Japan’s first championship in 26 years!

It was said that Softbank had the advantage, but DeNA did an amazing job of turning the tables.

Yutaka Takagi, a commentator and alumnus of the DeNA baseball team, reflected on the final game.

On November 3, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars won a convincing 11-2 victory over the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks to become Japan’s top baseball team for the first time in 26 years. After the game, the players lifted manager Daisuke Miura (50) high in the air with a mixture of tears and smiles on his face.

In the 5th inning, pitcher Haruhiro Hamaguchi (29) struck out three batters when it looked as if the opposing team would counterattack, inspiring the bench. Manager Miura’s leadership was also excellent!

He held off on the defensive lineup until the very last minute and never backed down, and his attitude of believing in his players and sending them on their way brought about the victory.

From third place in the Central League to first place in Japan by defeating the Hanshin and Giants. It was truly a “victory by perseverance.

From the January 3, 10, and 17, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY