Ryan Guardino- better known around Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, as Gaijin Ryan or The Home Run King -didn’t just help introduce us to Japanese independent baseball (Sawakami Kansai Independent League). He introduced us to a few other Hyogo Bravers.
First up was teammate Matsui Taiga, a smack-talking, slap-hitting second baseman for the Bravers who carries himself like he was built in a baseball lab specifically to annoy pitchers, spray singles, and make the dugout louder. Then came Casey, the catcher. Like Ryan, his name on the roster is displayed as his first name only. Maybe it’s their best Prince/Sting impression?
It was the perfect contrast: the Home Run King standing next to a contact demon, both speaking the universal language of baseball, giving each other grief.
Japan ball stays undefeated.
Full episode coming soon. Watch out!
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