Some of the greatest moments in baseball history, in Japan and the major leagues, have taken place during the month of October.
This year, because of all the games not played in March and April following the events of March 11, October offers a full month of NPB action, from exciting pennant race games to the Central and Pacific League Climax Series leading to the 2011 Japan Series to be played entirely in November.
As the month begins, we take a look at how the conclusions of the seasons have evolved from early to late October and beyond, and recall some of the most memorable events and games played by the boys of summer that have taken place during the first full month of autumn.