Wladimir Balentien's season began with a lot of lonely days in Toda, Saitama Prefecture, a city of a little more than 126,000 (according to a 2012 population estimate) just across the Arakawa River, while his Tokyo Yakult Swallows teammates were busy taking on three of their Central League rivals.
Back then, "Coco" was still at the team's minor-league facility working his way back from the left groin injury he suffered during the World Baseball Classic. He was happy to be back under the bright lights on Friday and eager to help the Birds take on the defending Japan Series champion Yomiuri Giants.
"It feels good to be back, Balentien said prior to the game. "I wanted to be here from day one."