Jim Allen - The Japan Times

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Jim Allen

For Jim Allen's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Jun 16, 2016

Former rival Kudo says Ichiro's legacy transcends baseball

It was the infield single heard round the world.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Jun 8, 2016

Laird grateful for Fighters' support

Although the start of his Japan career was truly forgettable, Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters third baseman Brandon Laird has not forgotten those who helped him get through it.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / MLB

Apr 27, 2016

New MLB slide rule may open door for Japanese infielders

Since Hideo Nomo broke open the door for Japanese stars to move abroad, not a single infielder has been among the 12 players to make a big league all-star team — although that may change in the future with the removal of one more obstacle in their path.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Mar 23, 2016

Veteran skipper Nashida looks for young spark with Rakuten in Sendai

Veteran skipper Masataka Nashida has no illusions about the challenges facing the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in his first year in charge, but he is a man with a plan and a positive attitude.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Feb 15, 2016

Ex-Hanshin slugger Murton completes minor-league deal with Cubs

Former Hanshin Tigers outfielder Matt Murton said Sunday that he has completed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs and will attend the National League team's spring training.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Feb 15, 2016

Otani turns heads with bat during Fighters' trip to U.S.

Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters ace Shohei Otani has attracted a crowd of scouts to Arizona this past week with his pitching, but his batting has left them speechless.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / MLB

Jan 6, 2016

Maeda to face multitude of adjustments in majors

Although the contract Kenta Maeda is expected to complete in the coming days with the Los Angeles Dodgers is for eight years, it will likely be a bargain for a pitcher with such a solid track record in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Jan 4, 2016

New BayStars skipper Ramirez gives Yamaguchi opportunity to start opener

Alex Ramirez showed his flair for the unconventional on Monday, when the new Yokohama BayStars manager named right-hander Shun Yamaguchi as his Opening Day starter.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / MLB

Dec 30, 2015

Former MLB pitcher Saito sees game through different lens as Padres intern

For many players, leaving the game begs the huge question of what to do next, but for former big league reliever Takashi Saito, that period was remarkably brief.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / MLB

Dec 10, 2015

Defense seen as Matsuda's strong suit in MLB circles

Nobuhiro Matsuda's pursuit of a big league career could hinge on whether his fielding prowess outweighs his offensive question mark.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / MLB

Dec 9, 2015

Maeda in spotlight as MLB teams mull options

With the haggling for posted Hiroshima Carp ace Kenta Maeda set to start, San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Tuesday at the baseball winter meetings that the two-time Sawamura Award winner was an intriguing option for big league clubs.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Oct 18, 2015

Giants manager Hara to quit after playoff exit

Yomiuri Giants skipper Tatsunori Hara says he will step down following his team's exit from the Central League playoffs.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Oct 13, 2015

Tenacity has paid off for Swallows: Manaka

After winning their first Central League title in 14 years, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows are taking nothing for granted ahead of the CL Climax Series final stage against the Yomiuri Giants.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Sep 4, 2015

Wakamatsu nabs monthly honor

Rookie changeup artist Shunta Wakamatsu of the Chunichi Dragons won his first pitcher of the month award on Friday, when Nippon Professional Baseball announced its honors for August.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / MLB

Sep 2, 2015

Taguchi hopes to realize dream of managing in U.S.

Former big leaguer So Taguchi has been touted as a candidate to manage the Pacfic League's Orix Buffaloes next year and does dreams of managing one day — but in the United States rather than Japan.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Aug 30, 2015

Giants down nemesis Wakamatsu to sweep Dragons

The Yomiuri Giants overturned a five-run deficit against a nemesis to beat the Chunichi Dragons 9-5, complete a three-game sweep Sunday.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / MLB

Aug 19, 2015

MLB stars' participation in Premier 12 doubtful

This autumn's inaugural Premier 12 international tournament will likely be without any active major leaguers, a Major League Baseball executive suggested Wednesday.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Aug 12, 2015

Fighters' Mendoza battles past Lions

Luis Mendoza was hardly at his best Wednesday, but the former Kansas City Royal battled into the sixth inning to earn the win as the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters beat the Seibu Lions 6-3.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Aug 9, 2015

Late comeback sends Carp to series sweep over Giants

Seiya Suzuki hit a game-tying home run and the Hiroshima Carp capitalized on an eighth-inning error in a 6-1 series-sweeping win over the Yomiuri Giants on Sunday afternoon.

Japan Times

BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball

Aug 9, 2015

Hawks' van den Hurk making most of Japan challenge

Bouncing up and down between the majors and minors may not be the best way to adjust to a new country and a new league, but it has worked for Rick van den Hurk.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.

Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Vol. 35: Travel in time — and stay there

Vol. 35: Travel in time — and stay there

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