I should have known better than to predict the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks would win the 2003 Japan Series in five games over the Hanshin Tigers.
After seeing first hand that crowd at Koshien Stadium during Games 3, 4 and 5 of the Series, I believe it was virtually impossible for the Hawks to win more than one on the road in that hostile environment, and it is (now) not surprising the Tigers swept all three home contests.
There is no other group of fans in any sport in any country as vocal, as visible and as dedicated as those of the Hanshin Tigers. If there is, someone please point them out to me. Pitcher Trey Moore is right when he blurts out his favorite description of his team's supporters: "Tigers fans wa ichi-ban yaaaaa!"