The Hanshin Tigers have a reputation of winning the Central League pennant once every other decade. Their last three titles came in 1964, 1985 and 2003, and their fans surely do not want to wait until 22-something for the next championship.
They may not have to.
This season through games of May 16, Hanshin was on top of the CL standings, albeit by only a game and a half in a tight race, and you have to wonder if the pinstripers from Kansai can actually win two flags in a row.