Japanese Baseball

The 60-year-old is credited with masterminding Ohtani's development as a two-way star while a member of the Fighters, before his move to the Los Angeles Angels.

The 40-year-old right-hander, who is fifth all-time in NPB with 234 career saves, had not pitched for the Pacific League club's first team since undergoing right groin surgery in April 2018.

Yamamoto's Game 6 will be remembered as one of the most stirring performances in defeat in the Japan Series.

The team's longtime catcher expertly led his pitching staff across six neck-and-neck games against the Buffaloes to complete Yakult's reversal from cellar-dweller to champion.

The Swallows are champions for the first time since 2001

Orix manager Satoshi Nakajima praised Jones as a player who can change the mood of a dugout with one swing after Game 5.

The Buffaloes won an exciting battle in Game 5 to avoid elimination.

As the saying goes, “you’re only as old as you feel.” On Wednesday night, the Swallows' long-time starter proved that to be true.

Yakult is one win away from the crown after beating Orix in Game 4.