Tokyo International News Agency

On September 15, 2026, during a game against the Yomiuri Giants at Yokohama Stadium, Yoshitomo Tsutsugo of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars hit a historic home run, marking his 250th career home run in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Although the team conceded the opening run in the top of the first inning, they immediately bounced back with a game-tying home run by Shugo Makis in consecutive games to turn the tide. The offense exploded in the second inning with a three-run homer by Keita Sano, followed by Tsutsugo's milestone solo shot—his 148th at Yokohama Stadium, breaking the solo record for the venue, and his 250th overall in NPB—as well as a home run by Tatsuo Ebina. Ultimately, the BayStars secured a resounding victory with 17 hits and 13 runs, completing a sweep against the Giants. The team celebrated a furious seven-game winning streak and returned to a positive win-loss record for the first time in 123 days. Starting pitcher Katsuki Azuma also delivered a steady performance...

Tomoya Inoue of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars professional baseball team delivered his first hit since joining the team in spectacular fashion, hitting a memorable home run during a rain-soaked game and making a major contribution to the team's victory. Having joined the team via a trade from the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and posting overwhelming results in the farm league, the long-awaited young prospect showed his clutch hitting ability by launching a powerful three-run home run. Fans flooded social media with joyful reactions, saying phrases like, "He has finally awakened" and "We hope he makes a huge impact in his new home." After the game, he finally stepped up to the hero's podium for a post-game interview, where he performed the team's signature "I☆YOKOHAMA" catchphrase. Teammates and the dugout united to celebrate his success, leaving the best possible impression in a crucial game for the team's Climax Series ambitions. Attention is also ...

During the summer professional baseball season, a series of dramatic finishes have captivated fans' hearts. On social media, driven by the keyword "walk-off win," excited and joyful voices have been flooding in from fans who rushed to the stadiums as well as those watching from home. The Yokohama DeNA BayStars secured a dramatic walk-off victory at their home stadium when rookie Asahi Miyashita, a third-round draft pick, hit a clutch, game-winning single with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th inning. Countless congratulatory comments such as "Miyashita's walk-off hit is the best!" and "So glad I could witness this live!" poured in, as fans celebrated the team's fourth consecutive home win and their return to third place in the standings. Meanwhile, the Hanshin Tigers delivered a historic finish driven by their key sluggers. In the bottom of the 9th, Teruaki Sato and Yusuke Oyama hit back-to-back home runs to overturn the sc...

On August 12, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) announced player roster adjustments, revealing that Yokohama DeNA BayStars catcher Shion Matsuo has been removed from the active roster under the league's Infectious Disease Exception policy. To fill the roster spot, catcher Kyosuke Mashiko has been called up to the top team. Matsuo has played a pivotal role as the team's primary catcher this season, delivering standout performances that helped drive the BayStars forward. News of his sudden removal prompted a wave of reactions on social media, with fans voicing shock as well as warm support. Many expressed hope that he takes time to rest following a grueling stretch of games, leaving comments wishing him a full and speedy recovery. With their starting catcher temporarily sidelined, the BayStars face a tough test. The team will now rely on the rest of their catching staff—including veteran Yasutaka Tobashira and young catcher Takeru Furuichi—to step up and hold the line. Fans will...

Yokohama DeNA BayStars rookie infielder Asahi Miyashita, the team's third-round draft pick, electrified the home crowd at Yokohama Stadium on the 5th with a dominant performance on both offense and defense against the Hanshin Tigers. In a game where the offense exploded, Miyashita created a major highlight in the bottom of the second inning. Facing Hanshin starter Takahashi, he unleashed a full swing on an inside pitch, launching a dramatic go-ahead two-run homer into the right-field stands. The impressive opposite-field blast brought the stadium's energy to a fever pitch. Miyashita's impact extended far beyond his turn at bat. Operating at shortstop, he showcased a strong, accurate arm and nimble footwork, delivering multiple stellar plays that bailed the team out of tight situations. His seamless chemistry with first baseman Keita Sano highlighted an all-around commanding defensive presence. Continuing to demonstrate exceptional poise as a rookie, Miyashita has drawn enth...

Yokohama DeNA BayStars third-round draft pick Asahi Miyashita made an unforgettable impression during a recent game against the Yomiuri Giants, sparking a flurry of excitement across social media. Stepping up to the plate with the bases loaded, the rookie infielder unleashed a powerful swing, sending the ball soaring all the way into the upper left-field balcony seats for a colossal grand slam. Marking his first professional home run in such dramatic fashion, Miyashita delivered four crucial runs for his team. The towering shot drew widespread admiration online, with fans taking to social media to express their awe with comments like "What an incredible rookie!" and "That was an absolute monster blast!" Known for his exceptional defensive range, strong arm, and impressive power as a tall shortstop, Miyashita has quickly earned nicknames like "Hama's Rising Sun" and "The Long-Awaited Young Slugger." Expectations are soaring for the bright youn...

On July 10, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars announced that pitcher Jon Duplantier successfully underwent internal brace-augmented Tommy John surgery in the United States. Following the procedure, the club also confirmed that they have initiated the process to place him on waivers, resulting in his departure from the team. Hopes were high when Duplantier joined the BayStars this season after transferring from the Hanshin Tigers. However, his tenure in Japan was cut short by injuries, leaving him with an underwhelming record of zero wins and only two appearances. The context In Japanese professional baseball, foreign players are often signed to high-value contracts with the expectation that they will serve as key contributors, or "suketto" (helpers). When these investments fail to materialize due to injury or poor performance, it often triggers intense public scrutiny. The "waiver" system in NPB allows other teams to acquire a player before they become a free agent, effect...

On July 10, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars announced that they have signed pitcher Masumi Hamachi to a major league contract, upgrading him from his previous development-level agreement. He will wear the number 52 jersey. Hamachi, formerly of the Hanshin Tigers, joined the BayStars via the 2024 active player draft. After being moved to a development contract at the end of the 2025 season, he displayed remarkable perseverance, fighting his way back to the major roster. This season, he has recorded an impressive 1.99 ERA over 23 appearances in the farm league, a stellar performance that earned him this promotion. Commenting on his promotion, Hamachi expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am filled with gratitude for all the support I have received to reach this point. Now, I will work hard to repay that support with my results on the field." On the same day, the club also announced the departure of pitcher J. Duplantier, who will undergo right elbow surgery, effectively creating an o...

On May 13, 2026, at Yokohama Stadium, Shunya Shimada, the second-round draft pick for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, achieved a historic milestone during a game against the Chunichi Dragons. In the fifth inning, Shimada accomplished an "Immaculate Inning"—striking out three consecutive batters on just nine pitches. This incredible feat led his team to a 5-0 shutout victory and secured his first career win as a professional. The rookie’s dominant performance peaked in the fifth, where he faced three Chunichi batters, including star slugger Seiya Hosokawa, and dismantled them with flawless precision. Social media exploded with praise, with fans calling his pitching "artistic" and hailing him as a "phenomenal new talent." While this was the 23rd Immaculate Inning in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) history, Shimada is only the second rookie to achieve it, following Takao Kajimoto (Hankyu) in 1954. He also became the first rookie in the history of the Central L...

On May 13, 2026, at Yokohama Stadium, rookie pitcher Shunya Shimada of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars delivered a masterclass performance to secure his first professional victory. Shimada led his team to a shutout win, pitching six dominant innings without allowing a single run. The highlight of the night—and the moment that set the stadium ablaze—was Shimada’s achievement of an "immaculate inning." By striking out three consecutive batters on exactly nine pitches in a single inning, he etched his name into the record books as the first rookie pitcher in Central League history to accomplish this rare feat. Fans have been quick to praise his explosive emotion on the mound and his powerful pitching style, with many calling him a "future ace candidate" and declaring that "the future is bright" for the franchise. However, it wasn’t just his performance that captured hearts; the "personality gap" he displayed during the post-game hero interview has become...

Shockwaves are rippling through the world of Japanese professional baseball. On May 12, 2026, the word "trade" regarding Yokohama DeNA BayStars' star catcher Yuudai Yamamoto began trending on X (formerly Twitter), sending shockwaves through fans and baseball insiders alike. Yamamoto currently serves as the linchpin of the BayStars' defense and is a fixture in the heart of the batting lineup, making him an indispensable pillar of the team. Consequently, the trade rumors have sparked a flood of confusion and anger on social media, with fans crying out, "This can't be real," "Impossible," and "What is the front office thinking?" Many are calling this even more shocking than the major trades seen last year, as the unexpected news continues to cause widespread unrest. Regarding the potential reasons for such a move, some fans have speculated it might be a "difficult decision to give younger talent Shion Matsuo a permanent starting spo...

The Yokohama DeNA BayStars announced on May 6 that their recently acquired pitcher, Austin Cox, has successfully undergone internal brace surgery on his left elbow’s medial collateral ligament (UCL) at a hospital in the United States. However, the news comes with a heavy price: Cox is expected to miss the remainder of the season, dealing a significant blow to the team’s pitching rotation. Cox had initially sparked high hopes after earning his first win in Japan during a start against the Chunichi Dragons on April 8. Unfortunately, his season came to an abrupt halt after just two appearances. Team President Yota Kimura commented on the situation, stating, "It is not realistic for him to pitch again this season." The club has already signaled its intent to scout for a new foreign replacement to fill the void left by the left-hander. Following the announcement, a wave of disappointment swept through the BayStars fan base on social media. Much of the buzz centered around the pitc...

On the 4th, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars secured an 11-8 victory against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp at Yokohama Stadium. While the team initially struggled after falling behind by four runs early in the game, the batting lineup exploded, with every member of the starting lineup recording at least one hit. However, the late-game performance of relievers Marcelino and Ryuta Miyagi, who both conceded runs, forced closer Yasuaki Yamasaki into the game to shut the door. Starting pitcher Yu Takeda faced a rocky start, including surrendering a grand slam in the first inning, but he showed resilience to pitch six innings and allow five runs, earning his first win of the season. The offense provided massive support, highlighted by a three-run home run from Tatsuo Ebina. Yet, despite the joy of the win, social media was flooded with more concern than celebration regarding the relief pitchers who appeared from the eighth inning onward. Reliever Marcelino drew particular scrutiny. After taking the moun...

The Yokohama DeNA BayStars secured their first home victory of the season on April 7th. In a game where pitchers Fukasawa, Hashimoto, Sakamoto, and Ise provided strong relief, and the offense notched over five runs, closer Yasuaki Yamasaki entered in the final inning. Despite a four-run lead, which is not typically a save situation, Yamasaki took the mound. In an unexpected turn, he gave up a two-run home run after a throwing error, making the game a nail-biting one-run difference. However, Yamasaki, often celebrated by fans for his “Yasuaki Theater” moments, showed no signs of wavering. He calmly retired the next three batters in order, contributing to the team's victory. On social media, expressions of relief like “That was close!” and “My stomach was churning” were plentiful, alongside numerous comments praising his resilience and ability to recover, such as “The home run wasn't needed, but it's impressive he didn't collapse from there,” “It'sさすが (as expected) th...

Yokohama DeNA BayStars' Dayan Viciedo is showcasing exceptional form during the preseason. In a match against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on March 14th, he launched a pivotal two-run home run – his second of the preseason – in the bottom of the seventh inning, significantly contributing to his team taking the lead. This single hit became the game-winner, securing a 5-2 victory for DeNA over SoftBank. During the game, Viciedo powerfully connected with a pitch from SoftBank's Robert Osuna, sending it soaring into the left-field stands and igniting the spectators. Social media platforms buzzed with comments such as 'Viciedo's form is incredible!' 'Viciedo has awakened!' and 'The Viciedo of old is back!', as fans expressed widespread surprise and optimism about his revival. His improved hitting performance also garnered attention, with remarks like, 'If he can hit fastballs, things are really heating up.' Within the team, veteran core players like...

As the professional baseball open season heats up, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars secured a decisive 9-2 victory over the Rakuten Eagles. The standout performance of the game came from Dayan Viciedo. The match began challenging for the BayStars, as they conceded two runs in the second inning. However, the BayStars' lineup quickly counterattacked. In the third inning, timely hits from Keita Sano and Yoshitomo Tsutsugo tied the game. Tsutsugo then delivered back-to-back timely hits in the fifth inning, giving the BayStars the lead. The pivotal moment arrived in the eighth inning when Viciedo blasted his first open season home run, a three-run shot that effectively sealed the team's victory. This impressive blast marked his third hit of the day, a standout performance that significantly contributed to the team's win. On social media, fans expressed their excitement and surprise with comments like, "Viciedo's home run, it makes me so happy!" "Viciedo's still ...

The Yokohama DeNA BayStars announced on January 20 that Yoshitomo Tsutsugo will assume the role of new captain starting from the 2026 season. For Tsutsugo, who wears uniform number 25, this marks his return to the captaincy after seven years, having last served in the position in 2019. Following the announcement on the club's official X (formerly Twitter), social media was abuzz with surprised and joyful reactions, including comments like "Tsutsu as the new captain!?", and "Oh my god!!!! The new captain!!!! And it's Tsutsu 😭". Many fans expressed high hopes for Tsutsugo's leadership, posting enthusiastic remarks such as "Let's win the league championship this year!" and "A new era for the BayStars is beginning." Concurrently, the new captain's mark has also been decided, with "C" mark patches slated to go on sale from February 6. The new design has also attracted significant attention, with fans commenting, for inst...

Yokohama DeNA BayStars pitcher Kazuki Mishima, 35, announced his retirement from professional baseball on the 17th. He draws the curtain on a 13-year career that began when he turned pro, with the announcement fittingly made on the 17th, a nod to his jersey number “17.” Mishima consistently inspired fans with his strong spirit, overcoming hardships such as returning to the mound after battling a nationally designated intractable disease. In a statement released through the team, Mishima expressed his gratitude: “I have decided to retire. I am deeply indebted to everyone for the past 13 years since 2013. I will never forget the support from everyone involved with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and the passionate cheers from the fans, who stood by me.” He reflected on his professional baseball career, stating, “It was a very intense and long 13 years.” Mishima joined DeNA in 2013 as a second-round draft pick. He played various roles, including starter, middle reliever, and closer, recording ...

The Yokohama DeNA BayStars fan festival, officially named "Yokohama DeNA BayStars BAY BLUE FESTIVAL 〜 BAYSTARS FUN! DAYS 〜 Supported by Ariake Harbor" (commonly known as "Bay Blue Fes"), grandly opened on November 22nd at Yokohama Stadium, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd of fans. DAY1, the first day of the festival, welcomed Haruyo Yamaguchi of Hinatazaka46 as a special guest. She wowed the crowd with an impressive no-bounce ceremonial first pitch. Fans were particularly surprised by her straight, non-lofty trajectory, noting her remarkable improvement. Toshiro Miyazaki stood in the batter's box, creating a spectacular pairing. During "BAY BLUE SHOW TIME," one of the event's highlights, player Yamato and DJ.STARMAN delivered a dream collaboration, electrifying the venue. Fans lauded them with comments like "too cute!" and "too cool!", praising DJ.STARMAN's DJing skills. Furthermore, BAAD appeared on the live stage, pe...

On the 12th, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars clashed with the Yomiuri Giants in Game 2 of the Climax Series (CS) First Stage, securing a dramatic come-from-behind walk-off victory in the 11th inning to punch their ticket to the CS Final Stage. The seesaw game, where both teams traded runs from the very first inning, truly lived up to the description, "the drama waited until the very end." DeNA faced a challenging start, falling behind by five runs in the first inning, but staged a fierce comeback with Taiiki Ishigami's three-run home run and other timely hits. They persistently chipped away at the lead, forcing the game into extra innings. In the 11th, it seemed all hope was lost when the Giants took the lead again, but then the young players sprang into action. As Manager Miura stated, "The refusal to give up called in victory," as hits from Ishigami, Takuma Hayashi, and Ryuki Watarai extended the opportunity with two outs and no runners on base, culminating in Tat...