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“Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful” by Yuriko Gamo Romer
San Francisco-based Yuriko Gamo Romer is an extraordinarily talented documentary filmmaker – someone who knows how to combine storytelling and research into a beautifully-presented piece of art.
Released in 2012, “Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful,” is a biographical documentary about Keiko Fukuda, the first woman to attain the 10th degree black belt in judo. This film traveled to more than 25 film festivals internationally and was awarded the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary at the International Festival of Sport Films in Moscow and was broadcast nationally on PBS.
Her current documentary project, “Diamond Diplomacy,” explores the relationship between the United States and Japan through a shared love of baseball. The film is currently in production. More information can be found at DiamondDiplomacy.com. Yuriko appeared on JapanBall’s “Chatter Up!” Zoom call in 2020 – check out our recap of that episode here.
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American Pastime
This dramatic historical fiction film, set in Utah’s infamous Topaz concentration camp for Japanese Americans during World War II, tells the story of a family’s internment and the role baseball played in the camps. Baseball not only provided a diversion and physical outlet – it also cultivated camaraderie amongst the interns and respect from the white American community.
American Pastime was inspired by the work of the Nisei Baseball Research Project and its founder, Kerry Yo Nakagawa. Kerry Yo was a special guest on JapanBall’s “Chatter Up!” in April 2021, and his episode was the most powerful in our series. You can watch the video on YouTube or read the recap here.
The link below is for streaming options on Amazon; to buy the DVD, click here.
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Ballparks of NPB 2024 Calendar
$44.00The 12 ballparks of Nippon Professional Baseball – have you visited them all yet!?
This 2024 calendar depicts each of the 12 NPB parks – one per month – in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can. From the brand-new and world-class Es Con Field all the way up in Hokkaido, to the five stadiums in the Tokyo region, and all the way down to Hiroshima and Fukuoka, each ballpark has its own unique architectural charm or flare, and it’s captured with each turn of the page!
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Carry-On Suitcase – Samsonite Spinner
My wife and I put two suitcases on our wedding registry, and I’m sure glad that I ended up with this one! It is pretty much as large as it can be to still pass for a carry-on, which is why I chose it. It rolls smoothly through the airport or train station and I’ve found that the dividers and straps inside come in handy too. The hard sidewalls make it ideal for collecting precious Japanese souvenirs!
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Diamonds in the Rough: Zeni and the Legacy of Japanese American Baseball
Using the life of Kenichi “Zeni” Zenimura, the godfather of Japanese American baseball, as the foundation, this 35-minute documentary captures the rich and overlooked history of Japanese American baseball. A must-watch for any baseball history buff who prides themselves on knowing the most influential characters in the game’s history, and for anyone with an interest in the Japanese experience in America. Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, famous for his role as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid series, narrates this informative and enlightening film.
This documentary was inspired by the work of the Nisei Baseball Research Project and its founder, Kerry Yo Nakagawa. Kerry Yo was a special guest on JapanBall’s “Chatter Up!” in April 2021, and his episode was the most powerful in our series. You can watch the video on YouTube or read the recap here.
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Gentle Black Giants: A History of Negro Leaguers in Japan
Between 1927 and 1934, the Philadelphia Royal Giants of the U.S. Negro Leagues embarked on several goodwill tours across the Pacific. They were relegated to second-class citizenship at home, but abroad they were treated with tremendous respect. Unlike the well-known tours of major league stars who ridiculed their opponents through embarrassing defeats, the Royal Giants made the games competitive, dignified, and enjoyable for opposing players. This book makes the argument that the mutual respect – and spirited competition – between the Black and Japanese players played a significant role in the founding of professional baseball in Japan. For more, check out our book review.
Co-author Bill Staples, Jr. appeared on JapanBall’s “Chatter Up!” Zoom call in 2020 – check out our recap of that episode here. Kazuo Sayama, the other co-author, was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021.
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Growing the Game: The Globalization of Major League Baseball
I picked up this book shortly after it came out in 2008. I was a senior in college, and looking to pursue a career in baseball. This book meticulously described to me how baseball was in the process of becoming a truly global game, and I wanted to be part of that movement. I immediately tried to figure out how I could combine my love of baseball with traveling the world. And hey, what do you know – here we are!
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Hanshin Tigers Adjustable Baseball Cap
I used to only wear game-style baseball hats, thinking that the floppy hats were “dad hats.” Well, now that has changed. I always bring a hat like this when traveling so that I can cram it in my luggage without worrying about it losing shape. I like this vintage-style Hanshin Tigers hat because of the classic Tiger graphic and the “rising sun” in the background, but more importantly, it says “Hanshin Tigers” on it, which is often a conversation-starter for curious American baseball fans!
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Hiroshima Toyo Carp Red “Dad Hat”
Hiroshima’s Mazda ZOOM ZOOM Stadium, home of the Carp, is a sea of red on game day and home to arguably the best fans in all of Nippon Professional Baseball. Make sure that you fit in with this beautiful travel-friendly cap!
This American Needle dad hat is super high quality and features the official Hiroshima Carp “Carp Boy” logo patch on the front, and a stylish and functional buckle closure on the back making it a good fit for everyone. When visiting Hiroshima, you’ll notice that you see this logo just about everywhere, including the manhole covers of the city’s sewer system. Dad hats like this one are perfect for travel because unlike structured caps, they can be packed without losing their shape.
Whether you’re sporting this comfortable classic curved brim cap at a Carp game, or wearing it around town back home, it’s sure to become a staple in your wardrobe, and quite the conversation starter as well!
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In Search of Millionaires (The Life of a Baseball Gypsy): The Bob Fontaine Jr. Story
Baseball legends like Tony Gwynn, Ozzie Smith, and Randy Johnson are some of the most extraordinary talents that the game has ever known. But before they were pros, there was no industry consensus on these players – none of them were drafted in the first round of the MLB draft. But Bob Fontaine, Jr. saw in them something that the other teams didn’t, and millions of fans can thank him for drafting their franchise icon.
For nearly five decades, Fontaine looked into the future. He traveled the world and beat the bushes to scout, sign, and develop baseball’s constantly-refreshing next generation of stars. He led a relentless search, logging countless days abroad and wearing his car’s odometer out in the U.S.
But this book doesn’t just tally the biggest hits of Fontaine’s illustrious scouting career. Anyone who’s ever talked to a scout knows that scouts can tell stories like Ozzie Smith fields a routine grounder: with ease and just the right amount of flare. And Fontaine can spin a yarn with the best of them.
In this book, you’ll read about the inspiring draft story of Jim Abbott (who was born with only one hand), around-the-world baseball adventures (Fontaine three players in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union!), the early days of some of baseball’s biggest characters (Ozzie Guillen and John Kruk, for example), drafting the foundation of the 2002 World Series champion Anaheim Angels (Tim Salmon, Garrett Anderson, etc.), and scouting amateur players all over the world, including Yu Darvish in Japan (read an excerpt on scouting Darvish).
This book is a baseball lover’s dream. It has just the right amount of history and nostalgia mixed with humility and humor. Get a first-hand look at the life of a legendary baseball man who exemplifies the vital role that scouts – the unheralded soothsayers of the game – play.
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JapanBall Black Trucker Hat
$36.00This Legacy brand black trucker hat features a mesh back, slightly curved visor, and a snapback closure. This comfortable cap is a must have for your next day at the ballpark!
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JapanBall Dugout Mug
$35.00Introducing the official JapanBall Dugout Mug! Dugout Mugs are made from the barrel of a baseball bat, giving them a distinctive and authentic look. This mug includes the official JapanBall logo, and can hold up to 12 ounces. It’s perfect for any JapanBaller who likes to enjoy a cold beverage while watching the ballgame!
In addition to being a great conversation piece, dugout mugs are also functional and practical. They can be used at home, at a tailgate, or even on the go, making them a versatile accessory for any baseball lover. Plus, with their durable construction and unique design, dugout mugs are sure to be a cherished item for years to come.
Hand wash only.
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JapanBall Gray Hat with Blue Brim
$36.00This Yupoong brand hat provides a classically good look with a contrasting gray body and blue brim. It features a green undervisor and a snapback closure, with the JapanBall logo displayed prominently on the front panels.
80% acrylic, 20% wool
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JapanBall Khaki Hat
$36.00Crafted from 100% pure cotton, this dad hat offers unparalleled comfort and breathability. The high-quality fabric ensures that the hat retains its shape over time while providing a soft and comfortable fit. Whether you’re out for a casual stroll or on a JapanBall tour, this hat will keep you cool and comfortable all day long! Scroll down for product details.
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JapanBall Polo Shirt
$35.00This Gildan brand JapanBall polo shirt is 100% ring-spun cotton. Its blend of comfort and durability will mean its a favorite for years to come! It features the JapanBall logo on the chest, and a classic two button placket. Scroll down for product details.
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JapanBall Tie Dye Shirt
$55.00These one of a kind t-shirts are hand-dyed by JapanBall President Shane Barclay!
100% cotton Bella + Canvas t-shirt featuring the JapanBall logo on the front, and a Ballpark Blueprints map of the NPB stadiums on the back!
Please note: The map on the back of these specific shirts includes Sapporo Dome (not Es Con Field Hokkaido), as well as both Kyocera Dome Osaka and Hotto Motto Field for the Orix Buffaloes stadium.
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JapanBall Women’s T-Shirt
$25.00This Sol women’s t-shirt featuring the JapanBall logo is 100% organic cotton. It’s so comfortable, it will quickly become one of your favorites!
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Kenichi Zenimura, Japanese American Baseball Pioneer
This biography by Bill Staples, Jr. delves into the extraordinary life of Kenichi Zenimura (1900-1968), celebrated as the Father of Japanese-American Baseball. Scroll down for product details.
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Koshien: Japan’s Field of Dreams by Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki describes Japan’s National High School Baseball Championship (more commonly known as “Koshien,” for the stadium it’s played in) as a combination of the Super Bowl (for the national popularity and significance of the title) and NCAA basketball’s “March Madness” (for its intense, single-elimination format). In this film, Yamazaki grants viewers an insider’s look into two teams’ journeys to Koshien.
But this is not just a film about baseball, for baseball fans – this is a dramatic tale of the fighting spirit, harmony, tradition, and discipline that are the bedrock of Japanese culture, and how they fit into modern society.
For more about this fascinating documentary, check out our review. Ema Ryan Yamazaki appeared on JapanBall’s “Chatter Up!” Zoom call in 2020 – check out our recap of that episode here. For an in-depth, first-person Koshien experience, check out this article by Tom McGuire.
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Lars Nootbaar 2023 Japan WBC Champs Signed 8×10 photo (2 variations)
$87.00Choose from two options of glossy 8×10 photos, each personally autographed by Samurai Japan and St. Louis Cardinals outfielder, Lars Nootbaar. Scroll down for product details.
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Mashi: The Unfulfilled Baseball Dreams of Masanori Murakami, the First Japanese Major Leaguer
Did you know that 30+ years before Hideo Nomo, the San Francisco Giants had a Japanese pitching sensation on their club? I don’t blame you if you don’t, because Masanori Murakami’s tale is not well-known. “Mashi” had an adventurous and courageous spirit to pair with a talented left arm, and his place in history is iron-clad: he was the first Japanese player in Major League Baseball.
Read our full review of the book. Author Rob Fitts appeared on JapanBall’s “Chatter Up!” Zoom call in 2020 – check out our recap of that episode here. Want to own a piece of baseball history? Purchase an autographed Masanori Murakami trading card here.
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Matt Winters Autographed Nippon Ham Fighters Cards (3 variations)
$11.00 – $13.00After signing with the Nippon Ham Fighters in 1990, Winters quickly became the team’s best power hitter. He hit over 30 home runs in each of his first four seasons in NPB. While he was known for his clutch hitting, Winters also became a fan favorite for this lively personality. He would often be found dancing between innings and entertaining his teammates during delays in play. Winters retired after the 1994 season.
Choose from three different cards autographed by Winters; his 1991 NPB rookie card, 1993 BBM card, or his 1994 BBM card.
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Mr. Baseball
For most people, Mr. Baseball is their gateway into Japanese baseball, and we’re OK with that! The film does a good job showing the sometimes-bizarre and always-interesting life of a gaijin (foreigner) ballplayer in Japan.
Jack Elliot, played by Tom Selleck, is a talented but aging Major League Baseball player who finds himself traded to the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball. The movie showcases Elliot’s challenging adjustment to life in Japan and features many comical moments as he tries to acclimate to the cultural differences and customs of Japan and Japanese baseball.
The film does a good job of showing the contrasts between American and Japanese baseball cultures and is a decent introduction to NPB. It highlights the respect for tradition and importance of teamwork that is inherit in Japanese baseball versus the more individualistic approach we often see in Major League Baseball. While at first, you might not find Elliot to be a particularly charismatic protagonist, we’re willing to bet you’ll find yourself cheering him on and rooting for his redemption and success in both baseball and life.
If you’re a fan of the classic sports underdog story and comedy, Mr. Baseball is a heartwarming and humorous watch.
(Click below for streaming options, and if you want to order the DVD or Blu-Ray, click here.)
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Nichibei Yakyu: Baseball Tours of Japan
SABR has published a unique two-volume set titled Nichibei Yakyu: US Tours of Japan to mark the 150th anniversary of baseball in Japan. This collection, the first in English to do so, chronicles the visits of over 100 American and Hawaiian baseball teams to Japan since 1907. Scroll down for product details.
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Noise Cancelling, Extra Bass Earbuds
These are essential for the long flight to Japan!
If your earbuds are Apple “flash” compatible or Bluetooth, then you’ll be stuck on the plane with those cheap airline earbuds that have no bass and sound like you’re watching a movie in the airplane’s hanger. In my carry-on bag, I always bring a pair of higher quality earbuds that I can plug into the on-board entertainment system. Plus, they double as earplugs when you want to sleep!
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Portable Phone/Tablet Charger
I love this little charger. It has been a lifesaver on long train rides and flights. The 4.8A output means It even charges your phone faster than a wall outlet does! In addition, it has two USB outlets, meaning you can charge two things at once. If you are travelling in pairs, you only need one power bank. It’s a great size and weight, so it doesn’t weigh you down or take up too much space. When fully charged, it holds enough power to charge your phone several times over, but can also charge tablets, ear pods, cameras, or any device that utilizes a USB charger. Be sure to bring it along for long days exploring new cities or traveling between ballparks and never worry about running out of phone battery again. It’s an absolute must have for keeping your devices ready to capture all the magic of our baseball tours.
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Remembering Japanese Baseball: An Oral History of the Game
Historian Rob Fitts has written 6+ books about Japanese baseball, but it all started with this one. Inspired by the relative lack of written information about historical baseball figures in Japan, especially in the English language, Rob relays the tales that make up the unique character of the Japanese game. This book is an important one, and I recommend it for anyone that wants to take that next step in getting to know some of NPB’s legendary players – or just loves a great baseball story, because it’s full of them!
Rob Fitts appeared on JapanBall’s “Chatter Up!” Zoom call in 2020 – check out our recap of that episode here.
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Sayonara Home Run!: The Art of the Japanese Baseball Card
Japanese art, from the beautiful woodprint waves of Hokusai to the modern anime films of Studio Ghibli, has long been globally revered. Any appreciator of art and baseball will see from this book why vintage Japanese baseball cards are among the most beautiful baseball collectibles in the world.
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Shohei Ohtani LA Dodgers Painted Glove Portrait Card Art
$395.00This unique baseball card features a hand-painted portrait of Shohei Ohtani in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, created by artist Sean Kane. Scroll down for product details.
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Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Angels Bobblehead
$44.99Celebrate Ohtani’s 2018 American League Rookie of the Year victory with this exclusive limited edition bobblehead. The bobblehead is brand new and comes in its original packaging, ensuring its pristine condition. Scroll down for product details.
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Signed and Personalized by the Author: The Chrysanthemum and the Bat by Robert Whiting
$35.00Acclaimed author Robert Whiting is best known for his bestseller You Gotta Have Wa!, published in 1989. And he burst back onto the Japanese baseball scene with 2004’s The Meaning of Ichiro. But it all started with The Chrysanthemum and the Bat: The Game Japanese Play.
We are working with Mr. Whiting to make this book available to you with a personalized messaged in your name (or whatever name you request) and signature from the author!
Whiting moved to Japan in 1962 and found that whenever he talked to his friends back in the U.S., they always wanted to hear more of his stories of Japanese baseball. Nothing about the country’s fascinating history of rulers, the rapid transformation of Tokyo, or the perfect balance between Buddhism and Shinto – just baseball. But Whiting found that baseball was actually the perfect vehicle to talk about Japan’s unique national character.
Motivated by a $500 bet that he wouldn’t write a book within a year (as explained to JapanBall’s “Chatter Up” audience in August 2021), Whiting compiled his observations of Japan’s culture- exemplified through baseball – into this wonderful book that TIME named its 1977 sports book of the year.
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The Chrysanthemum and the Bat by Robert Whiting (Personalized Signature fom the Author)
Acclaimed author Robert Whiting is best known for his bestseller You Gotta Have Wa!, published in 1989. And he burst back onto the Japanese baseball scene with 2004’s The Meaning of Ichiro. But it all started with The Chrysanthemum and the Bat: The Game Japanese Play.
We are working with Mr. Whiting to make this book available to you with a personalized messaged in your name (or whatever name you request) and signature from the author!
Whiting moved to Japan in 1962 and found that whenever he talked to his friends back in the U.S., they always wanted to hear more of his stories of Japanese baseball. Nothing about the country’s fascinating history of rulers, the rapid transformation of Tokyo, or the perfect balance between Buddhism and Shinto – just baseball. But Whiting found that baseball was actually the perfect vehicle to talk about Japan’s unique national character.
Motivated by a $500 bet that he wouldn’t write a book within a year (as explained to JapanBall’s “Chatter Up” audience in August 2021), Whiting compiled his observations of Japan’s culture- exemplified through baseball – into this wonderful book that TIME named its 1977 sports book of the year.
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The Meaning of Ichiro: The New Wave from Japan and the Transformation of Our National Pastime
I’m sure that many fans felt that Robert Whiting just had to write this book, and I’m sure glad that he did! In this unofficial sequel to You Gotta Have Wa, Whiting flips the script tells the fascinating stories of the trailblazing players that were part of the wave of Japanese players coming to MLB that started with Hideo Nomo in 1995. Whiting puts Nomo, Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Irabu, Alfonso Soriano, and Hideki Matsui under the microscope, exploring each of their unique backgrounds and personalities and how they contributed to creating the star player you see on TV and in MLB stadiums.
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Through a Diamond: 100 Years of Japanese American Baseball
The history of Japanese American baseball is nearly as long as the history of the game itself. This book chronicles the many iterations of Japanese American baseball, starting at the turn of the century, when Japanese immigrants used baseball as a way to garner respect from – and feel a sense of inclusion with – their white American counterparts. Baseball became a community staple in America’s Japanese communities and then became a vehicle for survival in the Japanese American concentration camps of WWII.
Author Kerry Yo Nakagawa is the founder of the Nisei Baseball Research Project, which seeks to preserve the history of Japanese American baseball and educate about the Japanese American concentration camps during World War II. Kerry Yo was a special guest on JapanBall’s “Chatter Up!” in April 2021, and his episode was the most powerful in our series. You can watch the video on YouTube or read the recap here.
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Tokyo Junkie: 60 Years of Bright Lights and Back Alleys . . . and Baseball
40+ years after The Chrysanthemum and the Bat, which TIME Magazine named the best sports book of the year in 1977, and 30+ years after You Gotta Have Wa, an absolute must-read for any baseball fan, Robert Whiting is at it again. The original English-language written voice of Japanese baseball now has a lifetime’s worth of perspective, wisdom, and observations from straddling the American and Japanese cultures, and this book encapsulates it all.
Read our review of the book here.
As Whiting puts describes it in the book’s prologue, the “story is part Alice in Wonderland, part Bright Lights, Big City, and part Forrest Gump, among other things. It is a coming-of-age tale as well as an account of a decades-long journey into the heart of a city undergoing one of the most remarkable and sustained metamorphoses ever seen.”
Arriving in Tokyo in 1962, Whiting entered a metropolis that was on the cusp of bursting onto the world stage, most visibly via the 1964 Olympics. Since then, the city has flourished and grown almost exponentially in so many ways, but not without its share of dark secrets and growing pains.
Whiting’s unique perspective as a curious, thoroughly-adapted foreigner who also happens to be a critical observer and world-class writer makes him the perfect person to document the city’s modern history.
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Tokyo Yomiuri Giants Cartoon Logo Adjustable Hat
This cap is Japanese baseball in a nutshell – NPB’s most famous team, and an adorable team mascot. The rabbit is Giabyi, leader of the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants’ family of rabbit mascots.
This hat is a great conversation starter at the ballpark, especially around San Francisco, which is full of SF Giants fans. It’s not uncommon for this hat to lead to a conversation about how cool Japanese baseball is!
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Travel Laundry Detergent
I take pride in packing light, but I couldn’t do so without these. Humid climates like those in Japan and the Dominican Republic make re-wearing clothes without washing them a disservice to your fellow travelers, but it’s often impractical to do laundry when we’re traveling up and down the country watching baseball games. These detergent packs let you do a small load of laundry in your hotel room’s sink or bathtub. Hang the wet clothes overnight, especially with the AC on, and you’ll be fresh and ready to sweat again in the morning.
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Wally Yonamine: The Man Who Changed Japanese Baseball
In a sea of baseball biographies, this one is a shimmering tropical fish! Rob Fitts certainly picked a good subject in Yonamine, the standout baseball and football player from Hawaii. The history of Japanese baseball couldn’t be told without Wally Yonamine, but his story is uniquely American too. I just wish that I could have seen Wally play in person!
Rob Fitts appeared on JapanBall’s “Chatter Up!” Zoom call in 2020 – check out our recap of that episode here.
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Warren Cromartie Autographed 1986 Calbee Tokyo Yomiuri Giants Card with Beckett Authentication (BAS)
$49.00$39.00A first-round draft pick in 1973, Warren Cromartie shot straight to the major leagues, debuting with the Montreal Expos at age 20 one year later. He was a fixture in the Montreal lineup from 1977 to 1983, endearing himself to Expos fans for his charisma and excellent performance in the 1982 NLDS.
When he decided to go to Japan for the 1984 season at age 30, “Cro” became arguably the first American player to transfer to NPB in the middle of his prime. And what a brilliant move it was! Cromartie became a legend in Japan, leading the iconic Yomiuri Giants franchise to the 1989 Japan Series title after a Central League MVP season. With his competitive flare, clutch bat, and willingness to acclimate to the Japanese culture (including learning the language fluently), Cromartie is still revered by Giants fans.
His final NPB stats over seven seasons are the stuff of legend: batted over .300 five times, slugged 171 home runs, and led the team in home runs and batting twice and RBIs three times. He was a three-time Central League All-Star and “Best Nine” in addition to winning the 1989 MVP.
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Warren Cromartie Autographed 1990 Calbee Tokyo Yomiuri Giants Card with Beckett Authentication (BAS) Auto Grade 10
$59.00$49.00A first-round draft pick in 1973, Warren Cromartie shot straight to the major leagues, debuting with the Montreal Expos at age 20 one year later. He was a fixture in the Montreal lineup from 1977 to 1983, endearing himself to Expos fans for his charisma and excellent performance in the 1982 NLDS.
When he decided to go to Japan for the 1984 season at age 30, “Cro” became arguably the first American player to transfer to NPB in the middle of his prime. And what a brilliant move it was! Cromartie became a legend in Japan, leading the iconic Yomiuri Giants franchise to the 1989 Japan Series title after a Central League MVP season. With his competitive flare, clutch bat, and willingness to acclimate to the Japanese culture (including learning the language fluently), Cromartie is still revered by Giants fans.
His final NPB stats over seven seasons are the stuff of legend: batted over .300 five times, slugged 171 home runs, and led the team in home runs and batting twice and RBIs three times. He was a three-time Central League All-Star and “Best Nine” in addition to winning the 1989 MVP.
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Warren Cromartie Signed Yomiuri Giants Photo w/ “1989 Japan Series Champs”
$44.00$38.00A first-round draft pick in 1973, Warren Cromartie shot straight to the major leagues, debuting with the Montreal Expos at age 20 one year later. He was a fixture in the Montreal lineup from 1977 to 1983, endearing himself to Expos fans for his charisma and excellent performance in the 1982 NLDS.
When he decided to go to Japan for the 1984 season at age 30, “Cro” became arguably the first American player to transfer to NPB in the middle of his prime. And what a brilliant move it was! Cromartie became a legend in Japan, leading the iconic Yomiuri Giants franchise to the 1989 Japan Series title after a Central League MVP season. With his competitive flare, clutch bat, and willingness to acclimate to the Japanese culture (including learning the language fluently), Cromartie is still revered by Giants fans.
His final NPB stats over seven seasons are the stuff of legend: batted over .300 five times, slugged 171 home runs, and led the team in home runs and batting twice and RBIs three times. He was a three-time Central League All-Star and “Best Nine” in addition to winning the 1989 MVP.
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Wladimir Balentien Signed 4×6 Photo
$16.00$11.00Note: On January 22, Balentien announced that he would be leaving NPB. In recognition of his 11 seasons in Japan, we are offering this piece at 11% off the original price!
This photo was autographed by NPB superstar Wladimir Balentien in 2005, when he was a rising 21-year-old in the Seattle Mariners organization, playing centerfield for the Inland Empire 66ers. NPB fans may be surprised to hear that the now-humongous “Coco” was a centerfielder back then, especially if they knew that he was on the same team as Adam Jones. Balentien, however, was an athletic young player with a cannon for an arm out of Curacao (he has represented the Netherlands in the Olympics and World Baseball Classic), and Jones was still playing shortstop.
Balentien made it to the big leagues at just 23 years old, but he never could quite stick over his three seasons with the Mariners and Cincinnati Reds. In 2011, he signed with NPB’s Tokyo Yakult Swallows, and the rest is history. Balentien is one of the best power hitters in NPB history, exemplified by his amazing 2013 season when he shattered Sadaharu Oh’s famed single-season home run record with 60 homers. Now with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, Balentien expects to reach 300 NPB home runs in 2021.
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Worldwide AC Power Adapter + USB Charger
This worldwide AC adapter is an indispensable accessory for modern globetrotters and baseball tourists alike. This single adapter includes five plug types and works in 150 countries, including some of our favorite places for baseball tours like South Korea, Japan, Europe, and more!
Simply pack this all-in-one adapter for your trip and use it to charge phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, headphones, e-readers, and more. The two USB ports ensure that you can lighten your travel load by leaving bulky charging blocks at home and gives you the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
I like the peace of mind knowing that I’ll be able to charge my devices anywhere in the world with this adapter. I keep it with my travel stuff, and it goes wherever I go!
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Yellow & Black Fever: Life, Love and Baseball in the Land of the Rising Sun (Two-Part Series)
I relate to this book in many ways, and I bet you will too! James McKnight, a longtime member of the JapanBall community, writes about his transformative experience at a Hanshin Tigers game during a vacation to Japan. After that game, James got caught up in the Japanese baseball experience, inspiring him to move to Japan and devote himself to cheering for the Tigers. The book is a genuine human story – not just a baseball story. It’s about loneliness and camaraderie, drifting and finding purpose, the challenges and rewards of living abroad, and much more.
Part 2 in the series: Bad Foreigner: More Stories of Life, Love & Baseball in Japan.
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You Gotta Have Wa
This is the book that really opened my eyes to the uniqueness of Japanese baseball. It is the definitive book on the subject in the English language; a must-read for anyone that wants to learn about the intricacies of the Japanese game. Acclaimed author Robert Whiting put it all in here, from the very beginning of Japanese baseball to the international powerhouse that it is today. The book’s most entertaining chapters are told through the wide-eyed – and often frustrated – perspective of gaijiin (foreign) ballplayers that played professionally in Japan.
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Complete Set: Hideo Nomo 1996 Upper Deck Oversized Cards
$10.00After five dominant seasons pitching for NPB’s Kintetsu Buffaloes, Hideo Nomo trailblazed his way to the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 1995 season. His first year in MLB earned him National League All-Star and Rookie of the Year honors.
Following that historic season, Upper Deck created the beautiful “Hideo Nomo Collection.” This set features 16 oversized cards that depict his phenomenal season.
You are purchasing an opened, complete set that has the wear and tear of something that has been admired for 20+ years.
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Es Con Field Hokkaido Sherpa Blanket
$75.00 – $105.00The 12* ballparks of Nippon Professional Baseball – have you visited them all yet!?
This heavenly-soft, 50×60 or 60X80 inch, fleece blanket depicts the 12 NPB parks in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can. From the brand new state-of-the-art Es Con Field Hokkaido, to the five in the Tokyo region, and all the way down to Hiroshima and Fukuoka, each ballpark has its own unique architectural charm or flare, and it’s captured on this map!
To learn more about the NPB ballparks, check out our stadium profiles.
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Gift Card for Tour Credit
$50.00 – $5,000.00Give the gift of a baseball adventure to yourself or a friend! Gift cards are redeemable as credit for you or someone else on any future JapanBall tour.
Note: If the gift card amount you want to purchase is not listed as an option, use “Quantity” and “Add to Cart” to add up the correct amount. For example, if you want to purchase a $2,200 gift card, select two $100 options and then “Add to Cart” and then one “$2,000” option and “Add to Cart.” The total in your cart will be $2,200.
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Hanshin Tigers Adjustable Twill Baseball Cap with Japan Flag
This ivory-colored, twill cap is an instant classic. It screams retro, which is appropriate since the Hanshin Tigers are one of Japan’s oldest teams. With it’s Japan flag patch and unique color scheme, it will certainly be a conversation starter at Koshien Stadium!
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Masanori Murakami Signed San Francisco Giants Card
$20.00Baseball is a romantic game that lends itself to tradition and hero worship. The game’s many pioneers and legends are immortalized in halls of fame, books, and films. However, the tale of Masanori Murakami, the first Japanese MLB player, is not known well enough. Murakami’s story is one of adventure, under-the-table dealings, international conflict, and thrilling moments on the playing field.
When “Mashi” debuted for the San Francisco Giants in 1964, the 20-year-old lefty didn’t speak English or have a dedicated interpreter, which helped him ignore the racist taunts directed at him. He pitched well for the Giants, convincing them that he would be a steady contributor to their pitching staff. However, the Nankai Hawks, Murakami’s original team in Japan, felt that their young prospect was being stolen from them. Murakami became the focal point of a tug-of-war not just between the Hawks and the Giants but also between MLB and NPB. Murakami reluctantly returned to Japan, and the icy relations between the two leagues created a freeze of players coming from Japan to the U.S. until another brave, young hurler crossed the Pacific 30+ years later: Hideo Nomo.
Interested in learning more about Murakami’s story? Check out Rob Fitts’s excellent biography. Still not sure? Read our review of the book here. Want to know more about Asian baseball trailblazers? Read our article, “The Importance of Asian Americans in Baseball.”
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NPB Stadium Map by Ballpark Blueprints
$45.00 – $195.00*We offer two different versions of this map:
- Kyocera Dome Osaka as the stadium of the Orix Buffaloes
- Both the Kyocera Dome Osaka and Hotto Motto Field (the Buffaloes second home).
This beautiful print depicts the 12* NPB parks in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can. From the brand new state-of-the-art Es Con Field Hokkaido, to the five in the Tokyo region, and all the way down to Hiroshima and Fukuoka, each ballpark has its own unique architectural charm or flare, and it’s captured on this map!
To learn more about the NPB ballparks, check out our stadium profiles.
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NPB Stadium Map Sherpa Blanket
$75.00 – $105.00The 12* ballparks of Nippon Professional Baseball – have you visited them all yet!?
This heavenly-soft, 50×60 or 60X80 inch, fleece blanket depicts the 12 NPB parks in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can. From the brand new state-of-the-art Es Con Field Hokkaido, to the five in the Tokyo region, and all the way down to Hiroshima and Fukuoka, each ballpark has its own unique architectural charm or flare, and it’s captured on this map!
To learn more about the NPB ballparks, check out our stadium profiles.
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NPB Stadium Map Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00*We offer two different versions of this map:
- Kyocera Dome Osaka as the stadium of the Orix Buffaloes
- Both the Kyocera Dome Osaka and Hotto Motto Field (the Buffaloes second home).
This T-shirt depicts the 12* NPB parks in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can. From the brand new state-of-the-art Es Con Field Hokkaido, to the five in the Tokyo region, and all the way down to Hiroshima and Fukuoka, each ballpark has its own unique architectural charm or flare, and it’s captured on this map!
To learn more about the NPB ballparks, check out our stadium profiles.
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NPB Stadium Map with JapanBall Logo Unisex T-Shirt
$39.00We couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate with Ballpark Blueprints on this unique T-shirt! Represent JapanBall and Nippon Professional Baseball with this comfy, double-sided shirt.
The front of the shirt has JapanBall’s logo and the back depicts the 12 NPB parks in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can. From the brand new state-of-the-art Es Con Field Hokkaido, to the five in the Tokyo region, and all the way down to Hiroshima and Fukuoka, each ballpark has its own unique architectural charm or flare, and it’s captured on this map!
To learn more about the NPB ballparks, check out our stadium profiles.
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Belluna Dome (Saitama Seibu Lions) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Saitama Seibu Lions with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts the Belluna Dome, home of the Lions, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
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Bobby Valentine Hand-Painted and Autographed Oversized Cartoon
$109.00$89.00Hand-painted cartoon (approximately 16″x20″ on sturdy canvas board) autographed by Chiba Lotte Marines manager “Bobby V.” Bobby signed his name in both English and Japanese (Katakana).
Bobby Valentine Career Achievements:
- Manager for Chiba Lotte Marines for 7 seasons
- 2005 Japan Series champions
- 2005 Asia Series (Konami Cup) champion vs KBO, CPBL, CBL
- MLB Manager for 16 seasons
- Texas Rangers
- New York Mets (2000 National League champions)
- Boston Red Sox
- MLB player for 10 seasons
- 1968 1st Round Pick by Los Angeles Dodgers
- Manager for Chiba Lotte Marines for 7 seasons
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Bobby Valentine Signed 2005 Asia Series (Konami Cup) Official Program
$44.00$39.002005 Konami Cup Asia Series official program, autographed by then Chiba Lotte Marines Manager Bobby Valentine. “Bobby V.” signed his name in English and Japanese (Katakana) and inscribed “2005 Champs” along with his autograph.
The Konami Cup was the inaugural tournament that pitted the champions of the four main professional Asian baseball leagues against each other to crown a true Asian champion. Following their Japan Series championship, Bobby Valentine guided the Chiba Lotte Marines to a victory over the winners of the leagues from South Korea (KBO), Taiwan (CPBL), and China (CBL).
Bobby Valentine Career Achievements:
- Manager for Chiba Lotte Marines for 7 seasons
- 2005 Japan Series champions
- 2005 Asia Series (Konami Cup) champion vs KBO, CPBL, CBL
- MLB Manager for 16 seasons
- Texas Rangers
- New York Mets (2000 National League champions)
- Boston Red Sox
- MLB player for 10 seasons
- 1968 1st Round Pick by Los Angeles Dodgers
- Manager for Chiba Lotte Marines for 7 seasons
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Bobby Valentine Signed Japanese Newspaper with Tsuyoshi Shinjo
$48.00$39.00This Japanese newspaper autographed by then Mets manager Bobby Valentine in English and Japanese (Katakana). The headline reads, “Shinjo will be the 3rd batter in starting lineup on opening day.” This edition is from the week that the Mets signed Shinjo to a Major League contract, making him and Ichiro Suzuki the first two Japanese-born position players in MLB.
Bobby Valentine Career Achievements:
- Manager for Chiba Lotte Marines for 7 seasons
- 2005 Japan Series champions
- 2005 Asia Series (Konami Cup) champion vs KBO, CPBL, CBL
- MLB Manager for 16 seasons
- Texas Rangers
- New York Mets (2000 National League champions)
- Boston Red Sox
- MLB player for 10 seasons
- 1968 1st Round Pick by Los Angeles Dodgers
- Manager for Chiba Lotte Marines for 7 seasons
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Bobby Valentine Signed Trading Cards – Chiba Lotte Marines & Texas Rangers
$4.50 – $6.66Bobby Valentine Career Achievements:
- Manager for Chiba Lotte Marines for 7 seasons
- 2005 Japan Series champions
- 2005 Asia Series (Konami Cup) champion vs KBO, CPBL, CBL
- MLB Manager for 16 seasons
- Texas Rangers
- New York Mets (2000 National League champions)
- Boston Red Sox
- MLB player for 10 seasons
- 1968 1st Round Pick by Los Angeles Dodgers
- Manager for Chiba Lotte Marines for 7 seasons
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JapanBall Logo Face Mask
$14.99$1.50This polyester face covering / mask is super comfy with great coverage! It is elastic and breathable, with double-layer fabric. The bands are adjustable drawstring style, wrapping around your head rather than your ears, for maximum comfort and fit.
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Koji Uehara Signed MLB Trading Cards (two variations)
$15.00 – $18.00Ever since being picked by the Yomiuri Giants with the first pick of the 1998 draft, Uehara was a sensation, performing consistently during the regular season and stepping up to the moment in the biggest games in NPB, MLB, and the World Baseball Classic.
His NPB resume is enough to make him one of the most decorated pitchers in history:
- 9× All-Star (1999–2005, 2007, 2018)
- 2× Japan Series champion (2000, 2002)
- 2× Eiji Sawamura Award (1999, 2002)
- Triple Crown (1999)
- Central League Rookie of the Year (1999)
- 2× Golden Glove (1999, 2003)
- 2× Best Nine Award (1999, 2002)
- 2× NPB wins leader (1999, 2002)
- 2× NPB ERA leader (1999, 2004)
- 2× NPB strikeout leader (1999, 2003)
Uehara took a few years to find his groove in the U.S., but cemented his place in Boston sports lore for his lights-out performance in the 2013 MLB playoffs. He earned the ALCS MVP award in helping the Red Sox to the World Series championship.
Uehara earned his first and only MLB All-Star Game selection in 2014 and returned to Japan in 2018 to end his career with the Giants. He made one final NPB All-Star Game appearance in 2018 and then retired at the beginning of the 2019 season, in front of his adoring Giants fans. He retired as one of the best Japanese import MLB pitchers and best NPB pitchers of all time.
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Shogo Akiyama Rookie Card – 2020 Panini Chronicles Contenders Optic Season Ticket
$1.00Over nine seasons with the Saitama Seibu Lions of NPB’s Pacific League, Shogo Akiyama was the leadoff/outfield prototype that managers’ dreams are made of. His bat-to-ball skills and blazing speed made him a pest to opposing pitchers, while his range and steady glove in the outfield made him one of the best defenders in the league. He did all of the “little things,” and the flashy ones too! From 2011-2019, he amassed an impressive number of accomplishments, including:
- 6× Pacific League Golden Glove Award (2013, 2015–2019)
- 4× Pacific League Best Nine Award (2015, 2017–2019)
- 5× NPB All-Star (2015–2019)
Before the 2020 season, he signed with MLB’s Cincinnati Reds. While it took him a while to adjust to MLB pitching in the Covid-affected 2020 season, he was highly productive in the second half of the season and was named a finalist for the National League Gold Glove Award for left field. Reds fans got a taste of all the ways he can contribute to a winning ballclub, and we look forward to him becoming a fan favorite in Cincinnati, just as he was in Tokorozawa.
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Adam Jones Signed Orix Buffaloes Card
$19.00$14.00The photo inserted into this custom-made trading card was autographed by MLB and NPB (and Team USA!) superstar Adam Jones in 2005, when he was a budding 19-year-old in the Seattle Mariners organization, playing shortstop for the Inland Empire 66ers. MLB and NPB fans may be surprised to hear that he was playing shortstop at the time; he wasn’t moved to the outfield until later that year when the Mariners sent him to the Arizona Fall League to work on the new position.
Well, that sure worked out! Jones is one of the all-time greats in centerfield, with four Gold Gloves awards to prove it. He also was five times an American League All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles and won a Silver Slugger award in 2013. Many fans will always remember him for the catch he made with Team USA to lead the Americans to the 2017 World Baseball Classic title.
In December 2019, NPB’s Orix Buffaloes signed Jones to a two-year contract and he became an instant sensation in Japan.
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Fukuoka PayPay Dome (SoftBank Hawks) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the SoftBank Hawks with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts the Fukuoka PayPay Dome, home of the Hawks, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
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Hiroshima Toyo Carp Retro Logo Beanie
I like this old-school Hiroshima Carp logo, which first appeared on official team jackets in 1970, because it combines the cool Japanese-style carp and a subtle baseball reference.
Made by American Needle, this beanie is premium quality and features a lofted embroidered throw-back logo of the Hiroshima Carp. Made from 100% acrylic, it’s super lightweight which means you’ll be looking and feeling great! It’s perfect for crisp evenings at the ballpark or out on the town. Regardless of where you’re wearing your new Toyo Carp retro beanie, it’ll be sure to become an instant favorite, and a bit of a head-turner as well!
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Jack Howell Signed Tokyo Yakult Swallows Card (2 variations)
$9.00 – $12.00Despite not being selected out of the University of Arizona in the 1983 MLB draft, Jack Howell was signed by the California Angels as an amateur free agent and quickly worked his way up the Angels system, making his Major League debut early in the 1985 season. He quickly established himself as a reliable and versatile player. From 1987-1989, he averaged 20 home runs per season.
Before the 1992 season, “Cactus Jack” signed with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows Nippon Professional Baseball. In 1992, he became the first foreigner to win MVP in his first season, when he led the league in home runs and batting average, and led the Swallows to the Japan Series, where they lost in seven games to the Seibu Lions.
In 1993, hit for the cycle and set an NPB record with five “sayonara” home runs, en route to another Japan Series, where this time they beat the Lions in seven games. It’s safe to say that with the MVP season and clutch performances in the championship season, Jack is forever beloved by Swallows fans. He played on more season with the Swallows and then in 1995 played with the Yomiuri Giants. He returned to MLB and the Angels from 1996-1997, and Houston Astros from 1998-1999.
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Orestes Destrade Signed Seibu Lions NPB Card (1991 BBM)
$11.00At the age of six, Orestes Destrade and his family emigrated from Cuba to the United States in search of a better life. At the age of twenty-six, Orestes Destrade went to Japan in search of a better baseball career.
And what a decision he made! Destrade is one of the greatest switch-hitters in NPB history and forever endeared himself to Seibu Lions fans with his role in helping the team to three straight championships from 1990 to 1992. He is the only player to ever homer in his first series at-bat three years in a row! The clutch hitter was named MVP of the 1990 Japan Series.
In five seasons in Japan, Destrade was three times named “Best Nine” and led the Pacific League in home runs three times and RBIs twice. He was an All-Star in 1992.
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Tom O’Malley Signed Hanshin Tigers Card (1993 TOMY I.D.)
$13.00In six NPB seasons, Tom O’Malley hit over .300 six times (including leading the league once), was a Central League All-Star three times, won the All-Star game MVP, and won a Gold Glove at first base. He was MVP of both the 1995 Central League regular season and the 1995 Japan Series. He is one of the greatest and most beloved import players in NPB history.
O’Malley used a bat-control approach to shoot through the minor league ranks of the San Francisco Giants, earning a big league roster spot at age 21 in 1982 and then becoming the primary third baseman in 1983, when he had only 47 strikeouts against 52 walks. He bounced around after that, always performing well at AAA but never receiving enough playing time to get into a groove in the major leagues.
He finally became a regular after signing with the Hanshin Tigers for the 1991 season, and instantly become a fan-favorite of the Koshien faithful.
Four years in the black and gold made him a Tigers legend, but Tigers fans reluctantly had to say goodbye to him after the 1994 season, when he left for the Yakult Swallows. The Tigers apparently wanted more power from their first baseman, and O’Malley suddenly became a prodigious home run hitter, hitting 31 for the Swallows en route to earning Central League MVP. Even worse for the Tigers fans, O’Malley led the Swallows to the Japan Series title. He was now a Swallows legend too, and added to his legacy with another productive year in 1996.
O’Malley returned to the states and managed the Newark Bears before the Tigers asked him back to work with their hitters. He subsequently became a hitting coach and scout with the Tigers, much to the delight of Tigers fans who were happy to see him back with the franchise.
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Es Con Field Hokkaido Ballpark Blueprint
$45.00 – $195.00Es Con Field Hokkaido is the newest and most modern ballpark in the NPB, it officially replaced the Sapporo Dome as the home of the Fighters in March 2023. The highlight of this state-of-the-art stadium is a massive glass wall beyond the outfield, which supports a traditional Hokkaido-style gable roof. Scroll down to read more.
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Es Con Field Hokkaido Ceramic Mug
$23.00 – $25.00Es Con Field Hokkaido is NPB’s newest and sleekest ballpark, officially replacing the Sapporo Dome as home of the Fighters in March 2023. The state-of-the-art ballpark’s showcase piece is a massive glass wall beyond the outfield wall that supports a traditional Hokkaido-style gable roof. Inspired by the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field, Es Con Field is NPB’s first foray into the suburban ballpark village concept; it is surrounded by 80 acres of green space and retail.
For more on this legendary ballpark, read our Es Con Field Hokkaido profile.
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Hanshin Koshien Stadium Ballpark Blueprint
$60.00 – $195.00Hanshin Koshien Stadium – one of baseball’s most legendary ballparks, right up there with the likes of Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field. It is one of few ballparks in the world still in use where Babe Ruth played; in fact, a monument to The Babe stands in the plaza outside of the ballpark.
Opened in 1924 to host Japan’s annual high school baseball championship, nearly 100 years late Koshien Stadium still hosts that event and, in doing so, temporarily kicks out its more frequent home team – NPB’s Hanshin Tigers. For an in-depth look at the Koshien high school championship tournament, read this first-hand experience or check out the amazing documentary by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.
With ivy on its outside walls, one of the most raucous baseball fanbases in the world, and a team with a fascinating history, Koshien Stadium is a treasure. For more on this legendary ballpark, read our Koshien Stadium profile.
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Hanshin Koshien Stadium Ceramic Mug
$23.00 – $25.00Hanshin Koshien Stadium – one of baseball’s most legendary ballparks, right up there with Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. It is one of few ballparks in the world still in use where Babe Ruth played; in fact, a monument to The Babe stands in the plaza outside of the ballpark.
Opened in 1924 to host Japan’s annual high school baseball championship, Koshien Stadium still hosts Japan’s two premier annual high school tournaments and, in doing so, temporarily kicks out its more frequent home team – NPB’s Hanshin Tigers. For an in-depth look at the Koshien high school championship, read this first-hand experience or check out the amazing documentary by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.
With ivy on its outside walls, one of the most raucous baseball fanbases in the world, and a team with a fascinating history, Koshien Stadium is a treasure. For more on this legendary ballpark, read our Koshien Stadium profile.
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Hanshin Koshien Stadium Hoodie
$58.00Hanshin Koshien Stadium – one of baseball’s most legendary ballparks, right up there with Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. It is one of few ballparks in the world still in use where Babe Ruth played; in fact, a monument to The Babe stands in the plaza outside of the ballpark.
Opened in 1924 to host Japan’s annual high school baseball championship, Koshien Stadium still hosts Japan’s two premier annual high school tournaments and, in doing so, temporarily kicks out its more frequent home team – NPB’s Hanshin Tigers. For an in-depth look at the Koshien high school championship, read this first-hand experience or check out the amazing documentary by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.
With ivy on its outside walls, one of the most raucous baseball fanbases in the world, and a team with a fascinating history, Koshien Stadium is a treasure. For more on this legendary ballpark, read our Koshien Stadium profile.
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Hanshin Koshien Stadium Insulated Steel Travel Mug
$36.00Hanshin Koshien Stadium – one of baseball’s most legendary ballparks, right up there with Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. It is one of few ballparks in the world still in use where Babe Ruth played; in fact, a monument to The Babe stands in the plaza outside of the ballpark.
Opened in 1924 to host Japan’s annual high school baseball championship, Koshien Stadium still hosts Japan’s two premier annual high school tournaments and, in doing so, temporarily kicks out its more frequent home team – NPB’s Hanshin Tigers. For an in-depth look at the Koshien high school championship, read this first-hand experience or check out the amazing documentary by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.
With ivy on its outside walls, one of the most raucous baseball fanbases in the world, and a team with a fascinating history, Koshien Stadium is a treasure. For more on this legendary ballpark, read our Koshien Stadium profile.
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Hanshin Koshien Stadium Sherpa Blanket
$75.00This heavenly-soft, 50×60 inch, fleece blanket depicts Hanshin Koshien Stadium – one of baseball’s most legendary ballparks, right up there with the likes of Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field. It is one of few ballparks in the world still in use where Babe Ruth played; in fact, a monument to The Babe stands in the plaza outside of the ballpark.
Opened in 1924 to host Japan’s annual high school baseball championship, nearly 100 years late Koshien Stadium still hosts that event and, in doing so, temporarily kicks out its more frequent home team – NPB’s Hanshin Tigers. For an in-depth look at the Koshien high school championship tournament, read this first-hand experience or check out the amazing documentary by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.
With ivy on its outside walls, one of the most raucous baseball fanbases in the world, and a team with a fascinating history, Koshien Stadium is a treasure. For more on this legendary ballpark, read our Koshien Stadium profile.
To learn more about the NPB ballparks, check out our stadium profiles.
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Hanshin Koshien Stadium Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Hanshin Koshien Stadium – one of baseball’s most legendary ballparks, right up there with Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. It is one of few ballparks in the world still in use where Babe Ruth played; in fact, a monument to The Babe stands in the plaza outside of the ballpark.
Opened in 1924 to host Japan’s annual high school baseball championship, Koshien Stadium still hosts Japan’s two premier annual high school tournaments and, in doing so, temporarily kicks out its more frequent home team – NPB’s Hanshin Tigers. For an in-depth look at the Koshien high school championship, read this first-hand experience or check out the amazing documentary by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.
With ivy on its outside walls, one of the most raucous baseball fanbases in the world, and a team with a fascinating history, Koshien Stadium is a treasure. For more on this legendary ballpark, read our Koshien Stadium profile.
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JapanBall Logo Pin
$4.99This acrylic pin provides the perfect way to represent JapanBall at the stadium or around town. Plus, we’ve found that they make great gifts to new friends made at the ballpark!
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Koshien Stadium (Hanshin Tigers) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Hanshin Tigers with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts Hanshin Koshien Stadium, home of the Tigers, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
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Kyocera Dome Osaka (Orix Buffaloes) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Orix Buffaloes with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts the Kyocera Dome Osaka, home of the Buffaloes, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
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Daisuke Matsuzaka Custom Art Card
$61.00$39.00A unique piece of original art, featuring Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Boston Red Sox.
Where shall we start with Matsuzaka? How about in high school, when he first earned national attention as the ace of Yokohama High School, a national powerhouse? That attention became superstardom when he etched himself into Japanese baseball lore with a 17 inning, 250 pitch performance in the quarterfinals of the 1998 Koshien tournament, and then threw a no-hitter to win the championship game.
After being drafted by the Seibu Lions, Matsuzaka didn’t miss a beat: he won the Pacific League Rookie of the year in 1999 as an 18-year-old. From 1999-2006, he collected enough accolades to cement him as Japan’s premier pitcher, including:
- Pacific League Rookie of the Year
- 3× NPB win leader
- 4× NPB strikeout leader
- 2× NPB ERA leader
- Eiji Sawamura Award
- 3× NPB Best Nine Award
- 7× Mitsui Golden Glove Award
- 6× All-Star
- 2004 Japan Series champion
Then, in 2007, it was off to Boston after the Red Sox paid the Lions an astonishing $51MM just for the right to sign Matsuzaka and then inked the pitcher to a six-year, $52MM contract. While his MLB debut season had its up and downs, he combined with Hideki Okajima to form a 1-2 Japanese pitching combo that was vital to the Red Sox’s World Series championship run. He was the first Japanese pitcher to start and win a World Series game and set a Red Sox rookie record for strikeouts.
After a strong first two years in Boston “Dice-K” (as he became known to American fans), struggled to stay healthy. He pitched six years in Boston and two in New York with the Mets before returning to Japan with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, winning another Japan Series title in 2017. In 2018, he showed that there was still something left in the tank, as the elder statesman won the Comeback Player of the Year award.
Teenage heroics, NPB dominance, and a late-career run as the wise veteran made Matsuzaka a legend in Japan. But not to be overlooked are his efforts on the Samurai Japan national team, earning MVP en route to the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic titles.
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JapanBall Logo Baseball Bat Made by Yanase
$94.00$74.00Yanase Bat Company is one of the largest and most respected bat suppliers in Japan. There is no other bat company in the world with the customization, expertise, and quality of Yanase baseball bats. And for that, we are honored to partner with them on this exclusive bat, created especially for JapanBall.
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Koji Uehara Custom Art Card
$51.00$37.00A unique piece of original art, featuring Koji Uehara of the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants.
Ever since being picked by the Yomiuri Giants with the first pick of the 1998 draft, Uehara was a sensation, performing well consistently during the regular season and stepping up to the moment in the biggest games in NPB, MLB, and the World Baseball Classic.
His NPB resume is enough to make him one of the most decorated pitchers in history:
- 9× All-Star (1999–2005, 2007, 2018)
- 2× Japan Series champion (2000, 2002)
- 2× Eiji Sawamura Award (1999, 2002)
- Triple Crown (1999)
- Central League Rookie of the Year (1999)
- 2× Golden Glove (1999, 2003)
- 2× Best Nine Award (1999, 2002)
- 2× NPB wins leader (1999, 2002)
- 2× NPB ERA leader (1999, 2004)
- 2× NPB strikeout leader (1999, 2003)
Uehara took a few years to find his groove in the U.S., but cemented his place in Boston sports lore for his lights-out performance in the 2013 MLB playoffs. He earned the ALCS MVP award in helping the Red Sox to the World Series championship. We ranked that glorious 2013 season as one of the best ever MLB seasons by a Japanese pitcher.
Uehara earned his first and only MLB All-Star Game selection in 2014 and returned to Japan in 2018 to end his career with the Giants. He made one final NPB All-Star Game appearance in 2018 and then retired at the beginning of the 2019 season, in front of his adoring Giants fans. He not only goes down as one of the all-time beloved greats in Japan, but also as the sixth-best Japanese import in MLB history.
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Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima (Hiroshima Toyo Carp) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Hiroshima Toyo Carp with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima, home of the Carp, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
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Meiji Jingu Stadium (Tokyo Yakult Swallows) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Tokyo Yakult Swallows with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors*! The shirt depicts Meiji Jingu Stadium, home of the Swallows, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
*Green shirts are a polyester blend and sizing runs small – order one size larger than what you normally wear.
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Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi (Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, home of the Eagles, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
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Es Con Field Hokkaido (Hokkaido Nipponham Fighters) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Hokkaido Nipponham Fighters with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts the beautiful, state-of-the-art Es Con Field Hokkaido, home of the Fighters, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
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Sapporo Dome (Hokkaido Nipponham Fighters) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Show your support for the Hokkaido Nipponham Fighters with this awesome shirt available in both team colors! The shirt features a stunning depiction of the Sapporo Dome, the former home of the Fighters, created by Ballpark Blueprints.
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Ballparks of NPB Insulated Steel Travel Mug
$36.0020oz. stainless steel tumbler depicting blueprints of the 12 Nippon Professional Baseball parks. Scroll down for product details.
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Es Con Field Hokkaido Hoodie
$58.00Es Con Field Hokkaido is NPB’s newest and sleekest ballpark, officially replacing the Sapporo Dome as home of the Fighters in March 2023. The state-of-the-art ballpark’s showcase piece is a massive glass wall beyond the outfield wall that supports a traditional Hokkaido-style gable roof. Inspired by the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field, Es Con Field is NPB’s first foray into the suburban ballpark village concept; it is surrounded by 80 acres of green space and retail.
For more on this legendary ballpark, read our Es Con Field Hokkaido profile.
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Es Con Field Hokkaido Insulated Steel Travel Mug
$36.0020oz. stainless steel tumbler featuring a blueprint of Es Con Field Hokkaido. Scroll down for product details.
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Es Con Field Hokkaido Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Es Con Field Hokkaido is NPB’s newest and sleekest ballpark, officially replacing the Sapporo Dome as home of the Fighters in March 2023. The state-of-the-art ballpark’s showcase piece is a massive glass wall beyond the outfield wall that supports a traditional Hokkaido-style gable roof. Inspired by the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field, Es Con Field is NPB’s first foray into the suburban ballpark village concept; it is surrounded by 80 acres of green space and retail.
For more on this legendary ballpark, read our Es Con Field Hokkaido profile.
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Tokyo Dome (Tokyo Yomiuri Giants) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors*! The shirt depicts the Tokyo Dome, home of the Giants, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
*Orange shirts are a polyester blend and sizing runs small – order one size larger than what you normally wear.
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Tokyo Dome Ballpark Blueprint
$60.00 – $195.00The Tokyo Dome is the center of the Japanese baseball world. The country’s most famous and beloved team, the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, plays their home games in this stadium located in the heart of Tokyo. Affectionately referred to as “The Big Egg” for its resemblance to an egg from the outside, the Tokyo Dome and its home team are the epitome of Japanese baseball.
Many of NPB’s biggest stars have played their home games at the Tokyo Dome, and all of the legends are enshrined in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, which is located in the Dome.
To learn more about the Tokyo Dome, see our stadium profile page.
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Tokyo Dome Ceramic Mug
$23.00 – $25.00The Tokyo Dome is the center of the Japanese baseball world. The country’s most famous and beloved team, the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, plays their home games in this stadium located in the heart of Tokyo. Affectionately referred to as “The Big Egg” for its resemblance to an egg from the outside, the Tokyo Dome and its home team are the epitome of Japanese baseball.
Many of NPB’s biggest stars have played their home games at the Tokyo Dome, and all of the legends are enshrined in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, which is located in the Dome.
To learn more about the Tokyo Dome, see our stadium profile page.
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Tokyo Dome Hoodie
$58.00The Tokyo Dome is the center of the Japanese baseball world. The country’s most famous and beloved team, the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, plays their home games in this stadium located in the heart of Tokyo. Affectionately referred to as “The Big Egg” for its resemblance to an egg from the outside, the Tokyo Dome and its home team are the epitome of Japanese baseball.
Many of NPB’s biggest stars have played their home games at the Tokyo Dome, and all of the legends are enshrined in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, which is located in the Dome.
To learn more about the Tokyo Dome, see our stadium profile page.
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Tokyo Dome Insulated Steel Travel Mug
$36.00The Tokyo Dome is the center of the Japanese baseball world. The country’s most famous and beloved team, the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, plays their home games in this stadium located in the heart of Tokyo. Affectionately referred to as “The Big Egg” for its resemblance to an egg from the outside, the Tokyo Dome and its home team are the epitome of Japanese baseball.
Many of NPB’s biggest stars have played their home games at the Tokyo Dome, and all of the legends are enshrined in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, which is located in the Dome.
To learn more about the Tokyo Dome, see our stadium profile page.
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Tokyo Dome Sherpa Blanket
$75.00This heavenly-soft, 50×60 inch, fleece blanket depicts the world-famous Tokyo Dome, epicenter of the Japanese baseball world. The country’s most famous and beloved team, the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, plays their home games in this stadium located in the heart of Tokyo. Affectionately referred to as “The Big Egg” for its resemblance to an egg from the outside, the Tokyo Dome and its home team are the epitome of Japanese baseball.
Many of NPB’s biggest stars have played their home games at the Tokyo Dome, and all of the legends are enshrined in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, which is located in the Dome.
To learn more about the Tokyo Dome, see our stadium profile page.
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Tokyo Dome Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00The Tokyo Dome is the center of the Japanese baseball world. The country’s most famous and beloved team, the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, plays their home games in this stadium located in the heart of Tokyo. Affectionately referred to as “The Big Egg” for its resemblance to an egg from the outside, the Tokyo Dome and its home team are the epitome of Japanese baseball.
Many of NPB’s biggest stars have played their home games at the Tokyo Dome, and all of the legends are enshrined in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, which is located in the Dome.
To learn more about the Tokyo Dome, see our stadium profile page.
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Vantelin Dome Nagoya (Chunichi Dragons) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Chunichi Dragons with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts the Vantelin Dome Nagoya, home of the Dragons, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
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Yokohama Stadium (Yokohama DeNA Baystars) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Yokohama DeNA Baystars with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts the Yokohama Stadium, home of the Baystars, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.
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ZOZO Marine Stadium (Chiba Lotte Marines) Unisex T-Shirt
$35.00Represent the Chiba Lotte Marines with this comfy shirt, available in both team colors! The shirt depicts ZOZO Marine Stadium, home of the Marines, in a way that only the brilliant artists of Ballpark Blueprints can.