|
 For
those wishing to compare the North American and Japanese
style of play, there's no better opportunity than the
Major League all-star tours of Japan. Except for the
strike-shortened 1994 season, east and west teams have
met in each even-numbered year since 1986.Though visiting Major Leaguers
used to trounce their hosts a few decades ago, lopsided
scores have been less common in recent years. In 1996,
the MLB all-stars edged the Japanese team four games to
two, with two ties. Without a doubt, if the Japanese
all-star team entered the Major Leagues, they would be a
strong contender for a pennant (especially since
expansion has diluted the pitching talent on most MLB
franchises).
Also
in 1996, the big news was the return of Hideo Nomo. Two
months after pitching a no-hitter against the Colorado
Rockies, Nomo received a hero's welcome, and helped the
Major Leaguers earn a 6-1 win in Game Two.
While
Nomo grabbed headlines, Seibu shortstop Kazuo Matsui
stole the show. His aggressive base-running reportedly
impressed the Major Leaguers, prompting manager Dusty
Baker to dub him "Little Matsui" (as opposed to
Yomiuri's big Hideki Matsui).
Tickets
for Major League tours are not difficult to get. Going on
sale a month or more before the series, they can be
purchased through most ticket centers and Lawson
convenience stores. Prices are somewhat higher than
regular season games, with the best seats costing about
9,000 yen, outfield bleachers about 2,000, and everything
else somewhere in between.
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