Like all typical underdogs, the Swallows are a poor team that can't afford filling a roster with all-star free-agents.

Instead they've had to rely on homegrown talent and lesser-known players other teams have thrown away.

Despite the odds stacked against them, this rag-tag group has won games more consistently in the last five years than the deep-pocket Giants or any other Central League team.

For a brief introduction to Yakult's pitchers, relievers, catchers, infielders and outfielders, please follow the links to the right.

Or, if you prefer to skip right to the individual players' pages, follow the links below.