Go Marines!

Given the title, this is the perfect opportunity to welcome David home. I'm glad he is back safe and sound and at least able to see Amanda on the weekends... It won't be too long before they'll join me in Iowa City for some tailgating, I'm sure!

The Marines I'm referring to in the post are actually the Chiba Marines, one of the twelve national baseball teams in Japan, and one of six in the Pacific League. I went to a game last night with Etoh-sensei, who I'm glad to say I can call Taichi. First names are much less commonly used in Japan than they are in the US (although I forget sometimes). I've been meeting with Taichi once a week or so to work on his English. He is applying for internships at the US Naval Hospitals and wants to be well rehearsed. His English is already better than most I've heard as he grew up in South Africa, but practicing in conversation never hurts.

We took the train up to Chiba after work, it was about an hour and a half ride. Chiba is newer city of about 1.5 million and I was told is basically a bedroom community for people working in Tokyo. What I saw of it seemed very clean and nice, but we rushed over to the game pretty quickly.

Japanese baseball is almost the exact same as American baseball (can I say American baseball, I think that would just be baseball). They do have some added improvements or amenities while you're in the stands. Instead of throwing out peanuts, popcorn and cans of beer, girls walk around with premixed highballs and pony kegs strapped to their back! They know how to have a good time.

They also have a fan section that literally never stops singing. I mean they never stop. The Chiba Marines are known for jumping up and down to support their team (kind of strange), but they were jumping up and down and singing the whole time. Some fans brought in drums and trumpets to play (in unison with other fans, not a professional marching band--just fans). One of the most interesting parts was when they switched pitchers. They would drive a the new pitcher out onto the field (no longer done in the US) in a Volvo! I was just expecting a Toyota or a Nissan or something...

And what else would they do at the 7th inning stretch? Blow up long white balloons and let them fly into the air. Overall, a very fun night. Thanks, Taichi!