[For Seniors] Baseball Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts. Nostalgic and Engaging Multiple-Choice Questions

Hoshi Hyūma

Star of the Giants is a hallmark “sports-and-spirit” manga that began serialization in 1966, and its TV anime adaptation was also a major hit. The protagonist, Hyūma Hoshi, undergoes gruelingly rigorous elite training from his father, Ittetsu, and joins the Yomiuri Giants. As he hones his skills through fierce rivalry with the likes of Mitsuru Hanagata and Hōsaku Samon, his exploits using the magic pitch, the “Major League Ball,” sent all of Japan into a frenzy at the time.

The batter is hit directly by a pitch thrown by the pitcher.

A dead ball (hit-by-pitch) refers to a situation where the batter, unable to avoid it in the batter’s box, is struck by a pitch. In this case, the batter is awarded first base.

catcher

The catcher sits at home plate facing the opposite direction from the pitcher and other fielders—that is, toward the outside of the field, toward the backstop. Meanwhile, all the other defensive players are positioned facing the batter and home plate.

Samurai Japan

Japan’s national baseball team is nicknamed “Samurai Japan.” The term “samurai” represents a uniquely Japanese sense of pride and expresses the strong unity with which they aim to be the best in the world. With the top team at the pinnacle, it is a united program of professionals and amateurs alike—including corporate league and university teams as well as the women’s national team—coming together to become the strongest in the world.

Sadaharu Oh

Sadaharu Oh played for the Yomiuri Giants and holds the world record of 868 career home runs. For this reason, he is called the 'Home Run King of the World.'

number 18

In professional baseball, the 'ace number' is the jersey number typically worn by the team’s ace pitcher, with number 18 traditionally holding that status. In many clubs, it serves as the number symbolizing the ace.

Godzilla

Ever since his days in Japan, Hideki Matsui was affectionately nicknamed “Godzilla” for his powerful hitting and frequent home runs. He was called by the same nickname with the Yankees as well, and was beloved by many fans.