(Hanshin Koshien Stadium)
- Home of The Tigers -
| Stadium Name | Hanshin Koshien Kyujo
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| Location | 1-47 Koshien-cho, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyogo
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| Opened | August 1, 1924
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| Capacity | 47,757
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| Dimensions | LF:312ft (95m), CF:387ft (118m), RF:312ft (95m)
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| Surface | Infield:Dirt, Outfield:Grass
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| Name Changes | Koshien Dai-Undojo (1924-1963), Hanshin Koshien Kyujo (1964- )
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| Club | Hanshin Tigers
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| League | Central League
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| Getting there | 2 minuite walk from Hanshin Railway Koshien Station
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Baseball Cathedral
When you get off Hanshin Train at Koshien Station with the crowds all wearing same stripe jerseys, you would find the old, moss green stadium standing in front of you.
Besides the entrance gate, there is a monument of Babe Ruth, who played here for MLB All-Stars in 1934 Japan Tour.
Seats are small, aisles are narrow. Pillars may obstruct your view at some infield seats. Although it is one of the oldest ballpark with poor facilities, basball fans in Kansai district love this completely ivy-coverd stadium.
Behind the backstop area, there is a huge roof called "Ginsan", gigantic iron roof. "Alps Stand", field seats of the both sides, are also well known.
"Jet Baroon" is said to have originated in Koshien. While the seventh inning interval, all of the crowds let "Jet Baroons" fly into the air after their favorite team song "Rokko Oroshi", which means "Blowin' down from Rokko Mountain".
The name "KOSHIEN" also reminds us of High School Baseball. Every spring and summer they hold High School Baseball Tournament at Koshien Stadium since 1925. Baseball fans all over Japan watch those games on TV for whole two weeks, cheering for late teen prospects.
After 2005 season, they are announcing $180 million renovation project. The plan includes repcacing the famous "Ginsan", all seating, field grass and ivy outside. The construction will start in 2007 off-season and completed in 2010 spring.
Hanshin Tigers
Hanshin Tigers have a long history along with Japan Professional Baseball. While their long time rival Yomiuri Giants won Japan Series more than 20 times, they had never done until 1985.
Randy Bass, who was a backup player for some MLB clubs, came to Japan in 1983. He won Triple Crown in 1985, 1986, and was named MVP in 1985, leading Hanshin to Japan Series Campionship for the first time. He is still the most popular foreign player in Japan's baseball history.
They always draw a large number of enthusiastic fans, even while their team is heading for a cellar championship. So tickes are almost sold out before the season opening.
| Franchise Established | December 10, 1935
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| Club Changes | Osaka Tigers (1936-1939), Hanshin (1640-1946), Osaka Tigers (1947-1960), Hanshin Tigers (1961- )
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League Titles
| '62, '64, '85, '03, '05
(Years in bald indecate Japan Series Champions)
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| Team Song | "Rokko Oroshi" (Blowing Down From Mt.Rokko)
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| Parent Company | Hanshin Electric Railway
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Ballpark Rating
3 riceballs
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All Photos Copyright (C) 1998-2019 Takeshi Kubota. All rights reserved.
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