Tokyo Verdy Bambaataa became the first Baseball5 champions of Japan after claiming the honours at the 1st Baseball5 Japan National Championship by defeating 5STARs 3-2 in the final at Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Plaza on Sunday, July 17.
The opening round of the Baseball5 Japan National Championship held on Saturday, July 16 at Meiji Jingu Gaien Indoor Ballroom saw eight teams divided into two groups with 5STARs and Junk5, whose team members had helped support the WBSC Baseball5 showcase during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, advancing to the final round from Group A, while Tokyo Verdy Bambaataa and Asahi Sprint finished on top of Group B.
5STARs, which included WBSC certified Baseball5 instructor Ayako Rokkaku, beat Asahi Sprint in the first semifinal 4-1 before Tokyo Verdy Bambaataa beat Junk5 4-3 in the second semifinal.
Tokyo Verdy Bambaataa then went on to win the final 3-2 in a thriller while Junk5 beat Asahi Sprint in another very close game 1-0. All games were played over five innings.
However, since Tokyo Verdy Bambaataa had players who were unable to meet the vaccination requirements for the WBSC ASIA Baseball5 Asia Cup, Baseball5 Japan confirmed 5STARs will represent Japan in the Baseball5 Asia Cup, which is due take place from 17-19 August in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The choice of the eight teams came through a digital challenge. Baseball5 Japan invited teams to post their videos. Only players born before 1 January 2008 were considered. Celebrities and former baseball and softball players were included in some of the teams.
The Baseball5 Asia Cup will qualify three teams for the inaugural WBSC Baseball5 World Cup, scheduled from 7 to 13 November in Mexico City.
Twelve National Teams will participate in the event:
Host Nation (1) Mexico
Africa (2) South Africa, Kenya
Americas (3): TBD
Asia (3): TBD
Europe (2) France, Lithuania
Oceania (1) Australia
Photo: (Baseball5 JAPAN) WBSC certified Baseball5 instructor Ayako Rokkaku in the batter's box for 5STARs
