05/03/2024 2 Minute Read

Tom de Blok and Kaima Taira to start Global Baseball Games opener

Taira is a 24-year-old NPB All-Star and a Tokyo 2020 gold medallist. De Blok is a Dutch Hoofdklasse star with massive experience at the international level.

Managers Hirokazu Ibata and Marco Mazzieri (pictured above) introduced Samurai Japan and Team Europe starters for the Global Baseball Games opener at the series press conference on Tuesday. The first game of the CARNEXT SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES is scheduled on Wednesday, 6 March, at 7 pm local time at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan.

Kaima Taira, 24, a three-time Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) All-Star and a Tokyo 2020 gold medallist, will start for world No. 1 Japan.

The right-hander earned 2020 Pacific League Rookie of the Year honours pitching out of the Seibu Lions bullpen. In 2021, he set a record with 20 saves and 21 holds. He transitioned to a starter's role and won 11 games in 2023.

"I think Kaima has all the qualities to keep the game under control," commented Ibata.

"I thank the manager for trusting me," added Taira. "I will do my best to follow his game plan."

Tom de Blok will take the mound for Team Europe. The 27-year-old Dutch Hoofdklasse star and former minor leaguer said he considers it "an honour" to make the start.

"I expect a great crowd and an exciting game," he added.

"De Blok won't be able to go too deep, but I expect him to keep us in the game. He will give us a chance to compete," said Mazzieri.

Team Europe's manager added: "When you play the No. 1 in the world, you know you will face a very competitive roster. They have some good players, but I see Olympic gold medallists and NPB stars on the roster. It's going to be tough, but I think we will compete. The players are ready to give all they have."

Mazzieri said it is "an honour and a privilege" playing Japan in Osaka. "In yesterday's warmup game, we saw what we needed to see. The outing helped us make our choices. Some players looked a bit rusty, but others impressed. Some European players haven't played games for a while, but we also have guys who competed in the Winter Leagues. We will be ready."

Japan's manager Ibata respected Team Europe: "They have dangerous hitters who can go deep. I also have respect for their pitching staff. We will be facing De Blok, who knows international baseball. He has appeared in the World Baseball Classic."

Ibata added that his team is ready to play: "Overall, we are in good shape. We practiced indoors yesterday and I saw players who are willing to represent Japan properly. I'm confident we will be competitive."