The Spun on MSN

Japan's Manager Reportedly Quits After World Baseball Classic

Hirokazu Ibata said he'll step down as Japan's manager after the defending champions lost to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.

When did baseball start in Japan and how did it become so popular?

The country has dominated the World Baseball Classic in the 2000s, but its baseball history started long before.
NBC Los Angeles

Ohtani hits grand slam as Japan routs Chinese Taipei in World Baseball Classic

Japanese fans don’t get to see Shohei Ohtani in person very often. They got an eyeful on Friday in a sellout at the Tokyo Dome. Ohtani hit a grand slam in the second inning — in the first he doubled on the first pitch of the game but didn’t score ...

MLB risks angering Japanese baseball fans with controversial Netflix move

MLB controversially handed local broadcast rights to the 2026 World Baseball Classic to Japan in a move that has slowed growth of the tournament in the baseball-crazed nation
Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball returns to Japan to open the 2019 season

Major League Baseball returns to Japan to open the 2019 season. The 2019 regular season started off with an exciting Opening Series between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle M

How can Samurai Japan and others improve their standing ahead of the next WBC?

The final date has yet to be decided, but the next tournament could be in 2030, meaning many of these teams will look remarkably different.

Shohei Ohtani's Spring Training Pitching Debut Date for Dodgers Revealed After Japan's WBC Exit

Shohei Ohtani is set to make his spring training pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers following Japan's elimination in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Shohei Ohtani takes responsibility after Team Japan is eliminated from the World Baseball Classic, shares honest message to fans

Shohei Ohtani surprised baseball fans around the world with an emotional apology after World Baseball Classic defending champion Team Japan crashed ou.