Fans Catch Baseball Fever with NPB Training

[westbaystars: I received the following press release from the United States Marine Corps Consolidated Public Affairs Office, Okinawa, Japan this afternoon. The e-mail enclosing the article asked that I review and use (publish) the article. Seeing as how it's about NPB's Okinawa Spring camp, I'm honored to do so. So, without any further ado...]

Story by Lance Cpl. John F. Silwanus

NAGO CITY, Okinawa, Japan - For centuries, sumo wrestling has captured the hearts of Japanese spectators. Another sport has also gained the attention of many and continues to grow. Baseball, "America's Pastime," has spread throughout the world, gaining attention and followers with its combination of skill, athleticism and teamwork.

Japan has experienced this love of the game and started its own professional baseball league - Nippon Professional Baseball. Each year, the league holds Spring training to help participating teams prepare for the upcoming season.
Many of the teams travel to Okinawa for several weeks to work out and challenge other teams to see where they stand.

One team, the Nippon Ham "Fighters," has started out with a manager, new to the team and new to the NPB.

Trey Hillman, the Fighters' manager, has spent over 20 years in American professional baseball.

He has been a coach, a scout and player for several Major League Baseball teams. Now, he begins his journey with a team that finished in the bottom of the NPB's Pacific League last year.

"We are working toward building the foundation of our team right now," the Arlington, Texas native said. "We have got a lot of players with a great work ethic and each of them is committed to the team. It is going to be a great show."

The Fighters spent the month of February practicing in Nago City.

The team played two preseason games on the northern end of the island. Their final game served as more of a scrimmage game to gauge the team's progress one final time before their season opening game.

After the games, the coaches were pleased, but felt the team was not quite at the top of their game.

"The guys did a great job today," said Gary Denbo, assistant manager for the Fighters, after their 8-5 victory over the Chunichi Dragons. "But we do need to get back and work on some areas."
When the coaches found a break in their schedule, the Marines of Camp Schwab opened their doors to welcome Hillman and his crew to the base.

The guests visited Camp Schwab several times during their preseason training. The players and coaches spent time with the Marines while working out, eating and watching movies.

"It was pretty nice to get a taste of home while we are overseas," said Denbo, a Wesley Chapel, Fla., native. "We had a great time with the Marines."

The Marines who were able to spend this Spring training getting to know some of the rising stars of the NPB also were happy they met members of the professional Japanese baseball teams.

"They were a really nice group of guys," said 1st Lt. Floy P. Rodriguez, Camp Services officer, Camp Schwab. "They came to Camp Schwab and then they invited us to their games. It could be the start of a great relationship."

The ball players and Marines felt the Spring training was an overall great time for baseball. Hillman expressed a desire for the new friendship to continue.

"It would be great if they could come to mainland to see one of our games," Hillman said. "Short of that, we hope to be able to see these guys next year when we come back."