19 May 2007- 1:04pm: stadium

Back at the Carp stadium. Not ONLY does this one have a fence, it's an actual metal one, not mesh like the others have been. AAAAAA. But I do have a good seat in general, so that's nice. They're really not that expensive- 40 yen for 1st baseline, second tier? That's reasonable.

I dumped my stuff at the train station before coming here, then went on a souvenir binge. Oh dear. So much stuff.

They just played the Indiana Jones theme in the crazies section. There are a LOT of them here. Maybe because it's Saturday. Regardless- lots of crazies.

This stadium has a strange setup. There doesn't seem to be a concourse- you just go in through your gate,and boom you're at the seats. There's a little bento place before you walk out. But where are the other food places and the gift shopts? OH NO. I need a shirt for Daddy!

Geez, the Carp really do look like the Reds. Is the "C" exactly the same? It has to be.

I just realized something. The Japanese will get loud and cheer/roar in key situations, but nobody ever gets to their feet. Ever. People stay seated unless they're in the outfield seats (where I don't think you're even allowed TO sit). They don't stand to cheer on excellent plays, either- just cheer and smack the sticks together.

This fence is ridiculous. What is not ridiculous, though, is that this field is real grass AND outside. So many extra points! There's no grass in the infield, though, which is weird. I don't think I've ever seen that before.

Also weird- it's 15 minutes before gametimes, and there aren't any cheerleaders or pregame stuff. They seem to be doing the Carp anthem right now. There are a lot of flags here- even in my section, and I'm nowhere near the outfield.

Oh, this goddamn fence. It feels like the players are all in a cage, like an exhibit at a zoo.

It's beautiful outside. Nice and sunny.

They're playing LL Cool J!

I don't think they have cheerleaders here. The mascot dude is doing stuff in the outfield (oh, he's hitting a punching bag), but no cheerleaders on the scene. Fine by me; I don't see baseball as a sport needing them anyway. I don't remember if I got a picture of the SoftBank cheerleaders.

The mascot looks goofy.

They had a fan throw out the first pitch! Whoa dude! And there's a Carp player wearing his socks old-school (it's the shortstop). I like it.

RF just made a great jump snag to end the 1st.

There's a drum in my section, too! The crazies are all over the stadium- how strange.