Japan Baseball Weekly

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Weekly chats between sports reporters John E. Gibson and Jim Allen with other guests on occasion.

John E. Gibson and Jim Allen


    • Nov 11, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 17m AVG DURATION
    • 205 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Japan Baseball Weekly podcast is an absolute gem for any fan of Japanese baseball. Hosted by John and Jim, the podcast provides an enjoyable and informative look at the NPB that is hard to find elsewhere in the U.S. The hosts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making it easy for new fans to understand and appreciate the intricacies of Japanese baseball.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the humorous banter between John and Jim. They have a great dynamic and their witty exchanges add an entertaining element to each episode. It's clear that they have a deep love and passion for NPB, which shines through in their discussions. The podcast also features great guest interviews with players and coaches, giving listeners unique insights into the world of Japanese baseball.

    However, one minor drawback of the podcast is that it tends to give more focus to certain clubs, such as the bay stars. While it's understandable that John and Jim may have personal preferences, it would be great if they could provide equal time and coverage to all NPB clubs. Nonetheless, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Japan Baseball Weekly podcast is a must-listen for any foreign NPB fan who wants to keep up with all things Japanese baseball. With their deep knowledge and long history with NPB, John and Jim offer incomparable content that allows fans even from NYC or other parts of the U.S. to reconnect with their love for Japanese baseball. Whether you are a seasoned fan or a relative novice to the league, this podcast provides an informative and enjoyable companion to watching the season unfold.



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    Latest episodes from Japan Baseball Weekly

    Vol. 14.39: Yokohama Wins It All, Friend Kuehnert Dies, New Managers, Major Roki News, Favorite Moment of 2024 ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 66:11


    We look back at Yokohama DeNA taking down Fukuoka SoftBank to win the Japan Series, recognize Marty Kuehnert, who recently died, circle back to discuss the crop of new mangers, go Rockin With Roki Sasaki before he heads off to the big leagues and offer up our favorite moments of the season.

    Vol. 14.38: Andre Jackson of Yokohama DeNA, Games 2 through 5, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 65:43


    Right-handed starter Andre Jackson of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars is the guest, John and Jim take a look at Japan Series Games 2-5 and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.37: Kyle Keller, J.B. Wendelken, CLCS Finale, Game 1 of Japan Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 57:29


    Right-handers Kyle Keller of Yomiuri and J.B. Wendelken of Yokohama DeNA are the guests, John and Jim discuss the CLCS second-round finale, look quickly at the first game of the SoftBank-DeNA Japan Series matchup and add one note about the “unchanged” baseballs this season.

    Vol. 14.36: Anthony Kay, CLCS And PLCS Discussion, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 40:03


    Left-hander Anthony Kay of Yokohama DeNA is the guest, John and Jim discuss the games in the second round of the CLCS and PLCS matchups & then handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.35: Carter Stewart Jr., PLCS, Yokohama DeNA Sweeps 1st Round of CLCS, Manager Management, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 71:10


    Carter Stewart Jr. of the SoftBank Hawks is the guest, we look at the first round of the PLCS, talk about the two-game sweep for Yokohama DeNA in the first round of the CLCS, chime in on all the managerial madness and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.34: Gregory Polanco, PLCS And CLCS Matchups, Sugano, Okada, Roki Rocks, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 60:12


    Gregory Polanco of Chiba Lotte is the guest, we look at the PLCS and CLCS matchups, discuss pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano jumping to the major leagues, manager Akinobu Okada jumping off the Hanshin train, go Rockin with Roki & handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.33: Tyler Austin, Hawks And Giants Win Respective League Titles, Rockin with Roki, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 67:03


    Tyler Austin of Yokohama DeNA is the guest, we look at the Hawks winning the Pacific and the Giants taking the Central leagues, the playoff races, go Rockin with Roki & handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.32: Keuchel, Playoff Races, Rockin With Roki, ShoBusiness, Tatsunami Out, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2024 81:59


    Lotte starter Dallas Keuchel is the guest, we look at the playoff races, go Rockin with Roki, talk a little Shohei Ohtani (with a special appearance by Bobby Valentine), discuss Dragons skipper Kazuyoshi Tatsunami going up in smoke & handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.31: J.B. Wendelken, League Races, Rockin With Roki, Aoki Leads Retirements, HighHeat

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024 65:42


    Yokohama DeNA BayStars reliever J.B. Wendelken is the guest, we take a quick look at the playoff races, go Rockin with Roki Sasaki, discuss Norichika Aoki and other retirements and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.30: Foster Griffin, Races, August Stars, Giants Twilight Zone, Retirements ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 68:12


    Yomiuri lefty starter Foster Griffin is the guest, we discuss the playoff races in both leagues, look at the top performers of August, briefly go Rockin’ with Roki, talk about the Giants romancing the zone and close things out with a retirement note.

    Vol. 14.29: Carp Hurler Taylor Hearn, Power Trax, Playoff Races, Roki, Shutouts, The Sho ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 70:39


    Hiroshima Carp reliever Taylor Hearn is the guest, we deliver our Power Trax segment, discuss the playoff races, go Rockin with Roki Sasaki, look at the overall NPB shutout pace and understand the Sho will go on with Ohtani.

    Vol. 14.28: Tony Barnette Talks New Book, Rockin with Roki, Playoff Races, HR Notes, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 72:43


    Yakult pitcher and current Swallows scout Tony Barnette comes on to discuss his new book, "A Baseball Gaijin: Chasing a Dream to Japan and Back," we go Rockin with Roki, look quickly at the playoff races, hit a note about home runs and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.27: Giants Reliever Kyle Keller, Rockin With Roki, A Pacific League Standings Moment, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 69:53


    Yomiuri Giants reliever Kyle Keller is the guest, we go Rockin with Roki Sasaki, make a quick comment on the Pacific League standings and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.26: Ariel Martinez, Rockin With Roki, Koshien 100 Years Old, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 60:56


    Nippon Ham catcher/OF/DH Ariel Martinez is the guest [via Claudio Rodriguez interpretation], we go Rockin with Roki, celebrate Koshien Stadium turning 100 years old and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.25: Javy Guerra, Tech Trouble, Power Trax, Top July Performers, Rockin with Roki

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 31:52


    Reliever Javy Guerra of Hanshin is the guest before tech issues sabotage things and John finishes up solo, handling the Power Trax, Top July Performers, Rockin with Roki segments to avoid a no-show.

    Vol. 14.24: All-Star Series Review, Claudio Rodriguez Joins for Midseason Special ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 62:41


    All-Star Series review, Claudio Rodriguez of Beisbol Japones joins our midseason special as we discuss the first-half surprises, top candidates for MVP and rookie of the year from each league, and frontrunners for the Sawamura Award.

    Vol. 14.23: Anthony Kay of DeNA, All-Star Series Roster Posture, Crazy Endings, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 72:21


    First-year Yokohama DeNA lefty Anthony Kay is the guest, we talk about the rosters for the All-Star series, and the lack of Roki Sasaki on the Pacific League side, discuss some crazy endings to games and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.22: Franmil Reyes, Central League Standings Crunch, No-Hit Pitcher Profiles Past 20 Years, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2024 71:56


    Nippon Ham slugger Franmil Reyes is the guest, we talk about the Central League crunch-bunch standings, dive into the profiles of no-hitter-throwing pitchers the past 20 seasons and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.21: Andre Jackson, Playoff Versions of BayStars and Fighters, June Stars, Oppo Tacos, Stink-Eye Moment ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 68:50


    DeNA pitcher Andre Jackson is the guest, we talk BayStars and Fighters as viable threats in the playoffs, take a look at the top performers of June, serve up some numbers on oppo tacos and spend some time on the Tatsunami-Ogasawara stink-eye moment this past week.

    Vol. 14.20: Zelous Wheeler, Patrick Newman, Power Trax, Shutouts, Roki Rumors, Trade ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024 65:04


    Yomiuri Giants coach Zelous Wheeler is the guest, we also have a special appearance by NPB Tracker Patrick Newman, hit our Power Trax power rankings segment, field more Roki Sasaki rumors and touch on a trade between the Lions and Giants.

    Vol. 14.19: Bo Takahashi of Seibu, Potential MVP Candidates, Interleague Stats, Roki Rumor, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2024 57:48


    Bo Takahashi of Seibu is the guest, we have a quick conversation about potential MVP candidates in both leagues, look at some interleague stats, touch on a Roki Sasaki rumor and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.18: Anderson Espinoza, Rakuten Wins 1st Interleague Title, Standings, Heavy Hitters, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2024 71:52


    Anderson Espinoza of Orix is the guest, we look at the Rakuten Eagles winning their first interleague title, discuss the standings in both leagues, examine the heavy-hitting teams of NPB and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.17: Carter Stewart Jr., Interleague, Roki Sasaki, May Stars, Ishikawa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2024 71:40


    Carter Stewart Jr. of SoftBank is the guest, we talk about Hiroshima Carp pitcher Daichi Osera throwing a no-hitter, hit some interleague highlights, go Rockin with Roki Sasaki, try to predict the top performers of May and add some notes about Masanori Ishikawa and Tony Barnette.

    Vol. 14.16: Cy Sneed of Yakult, Kazuo Matsui Out at Seibu, Interleague Week 1, Power Trax, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 68:07


    Cy Sneed of Yakult is the guest, we look at Kazuo Matsui getting the boot from Seibu, don’t go Rockin with Roki, have segment No. 1 of Power Trax, examine the start of interleague play and close things out with some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.15: Tyler Austin, Rockin With Roki, Togo No-No, Laser Mannami, Mori, Interleague, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 65:00


    Tyler Austin of DeNA is the guest, we go Rockin with Roki, discuss Shosei Togo tossing the first no-hitter for the Giants against the Tigers since 1937, dive into Laser Man Mannami's OF assists, hit notes about Tomoya Mori and his TrackMan data, look quickly at Interleague and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.14: Andres Machado, Adam Walker, The Standings, Rockin With Roki, Murakami HR 200, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 76:55


    Andres Machado of Orix and Adam Walker of SoftBank are the guests, we talk about the standings, go Rockin with Roki, dive into Munetaka Murakami’s homer milestone and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.13: Claudio Rodriguez Sits In, Louis Okoye, is The Guest, CL And PL, Tsutsugo

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 66:38


    Claudio Rodriguez sits in for Jim Allen, Louis Okoye of the Yomiuri Giants is the guest, we talk about the status of both leagues, go Rockin with Roki Sasaki and look back at Yoshitomo Tsutsugo’s first top-team game since his return to NPB.

    Vol. 14.12: Livan Moinelo, SoftBank, PL And CL, Roki Sasaki, Top Performers, Note, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2024 72:31


    Livan Moinelo of SoftBank is the guest, we look at each league, go Rockin with Roki, take a crack at who will be named top performers of the month, hit a note about a new stadium and handle some HighHeat. ...

    Vol. 14.11: Neftali Soto, Rockin With Roki, Impressions, Punchless Baseballs, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 62:46


    Neftali Soto of Lotte is the guest, we go Rockin with Roki Sasaki, offer our impressions - and depressions - about both leagues, discuss the punchless baseballs in NPB this season and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.10: Jesus Aguilar, Domingo Santana, Impressions Through Week 4, Tsutsugo is Back, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2024 63:48


    Jesus Aguilar of Seibu and Domingo Santana of Yakult are the guests, we discuss impressions from both leagues through about four weeks, go Rockin with Roki Sasaki, touch on the return of Yoshitomo Tsutsugo to DeNA and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.09: Cody Ponce, Rakuten, Week 3 Highlights, Roki Sasaki, Tommy Johns in NPB ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2024 75:36


    Cody Ponce of Rakuten is the guest, we look at highlights from Week 3 of the season, go Rockin with Roki Sasaki and discuss the notion of MLB learning from NPB when it comes to Tommy Johns surgeries.

    Vol. 14.08: Alex Dickerson, Incomplete Dragons Lineup, Week 2 Action, Notion of Pitch Clock ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2024 63:36


    Chunichi newcomer Alex Dickerson is the guest, we discuss the Dragons and the missing players in their lineup, look back at Week 2 of action and examine the notion of a pitch clock in NPB.

    Vol. 14.07: James Dykstra of Lotte, Roki Sasaki, Opening Weekend, Major Rule Change, Ohtani-Mizuhara Saga ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 75:47


    James Dykstra of the Lotte Marines is the guest, we have our first Rockin with Roki Sasaki segment, Jim and John discuss highlights from opening weekend and a major rule change MLB has imposed, and then toss in their 2 cents about the Ohtani-Mizuhara saga.

    Vol. 14.06: PACIFIC LEAGUE PREDICTION SPECIAL, with guest Claudio Rodriguez

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2024 80:39


    Claudio Rodriguez of Beisbol Japones joins Jim Allen and John E Gibson to discuss their predictions as they lay out arguments for how the Pacific League playoff race will unfold this season.

    Vol. 14.05: CENTRAL LEAGUE PREDICTION SPECIAL, with guest Claudio Rodriguez

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2024 85:22


    Claudio Rodriguez of Beisbol Japones joins Jim Allen and John E Gibson to examine the Central League teams from top to bottom and offer their predictions for the playoff race.

    Vol. 14.04: Alessandro Maestri, Samurai Vs. Europe, Camps And Preseason Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2024 74:23


    Former Orix Buffaloes pitcher Alessandro Maestri is the guest, we look at the two Samurai Japan games against Europe, check in on the end of camps and the start of the preseason and hit some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.03: Deunte Heath, Samurai Japan Against Euro Stars, Camp Notes, HighHeat

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2024 63:36


    Former Carp and Lions pitcher Deunte Heath is the guest, we chat about the upcoming series between Samurai Japan and Europe, and take a brief look at camps before handling some HighHeat.

    Vol. 14.02: Carter Stewart Jr., Roki Sasaki Contract Saga, Camps Open

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 74:30


    SoftBank pitcher Carter Stewart Jr. is the guest, we break down the Roki Sasaki contract saga and misinformation campaign, and take a quick look at the opening of camps.

    Vol. 14.01: Carlos Mirabal, MVPs, Notable Roster Changes, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2024 78:55


    Former Fighters pitcher Carlos Mirabal is the guest, we look at the MVPs in the Pacific and Central leagues – one choice that brings on a rant – player moves and then dive headfirst into some HighHeat.

    Vol. 13.39: Jason Coskrey, Hanshin Tigers Win Japan Series, Notes, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2023 72:41


    Jason Coskrey of The Japan Times joins the look back at the Hanshin Tigers Game 7 victory over the Orix Buffaloes in the Japan Series to end a 38-year title drought, we look at a few notes & dive into some HighHeat.

    Vol. 13.38: Jeremy Beasley of the Japan Series Champion Tigers, Look at 1st 6 Series Games, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 75:05


    On this week’s show we’ve got pitcher Jeremy Beasley of the Japan Series-winning Hanshin Tigers as the guest, Jason Coskrey joins to look the first six games of the Series and we handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 13.37: Leandro Cedeno of Orix, Sheldon Neuse of Hanshin, Japan Series, Draft, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2023 71:15


    Japan Series talk, with Leandro Cedeno of Orix and Sheldon Neuse of Hanshin as the guests, we discuss the matchup, look at Thursday’s amateur draft, & dive into more HighHeat,

    Vol. 13.36: Second Round of the CLCS, PLCS Manager Notes Ex-NPBer Sarafini Arrested Highheat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 79:36


    Games, games and more games as we discuss the second rounds of the Pacific and Central league Climax Series, hit a few notes and dive hard into some HighHeat, including an MP3 from listener James in Houston.

    Vol. 13.35: Brooks Kriske, 1st Round of PLCS And CLCS Matchups,

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 76:05


    Seibu Lions reliever Brooks Kriske is the guest, we discuss the matchups in the first rounds of the Pacific League and Central League Climax Series and dive into some HighHeat.

    Vol. 13.34: J.B. Wendelken, Playoff Races in Central And Pacific Leagues, Giants Skipper Hara Out, New Samurai Boss Ibata ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2023 72:05


    J.B. Wendelken of the DeNA BayStars is the guest, we discuss the Central League race for second, and the three-team Pacific League race for the final two playoff spots, look at Giants manager Tatsunori Hara stepping away and Hirokazu Ibata taking over as skipper of Samurai Japan.

    Vol. 13.33: Gosuke Kato, 3 Team for 2 PL Playoff Spots, Battle for 2nd in CL, Fielding Stat, Notes, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 81:58


    Gosuke Kato of the Nippon Ham Fighters is the guest, we discuss the three-team race for the final two playoff spots in the Pacific League, check on the battle for second in the Central League, hit a couple of notes and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 13.32: Mike Brosseau of Lotte, Orix 3-Peat, Scramble for Playoff Spots, Rockin With Roki, Some Retiring Players ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2023 71:50


    Mike Brosseau of the Lotte Marines is the guest, we discuss the Orix 3-peat in the Pacific League, look at the scramble for remaining playoff spots in both leagues, go rocking with Roki Sasaki and briefly chat about some of the retiring players.

    Vol. 13.31: Drew Anderson, Tigers Win 6th CL Title, Playoff Races, Roki Sasaki, Tatsunami, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2023 72:53


    Drew Anderson of the Hiroshima Carp is the guest, we discuss the Central League championship run the Hanshin Tigers made this season, look at the races for playoff spots in both leagues, go rockin’ with Roki Sasaki, hit one note and close things out with HighHeat.

    Vol. 13.30: Carter Stewart Jr. of SoftBank, Yamamoto No-No, Playoff Races, Poster Boys,

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2023 77:34


    Fifth-year import and NPB pioneer Carter Stewart Jr. of SoftBank is the guest, we discuss the second career Yoshinobu Yamamoto no-hitter, look at the playoff races and chew on some of the posting fodder.

    Vol. 13.29: Mark Payton of Seibu, Playoff Races in Pacific And Central, Power Trax, Top Performers of August, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2023 72:38


    Mark Payton of the Seibu Lions is the guest, we discuss the races for playoff spots in the Central and Pacific leagues, hit our Power Trax and Top Monthly Performers segments and handle some HighHeat.

    Vol. 13.28: Matt Davidson, Central And Pacific League Races, Oshima Reaches 2,000 Hits, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2023 74:57


    Matt Davidson of the Hiroshima Carp is the guest, we examine the playoff races in the Central and Pacific leagues, discuss Yohei Oshima reaching 2,000 hits and handle some HighHeat.

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