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
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 12m AVG DURATION
    • 782 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. 14.39: Yokohama Wins It All, Friend Kuehnert Dies, New Managers, Major Roki News, Favorite Moment of 2024 ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 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. 14.38: 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. 14.37: 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. 14.36: Anthony Kay, CLCS And PLCS Discussion, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 40:04


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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 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. 14.34: Gregory Polanco, PLCS And CLCS Matchups, Sugano, Okada, Roki Rocks, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 60:13


    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. 14.33: 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. 14.32: 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. 14.31: 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. 14.30: 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. 14.29: 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. 14.28: 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. 14.27: Giants Reliever Kyle Keller, Rockin With Roki, A Pacific League Standings Moment, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 69:54


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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 60:57


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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 31:53


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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 62:42


    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. 14.23: 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. 14.22: 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. 14.21: Andre Jackson, Playoff Versions of BayStars and Fighters, June Stars, Oppo Tacos, Stink-Eye Moment ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 68:51


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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024 65:05


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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2024 57:49


    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. 14.18: 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. 14.17: 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. 14.16: Cy Sneed of Yakult, Kazuo Matsui Out at Seibu, Interleague Week 1, Power Trax, HighHeat ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 67:58


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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 65:01


    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.

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