This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first Central League championship won by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. It was in 1975 when the "Aka-Heru" (Red Helmets) played in their first Japan Series.
Led by current manager Koji Yamamoto (then the team's cleanup hitter and graceful center fielder) and ironman Sachio Kinugasa, the Carp surprised almost everyone with that initial pennant victory. (They lost the Series to the Hankyu Braves.)
Now, here we are in 2005, and the predictors have projected Yamamoto's Carp to finish in fifth place (again) or last. But, hold it. Hiroshima got off to a great start by sweeping the Yomiuri Giants in three straight games at Tokyo Dome on the opening weekend of the current season, and there may be more talent on this team, spiced with a few helpings of hustle and desire, than you might think.