MIYAZAKI -- You know it is spring training time upon arrival at the small airport in this quaint city in southeast Kyushu. Banners hang almost everywhere bearing the logos of five Japan pro baseball teams whose camps are in session in Miyazaki Prefecture: the Yomiuri Giants, Hiroshima Carp, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and the farm team of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Knuckleballer Jared Fernandez, a veteran of three major league clubs, is in his first
spring training camp with the Hiroshima Carp.
WAYNE GRACZYK PHOTOIn addition, the Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization and four J. League soccer teams are training here. Copies of the Sports Land Miyazaki Camp Map 2007 are piled on the airport and train station airport racks, in hotel lobbies and information counters throughout the area, with schedules and directions to the various workout sites.