UBC tours Japan for six games
UBC & Santa Ono vs university of tokyo
President Ono & T-Birds baseball visit Japan
TOKYO – The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, accompanied by honored guest Professor Santa J. Ono, 15th President and Vice Chancellor of UBC, travelled to Japan for a 10-day trip to play a six-game series against four of the top universities. The Thunderbirds travelled across Tokyo in August, experiencing the Japanese culture first-hand.
In addition to competing, this international trip was to build a relationship with Japanese universities through their mutual love for baseball. The cultural exchange included several tours to historic sites including a visit to the Great Buddha of Kotoku-in, while also attending lectures at the University of Tokyo on Sport Science and Sports Culture.
Professor Ono, is a huge supporter of Thunderbirds varsity athletics and was pivotal in making this exchange happen.
“Let’s build upon the foundation of our significant collaborations and build bridges between our two great universities and nations,” said President Ono at the Keio University reception for UBC. “In so doing, let us develop global citizens who will strive for a better world.”
The team spent the first three days on Keio University’s campus. At their first joint-practice with Keio, the top university baseball team in Japan, the T-Birds had an eye-opening experience.
“The first day was our first chance to really get a grasp of how different the culture is here,” said fourth-year outfielder Lucas Soper. (Vancouver, BC). “The amount of energy they carried onto the field was something I had never seen before. Just the constant shouts of encouragement when a nice play was made really made the atmosphere feel competitive, but also relaxed and fun at the same time. None of us had ever really experienced a practice environment like that before and it was amazing to be able to take it all in and be a part of it.”
In game one against Keio University, both UBC President Ono and Keio President Akira Haseyama threw ceremonial first pitches. UBC Baseball went on to lose 3-1.
Santa Ono Pitching
With more than half the players having yet to step in a UBC classroom, this was their first time putting on the Thunderbird uniform.
“Putting on the UBC uniform for the first time started the journey of being a Thunderbird. It felt good to get on the mound for this team and I’m excited for what lies ahead,” said first year pitcher and Game 1 starter Garrett Hawkins (Biggar, Sask.) who threw for three strong innings, allowing no runs, one hit, and striking out two.
The next three days were filled with the team experiencing various Japanese traditions like playing the game of Suikawari, the splitting of a watermelon with a stick while blindfolded, and learning the art of Japanese calligraphy.
In game two of their six-game series, UBC would come up short against Keio University once again, dropping a 7-6 decision.
“To be immersed in such a culture and this atmosphere was unbelievable. The passion, the respect, and the work ethic that they showed over the past 3 days has been eye-opening,” said first year catcher, Noah Or (Richmond, BC). “We were able to observe the amount of work that they put in to perfect their craft every day and it was humbling. Truly a remarkable experience to not only play against the top school in Japan, but to also learn how to respect the game the way it should be.”
UBC left Keio University and travelled to Hotel Ohgaisou, their home for the next four days, only walking distance from the University of Tokyo (UTokyo). The team was now preparing for their game against UTokyo at the historic Yokohama Stadium. The 30,000 seat stadium has seen artists like Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana and Madonna play sold out shows, and will be the home of both baseball and softball for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Santa Ono, UBC vs U of Tokyo
Both UBC President Santa Ono and UTokyo’s President Makoto Gonokami addressed the raucous crowd during the opening ceremony. The game itself ended in a 4-4 draw and was cut short but the players had an experience they will never forget.
“Going into today I knew it was going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Seeing how much energy the fans bring to the stadium was unlike anything I’d ever seen,” said Brandon Hupe (Delta, BC), first year outfielder. “The beating on drums and constant cheering made for an incredible atmosphere that I don’t think any of us have ever experienced. Being immersed in their culture, you really begin to understand how much passion they have for the game of baseball.”
Santa Ono handshake line UBC baseball in Tokyo
After the game, President Santa Ono hosted a reception event for alumni all over Tokyo, many of whom attended the game. The players received a standing ovation from UBC Alum and got to interact with many of them, hearing their different stories.
The most exciting game of the entire trip was their rematch with UTokyo. The ‘Birds won 7-6 thanks to a two-run walk off homerun by rookie Brandon Hupe. For many players, this was their first win as a Thunderbird.
Santa Ono at Yokohama stadium UBC Baseball
“The last couple days here in Tokyo have been full of memories for both myself and my teammates,” said Liam Vulcano, first year second baseman. “The game in Yokohama Stadium was an experience that the members of both teams will cherish for the rest of their lives. Heading in to the game today there was a sense of urgency between the boys. All of us were anxious to get the first win under our belts. Going back and forth throughout the game, it didn’t seem like any team was out of it. The fact that my first win as a T-Bird was a walk off makes it that much more special.” Liam led off the bottom of ninth with a single, scoring tying run in the walk off victory
UBC Baseball vs Seijo
The Thunderbirds then played two games in three days, with a full day-off between dedicated for sight-seeing. Led by three first-year pitchers, the team shut out Seijo University in game 5, winning 10-0. During their off day, many players explored Shibuya, including venturing through the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Finally, in their final game of their Japan tour, the bats came alive with the ‘Birds scoring 13 runs on 10 hits, defeating Nippon Sport Science University, 13-7.
UBC Baseball sightseeing Tokyo day 6-7
After 10 memorable days, the team made it back home to Vancouver with new memories and new friends, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience they will never forget. UBC Baseball and President Santa Ono will continue to build on this relationship with Japan, as plans are already underway for Tokyo Universities to visit Vancouver next year.