we are the champions

-Taneichi Elementary-

2006 Champs!

Taneichi Elem., THE genkiest most fun elementary school I visit, pulled off a come from behind/slaughter/upset against Shukunohe Elem. to earn bragging rights as the best bunch of ball players under the age of 11 and about 4 foot 10 (see above). Taneichi had never beaten this team, losing repeatedly in several bouts of championship games in years past. Not this year, the Red Thunder (or katakanized ''Red Sandas''...AKA: i had been calling them the Red Sandals all year, oops) were in fine form today, crushing some 20 hits and leaving Shukunohe in disbelief, with a scoreboard that read 13-3. Taneichi scored 9 runs, on maybe 5 hits, yep one of those games. I didn't get to actually watch much of the game, always pestered by adorable anklebiters wanting (and so deserving) of my attention. About 1/3 of the local elementary schools were on hand to support the final teams. Japanese elem kids and baseball, it just doesn't get much better than this folks!

Shukunohe Elementary

Nakano Elementary

Hiranai Elementary