AA St. Paul Saints

Japanese Baseball Team Heading to St. Paul for Exhibition Game with Saints

Published on April 2, 2008 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (April 2, 2008) - Two years ago the St. Paul Saints explored Japan and played exhibition games against teams from the Far East. In 2008 one of those teams will travel to St. Paul to play an exhibition game against the Saints.

On Tuesday, April 29 the Saints will play a day/night doubleheader. At 12:05 p.m. the Saints will take on the Lincoln Saltdogs and at 7:05 p.m. they will play the Ibaraki Golden Golds.

The Golden Golds belong to the Japan Amateur Baseball Association and are owned by Kinichi "Kinchan" Hagimoto, a popular comedian in Japan who also works as his team's emcee before, during and after each game.

Kinchan is known for his physical comedy and some of his comedic jargon has found its way into the everyday Japanese lexicon. On December 26, 2004 he gathered former professional baseball players, comedians and a female player, creating the most popular amateur team in Japan. This started a trend for other clubs and helped regain the popularity of baseball in the country.

"We couldn't be happier that the Golden Golds are coming to Midway Stadium," said Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Derek Sharrer. "We had a wonderful experience in 2006 including our game against Kinchan's team. We're thrilled to be able to host the Golds and provide them with an opportunity to experience American culture...or at least the Saints version of it."

In 2006, the Saints traveled to Japan and played five teams in 10 days, including one against the Golden Golds. During the trip the Saints visited school children, hosted baseball clinics and helped introduce Japanese fans to the American minor league baseball experience.

Tickets for the Saltodgs game in the afternoon are $12 for reserved seats, $8 for bleacher reserved and $5 for general admission.

For the game against the Golden Golds tickets are priced similarly at 1,198.19 ¥ for reserved seats, 798.8 ¥ for bleacher reserved and 499.25 ¥ for general admission. Fans may purchase tickets by calling the Saints Box Office at 651-644-6659 or visiting saintsbaseball.com.

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