From the Richmond Review
Japan’s visit reminds many of old days at Steveston Park
The past is still unmistakably present at venerable Steveston Park.
Though the Richmond senior men’s and Nisei fastball leagues have long faded from existence, the memories of games from yesteryear continue to echo throughout the ball yard. The tales tend to grow taller as time wears on, but that only serves to add to their legend.
On Monday evening a few more highlights were dished up, when two surviving members of the senior men’s league—Stealers and Mariners—played a twinbill against the Japanese national team on its way to Saskatoon for the world championships which begin this weekend.
Afforded the opportunity to catch some truly world-class fastpitch, and perhaps even reminisce a little on a starry summer night, fans were quick to fill the stands. Their presence, and enthusiastic support, in turn inspired the players to give just a little more too.
Ranked fifth going into the worlds, Japan relied on its greatest strength—speed—to play an effective small-ball style to mercy both club teams; first the Stealers 8-1 in a game called after six innings and the Mariners 8-0 in a five-inning nightcap. But the visitors from the land of the rising sun also treated an appreciative, and knowledgable crowd, to a few home runs to complement an exceptional defensive game that featured quality pitching and proficient play in the infield.
But don’t conclude the hosts were slouches. By no means was that the case. The Stealers held tough with one of the top national teams in the world, and a team whose players are in their prime of their careers, without arguably their best player. Bryan Abrey was forced to miss the game to join Canada (ranked fourth in the world) in training for the world championships. – See more at The Richmond Review.