Matsunaka hits three-run homer

Matsunaka hits three-run homer

FUKUOAKA, Japan - Softbank Hawks infielder Nobuhiko Matsunaka hits a go-ahead three-run homer off Hanshin Tigers starter Kei Igawa in the fifth inning at Yahoo Dome on May 12. Softbank beat Hanshin 8-1.

Chung knocked out

Chung knocked out

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yomiuri Giants starter Chung Min Chol leaves the game after allowing five runs in four-plus innings against the Hanshin Tigers at Fukuoaka Dome on May 16. Hanshin edged Yomiuri 5-4.

Kokubo slams 17th homer

Kokubo slams 17th homer

TOKYO, Japan - Fukuoaka Daiei Hawks slugger Hiroki Kokubo watches the ball after hitting a solo homer, his 17th of the season, off Nippon Ham Fighters starter Hiroyuki Sekine in the top of the first inning at Tokyo Dome on May 15.

Hawks' fans jump in river on news of Japan Series victory

Hawks' fans jump in river on news of Japan Series victory

FUKUOKA, Japan - Fans of the Fukuoaka Daiei Hawks jump into a river in Fukuoka city on Oct. 28 after the Fukuoka-based baseball team won the 1999 Japan Series. The Hawks defeated the Chunichi Dragons by 6-4 in the decisive 5th game of the series at Nagoya Dome.

Matsunaka hits three-run homer

Matsunaka hits three-run homer

FUKUOAKA, Japan - Softbank Hawks infielder Nobuhiko Matsunaka hits a go-ahead three-run homer off Hanshin Tigers starter Kei Igawa in the fifth inning at Yahoo Dome on May 12. Softbank beat Hanshin 8-1. (Kyodo)

Chung knocked out

Chung knocked out

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yomiuri Giants starter Chung Min Chol leaves the game after allowing five runs in four-plus innings against the Hanshin Tigers at Fukuoaka Dome on May 16. Hanshin edged Yomiuri 5-4.

Kokubo slams 17th homer

Kokubo slams 17th homer

TOKYO, Japan - Fukuoaka Daiei Hawks slugger Hiroki Kokubo watches the ball after hitting a solo homer, his 17th of the season, off Nippon Ham Fighters starter Hiroyuki Sekine in the top of the first inning at Tokyo Dome on May 15.

Hawks' fans jump in river on news of Japan Series victory

Hawks' fans jump in river on news of Japan Series victory

FUKUOKA, Japan - Fans of the Fukuoaka Daiei Hawks jump into a river in Fukuoka city on Oct. 28 after the Fukuoka-based baseball team won the 1999 Japan Series. The Hawks defeated the Chunichi Dragons by 6-4 in the decisive 5th game of the series at Nagoya Dome.