I’ve always loved Japan – Manga, video games, the sense of tradition and honor, the gorgeous women. And my love for the country and its people has just been raised again by the introduction of the first female professional pitcher in its baseball league.
Eri Yoshida is the girl’s name, and she is making history by succeeding in a field (excuse the pun) that has, up to now, been dominated by men. This video shows her making her full debut for the Kobe 9 Cruise, a team in the Kansai Independent League.
Yoshida was just 16-years-old when Kobe signed her up as a pro player. Now, at the tender age of 17, she has made her debut as a knuckleball pitcher in front of an 11,592-strong opening Day crowd at the Osaka Dome.
I just wish every country was as forward-thinking in this respect as Japan is. Why can’t women, if they’re good enough, play against men? Why hasn’t tennis got mixed singles? Why are most other professional sports segregated by gender?
Yoshida is a fine example to women everywhere. And for us men – she’s great to look at. I ruined it right at the end there didn’t I. I can’t help it; I’m heterosexual and she’s gorgeous. Can you blame me for preferring to watch her play than the hairy-arsed men on the field with her?
