Ranked #189

Ookiku Furikabutte (Manga)

While I find real baseball to be dull, this manga actually keeps my interest in the sport. Rather than displaying really tall guys who look hot, the characters actually look like typical freshman boys. The mangaka is a graduate of sports psychology and is able to combine the fun of baseball and scientific tips of relaxation and harnessing energy. Mihashi can get annoying but unlike the main protagonist of other sports manga he isn't a natural talent nor is he confident in his skills. From the start he is weak and timid, achieving his skill through long practice. Abe-kun is my favorite character for his no nonsense attitude and moments of thoughtfulness.

At times the story can really drag on, 2-3 volumes on just one game, but this serves to characterize the opposing teams (nearly everyone gets a moment to shine, a true it takes a "Team" to play) and it's near impossible to hate them. I end up rooting for everyone on their good job despite the title of a winner or a loser. If you're looking for a series that displays phenomenal, near immpossible end game wins than this isn't what you would be looking for. If you're looking for something that depicts real emotions and real skills, this is the manga to read. read more