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Jun 3, 8:27 AM
#1

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Nov 2011
130603
This anime loves putting Ruriko in the spotlight, even in front of an audiance lul

Beer is still be advertised in this anime too. Didn't really care about the game mechanics but Sun-Shiro's presence cannot be denied.
Jun 3, 9:41 AM
#2

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Jun 2012
725
wholesome Gyaru moments 🤭
Jun 3, 9:57 AM
#3

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Jul 2017
16670
On the usual day of work, one particular person catches both Ruriko and fans: actress Natsume Uda, though she's long-time friends wth Kohinata working as beer vendor girls. She certainly has a good time back then, and even now when the MotorSuns are trying to make their play, veterans know her as the actress-cum-vendor, and memories were certainly made back then, and even now.

The butt smacking ass pats of player Anthony Bryan, as compared to Dennis, at least he's somewhat of a well-known foreigner-cum-native. But the "loneliness of the import" himself is the problem, much ado Ruriko shunning attention away from Murata because of last episode's second-hand embarrassment. At least he makes a hit that earns the MotorSuns the win, and his ball that hit her butt, he got to see his destiny lol.

The Double T-Duo of Kojiro and Tsubaki, they definitely missed their old times debut, but it's clear that Tsubaki has been around him all this time as SunShiro, though he vehemently denies it and chooses to focus on his good pal. What heartwarming men at that.

The special ED for this episode is such a nice touch.
Jun 3, 9:58 AM
#4

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Nov 2024
1146
We actually got to meet one of the past vendors, Natsume, who used to work with Kohinata as a vendor 10 years ago, shown in a picture from one of the previous episodes. Since she couldn’t make much progress in her acting career, she comes to MotorSuns and leaves with a life-changing experience. The results are known, but we’re sure to hear from her again soon.

Dennis is jealous of my boy Bryan because he isn’t getting ass pats from others? What kind of kinks is he into? Loved how Ruriko joined in on the fun and gave him a pat. Well, she has full rights after he hurt her soft gyaru cheek.

This was an interesting turn of events, with the true identity of Sun-Shiro finally revealed. It turns out to be Tsubaki, the same person Natsume was talking about. The episode ended on an emotional note with a heartwarming hug between two friends who hadn’t seen each other for 13 years.

The episode had a balanced mix of everything this show can offer. Really loved the special ED, it gave off a season-ending vibe.
XArceusXJun 3, 1:13 PM
Jun 3, 10:09 AM
#5

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Mar 2021
2828
Loved how Ruriko wanted to join in and give Bryan a pat she always just wants to have fun.
Jun 3, 10:22 AM
#6

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Feb 2019
11515
Actually the best episode so far tbh. I did not expect to get emotional watching this show today! I really appreciate that we saw some real adult themes today. Career transition, language learning/fitting in in the workplace and retirement.

Uda wanting to break the idol mould and become an actress was so real. It’s something a lot of younger stars struggle with. No one wants to be in a box for their entire life. I like how Kohinata cheered her up and motivated her to keep going and pursuing what she wants to do!

Second segment with all the ass-pats reminded me of the key and peele skit from back in the day lmao, but I’m proud of Dennis for learning enough Japanese to communicate with his teammates. Totally understand why he’d feel nervous and insecure, but just making that effort will endear you to everyone. No one expects you to be perfect!

Tsubaki’s story at the end is what really got me tho. Being a mascot might not be a glamorous job for some, but for him it’s what he wants to do and he’s happy. That’s all that matters. The fact he’s been helping Kojiro with his batting techniques this whole time is so beautiful. Really all 3 segments led into each other today as Uda and Kohinata talked about going out drinking on the day Tsubaki retired and then here he is still in the work! Really cool ep.
Marinate1016Jun 3, 11:19 AM
Jun 3, 10:29 AM
#7

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Jul 2021
3553
It occurs to me that this might be the most adult show airing this season. Not because of R+ content, but its focus on the boring parts of being an adult and also about the small joys you find.

"I've been failing non-stop my entire life" and "I take pride in what I do" from a co-worker from 10 years ago hit me pretty hard.

Same with the big American pro player wanting some ass pats, or Ruriko not making eye contact with Murata. Grown-ass adults getting upset/embarrassed/uplifted by the silliest things.
Jun 3, 10:30 AM
#8
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Sep 2015
8276
Best episode yet. If this episode doesn't reveal the fate of Tsubaki, I'm just gonna comment that I thought Tsubaki is the mascot. But the anime does reveal that anyway so there's no need to play a guess game.

Community in sports is strong, and Japan is mostly in the positive way. Everytime I heard news about sports celebration lead to deaths (which all happened outside Japan) I think about how everyone that love to cheer sports can learn from this anime.
Jun 3, 10:31 AM
#9
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Aug 2020
621
Ahh so relaxing and fun ep as always. Murata and ruriko short interaction this week but its okay, episode always brings us something refreshing. Tho i like their vibe.
Jun 3, 10:32 AM

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Jul 2024
913
Dang... This is one great episode, perfect for cleaning the eyes in a good way.



Dennis really wants to get "saluted", the baseball way, so badly





Murata is getting death stared



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Jun 3, 10:34 AM

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Nov 2023
452
Incredible episode.
I already loved it from the first two parts and then came the third...
gorkthe134thJun 3, 10:39 AM
Jun 3, 11:14 AM

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Jul 2024
1418
Hmm, Koutarou may want to avoid getting close to Dennis.

Unexpected 'ass pat' for Ruriko, but worked out for the two of them.

You go Sun-Shrio
Lord Cruelty V
"But my Dreams they're not as empty, as my conscience seems to be"
Jun 3, 11:26 AM
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Jul 2018
561910
Oh my God—we finally learned who San Shiro is! I feel like crying… such an emotional moment.

There’s a new ending too, and finally, the animation is back to normal! I was really upset with the visuals in the previous episode. I love this anime so much—I don’t want it to be anything less than perfect!

As for Deniz… oh man, this foreigner had me laughing so hard! So he wanted his butt to be slapped, huh? And it was—by his idol Roriko! 😂😂😂

I absolutely loved this frame!

Jun 3, 11:45 AM

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Jul 2013
15668
Ngl, that ending made me tear up a little. Never expected this show to make me feel that way, but I loved it.
Jun 3, 11:52 AM

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Dec 2022
513
Ass pats from the goddess of baseball, Dennis, you lucky son of a bitch!

First segment has us meet the other vendor girl from that photo taken ten years ago. Her failed ventures as an idol and actress had me worried she'd be going the AV route, but we're too wholesome for that here.

A little bit of focus on the team's two foreigners in the second segment. Dennis seems to be learning about the power of ASSimilation. The team is gonna love him now.

Third segment has the reveal of Kojiro's old teammate Tsubaki as the local Gigachad Sunshiro. The unique ending sequence gave me some serious final episode vibes, but there's still two left. Life at the ballpark goes on.
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Jun 3, 12:48 PM
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Apr 2018
58
what a great episode! really glad I stuck with this show...wasn't expecting the reveal to hit so hard!
Jun 3, 1:01 PM
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Nov 2018
1718
Great episode! It adds a continuation with adding a rival to Murata unknowing rom com for Ruriko affection.

With Sun Shirota I like the fact his identity was a secret but how they reveal it was great also. I wish they just left it a secret and just gave hints throughout the series on who it was. This was good too.
Jun 3, 1:10 PM
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Dec 2024
127
Damn this show is good. I was expecting more of the aftermath of Ruriko and Murata's interaction last week but I got something better - Kojiro and Tsubaki's interaction.
This is the true definition of "underrated show of the season".
Jun 3, 1:24 PM

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Jun 2012
725
The first segment was really well writting. Loved The parallelism between Motorsuns and Natsume. They may fail and not always succees but they never gave Up. Thats wholesome
Jun 3, 1:34 PM

Online
Jan 2018
519
The masculine urge of wanting your butt to be slapped...
Sun Shiro segment as well as ending mv was emotional
Jun 3, 2:24 PM
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Jul 2024
4803
That hit way harder than most of these do. A home run today!
Jun 3, 2:32 PM

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Jul 2022
1481
There’s no greater sign of camaraderie than a good slap—Dennis got exactly what he wanted, growing closer to the team, and even getting rewarded with one from Ruriko.

I knew it. From the moment Sun-Shiro’s abilities were revealed, and then the Double T duo appeared, I suspected Tsubaki was Sun-Shiro. But Tsubaki isn’t just a friend—he’s a brother. His reunion with Kojirou was truly touching, proving that the Double T duo was never really apart. And that special ending just made it all the more memorable.
Jun 3, 2:57 PM

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Feb 2025
499
a different outro and quite a wholesome moment innit
Jun 3, 3:08 PM
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Jan 2017
510
Ballpark is not destined to go in the hall of fame. But by showing the crossroads of so many people at the stadium, people can enjoy real characters. Today's theme of never giving up no matter where life takes you is close to my heart.
"The struggle is the mark of life." Band-Maid
Jun 3, 4:17 PM

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Jul 2024
1102
That was some serious ass-smacking going on there. And the Kojiro-Tsubaki skit was heatfelt. The outro was excellent. This series keeps crushing one dinger after another. Hits the cycle for me.
joemaamahJun 3, 4:26 PM
Jun 3, 4:26 PM

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Jul 2024
1102
Reply to perseii
It occurs to me that this might be the most adult show airing this season. Not because of R+ content, but its focus on the boring parts of being an adult and also about the small joys you find.

"I've been failing non-stop my entire life" and "I take pride in what I do" from a co-worker from 10 years ago hit me pretty hard.

Same with the big American pro player wanting some ass pats, or Ruriko not making eye contact with Murata. Grown-ass adults getting upset/embarrassed/uplifted by the silliest things.
@perseii Very well said. I too have been enthralled that this series hasn't been about only baseball. It's about life in a ballpark, and the producers have gotten it down pat.
Jun 3, 5:09 PM
Deadhead

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Dec 2018
5223
Wasn’t expecting a unique ED this week, but it was really fitting for the final story about Kojiro and Tsubaki, I’m not sure why Tsubaki is so dedicated to staying in character as Sun-Shiro but the moment he shared with his old bro was really sweet at the end. Also the fact this doubled as a Sun-Shiro origin story was really cool too, although I wonder if it pays as well as playing in the US lol.

Ass pats bit was a really good one too, personally I’ve never been a fan of the ass pat move, I just never liked the idea of a dude slapping my butt lol, but it was in a good light here with Dennis becoming more approachable to his fellow players once he started talking to them in Japanese, really wholesome stuff, although it’s kinda funny considering he’s been speaking Japanese a lot already lol, but I guess it’s been translated automatically to make it easier to the Japanese audience. But lmao I sure wasn’t expecting Dennis to nail Ruriko in the butt, and then for her to return the favor later, she’s such a good sport, Dennis couldn’t have asked for a better reward for that home-run too lol.

And the first bit with the former idol and actress Natsume was great as well (I hope she doesn’t take offense to me leading with former idol lol), I wasn’t expecting her to be a former vendor girl but it was a nice callback to that old Kohinata photo. And it was through her being a former vendor that she came to appreciate a team that loses a lot like the MotorSuns, that’s a beautiful thing she just learned, her last moment with Kohinata was also sweet.
Jun 3, 5:11 PM

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Nov 2011
3840
Yo why is the writing in what I thought was just going to be a fun baseball anime SO DAMN GOOD!!!

We have moments from the earlier episodes coming back 10 episodes later.Possible love blooming between Murata and Ruriko, and we got a clean up hitter BEGGING FOR ASS PATS!!!

This show is Peak.
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Jun 3, 5:51 PM

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Jun 2016
827
I didn't expect Shun-shiro's character to be fully fleshed out, though the other episodes are great too, and the ending in general immediately deserved top marks.
Jun 3, 6:41 PM
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Jun 2015
34
What a nice ep! Looks like the show's dynamic is getting in pace with the hype of the playoffs, it's really cool!!
Jun 3, 6:47 PM

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Jul 2024
842
"The Double-T Duo" is surely the best segment of this show so far. Man, I cried a little.
This show just keeps (sorry, I have to do it) knocking it out of the park. So consistently well-written.
Jun 3, 6:52 PM

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Jan 2022
257
time to Spank people and tell them "good job"
ヘルソン
Jun 3, 9:30 PM

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Jun 2024
902
I think Natsume has become more motivated to try again after hearing what the fans said even though the team lost.
Dennis accidentally hitting Ruriko was hilarious, I really liked the moment they shared afterwards.
Great reunion moment between Kojiro & Tsubaki, now we know who Sun-Shiro is.
Jun 3, 9:42 PM
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Mar 2015
14443
Its Motosun Magic Even if you lose There is always tomorrow Whether for loser idols or ballplayers who become mascots
Dennis Young finally got his butt slapped by his goddess
landofthekwtJun 3, 9:46 PM
Jun 3, 9:55 PM
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Sep 2022
154
Special ending was a nice touch for the last segment
Jun 3, 9:58 PM

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May 2019
3337
I like how this show shows the failures and struggles of different people, from the former idol that hasn't made it (at least not yet) as a successful actress to the player turned mascot that has been following his former teammate behind the shadows so to speak. At least these people have tenacity and resiliency as was said in this episode and they continue to press forward.

Side note, the mascot could become an assistant coach and maybe even a manager down the road as he knows the game well and has given great advice to his former teammate.
Jun 3, 10:07 PM

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May 2016
1548
I wondered why the weird silhouette of Tsubaki, but actually the camera is inside of Sun-Shiro, ha! I wondered if we'd ever get a reveal of the person inside of Sun-Shiro.

Hotaru may be lusting over Dennis' backside, but Ruriko trumps that with a swat! It's hilarious that Dennis is actually jealous of Murata.

You can take the girl out of the Motorsuns, but you can't take the Motorsuns out of the girl! I'm glad the older fans gave Natsume some reassurance to keep up the good fight.

The feels were especially strong on the last segment, from the Double T-Duo reunion, to the photo at the end, and finally the pictoral sequence of Tsubaki's life post Motorsuns with the new ED. Most excellent stuff!
"Genki is Life, Genki is Love"
Jun 3, 10:13 PM

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May 2016
1548
Reply to Alfredo-Sauce
I like how this show shows the failures and struggles of different people, from the former idol that hasn't made it (at least not yet) as a successful actress to the player turned mascot that has been following his former teammate behind the shadows so to speak. At least these people have tenacity and resiliency as was said in this episode and they continue to press forward.

Side note, the mascot could become an assistant coach and maybe even a manager down the road as he knows the game well and has given great advice to his former teammate.
@Alfredo-Sauce I agree, Tsubaki could easily be a coach or doing something related to baseball operations, but like the way people identified Natsume as a "former idol", I'm guessing he's afraid as being labeled a "failed pitcher". This way, he can stay close to the game he loves anonymously.
"Genki is Life, Genki is Love"
Jun 3, 11:47 PM
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Jan 2021
1
SUNSHIRO MY GOATED KING
Jun 4, 12:40 AM

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Nov 2020
621
We finally got to know more about the girl Natsume who was with Kohinata in the photo. It sure is tough when people only know and judge you for who you were and not for who you are now.
Finally, Dennis met with his Yakyū no megami and got a pat on his shoulder and a pat on his ass from his teammates..Great day for him 😂🤣❤️
Never expected Sun-shiro to be actually Tsubaki. He lost his hope to stand on the mound but became a mascot who gives hope and love to the people who come to watch the game and to the players.
And he was secretly helping his mate Kojiro improve his game..🥹❤️❤️✨
Also a new ed dedicated just for him 🫰❤️💯💯
Niwaka-SamuraiJun 4, 12:45 AM
Jun 4, 8:44 AM

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Jan 2024
3542
Sun-shiro & Kojiro😭❤️
Just beautiful....


Dennis smacked Ruriko in the ass
Absolute Cinema...

Amazing episode, and a very fitting ED.
Jun 4, 11:26 AM

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Apr 2021
3464
Wow... This sports anime has had some of the most enjoyable episodes and interactions between characters, baseball info to humorous interactions to deep friendship connections, very dynamic writing indeed.
Note: I don’t lazily watch 3-5 episodes, biasedly compare to other anime, or unfairly judge by surface level similarities. With every anime I start, I watch the entire series, both Japanese Sub & English Dub, then judge each anime based on what they present, to give an honest and fair rating.

Jun 4, 1:06 PM
Ero Ojisan

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Jun 2019
5536
A friendly reminder that if you can say Arigato(Thank You) or Gomen(Sorry) in Japanese, you can get by as person in Japan that speaks a little Japanese.
Jun 4, 1:27 PM
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Nov 2020
60
I just love this show so much, it's underrated asf. What a great blend of comedy and drama.
Jun 4, 10:52 PM

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Jan 2015
210
Random baseball show ends up being peak. I watch all the dogshit for anime like this
Jun 5, 3:42 PM

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Jul 2022
717
I loved the part where it is discovered that he best friend then is Sun-Shiro
Jun 5, 5:35 PM

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Apr 2023
10
Best episode, Sun-Shiro the best character, 10/10
Jun 6, 10:57 PM

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Jan 2021
174
A 5 story has a better plot than most seasonal anime.

Sun-shiro is the best
Jun 8, 9:06 AM

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Oct 2016
144
American import Dennis Young batting against the fictional Fukuoka Styx. Lol

I thought it’s just a random American name they put, but obviously it’s a homage to the famous 70’s and 80’s Singer Dennis DeYoung, former Lead singer and Leader of the legendary rock band ‘Styx’.

Anime Dennis Young sure hit a triple Home-run in this episode. Getting a literal winning home-run, getting much closer with the local team and finally meeting his "Goddess".
Jun 10, 7:36 PM
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Jul 2016
27
WHAT A GREAT EPISODE!!! WHAT THE HELL!!! I ALWAYS THOUGHT SUN-SHIRO WAS A BIG HIDDEN BOSS, HE COULD DO ANYTHING AND KNOWS EVERYTHING LIKE A WISE MAN, AND I THOUGHT WE'D NEVER GET ANY REVEALATION TO WHAT'S UNDERNEATH THE MASCOT, BUT AT LEAST WE NOW KNOW HIS TRUE IDENTITY. GOD DAMN, I'M PROUD OF YOU SUN-SHIRO!
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It’s time to ditch the text file.
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