Tanzania's first-ever "National League Championship Final"
Message from Hideki Matsui

The Japan African Baseball and Softball Promotion Foundation (J-ABS), in collaboration with the Tanzanian Baseball and Softball Federation, held the opening ceremony for the 11th Tanzania Koshien Tournament (*1) on December 8th. This day also served as the opening ceremony for the annual championship game of the newly established Tanzanian National Baseball League (*2). Ambassador Misawa, the Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Tanzania, and Tanzanian Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports Damas Ndubaro were among those in attendance, and J-ABS Executive Dream Partner Hideki Matsui also sent a message from New York.

The history of baseball in Tanzania began in 2012 when J-ABS representative Tomonari introduced the sport. In 2014, the first Tanzania Koshien Tournament was held, and since then, with the support of J-ABS, the tournament has been continuously held and developed for 10 years. More than 1,500 players in total have participated in the tournament, including men's baseball and women's softball. As part of creating an environment for these Tanzania Koshien graduates to continue playing baseball, a national baseball league mainly for working adults was established in April 2023. Four teams, the Fighters, Giants, Dragons, and Tigers, played a league tournament in two halves of the year, with the Tigers winning the first half and the Dragons winning the second half. The annual championship game was held between these two teams, and the Tigers won 4-3, becoming the first champions. The players have been taught Baseballership™ education (*4) (baseball that emphasizes Japanese-style etiquette and sportsmanship), and this was brilliantly demonstrated in the game.

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<Japanese translation of the English message from Hideki Matsui, read aloud by Representative Tomonari at the opening ceremony>

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Hello to all the baseball and softball players gathered at Tanzania Koshien Stadium! This is Hideki Matsui from New York. Congratulations on the 11th Tanzania Koshien Tournament and the hosting of the Tanzania National Baseball League Championship.

This year, Japan won the WBC and the U18 championships, but it wasn't just about victories; they also demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship. Like me, Japanese high school baseball players learn important life lessons through baseball. I believe that this was demonstrated not only in the Koshien tournament but also in the All-Japan team.

J-ABS, which I support, is introducing these important lessons learned through baseball to Tanzania as "baseball spirit education."

Everyone, please enjoy the Tanzania Koshien Tournament and the championship match.

And while you're at it, aim to become the number one team that best embodies "discipline," "respect," and "justice."

I wish you all the best of luck!

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The 11th Tanzania Koshien Tournament was held over three days starting December 9th. Due to the last-minute withdrawal of two regional teams and inclement weather, the tournament schedule was irregular, but exciting matches were played in both men's baseball and women's softball. The men's baseball final, in particular, was filled with tension, many spectacular plays were made, and the crowd cheered loudly, creating a very exciting atmosphere.

That's all.

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■(*1) The 11th Tanzania Koshien Tournament

Participating Teams

Men's baseball: Dar es Salaam (2 teams), Dodoma, Zanzibar, and Lubama (5 teams)

Women's softball: Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar (3 teams)

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Match schedule and results

<Men's Baseball>

Winner: Dar es Salaam

Runner-up: Dodoma

<Women's Softball>

Winner: Dar es Salaam

Runner-up: Zanzibar

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■(*2) The 1st Tanzania National Baseball League Annual Championship

(Tanzania National Baseball League Championship 2023)

Date and time: Friday, December 8, 2023

Location: Dar es Salaam Koshien Stadium (located within Azania Secondary School)

Organizer: Tanzania Baseball and Softball Association (TaBSA)

Co-sponsored by: Japan African Baseball and Softball Promotion Foundation (J-ABS)

Cooperation: Embassy of Japan in Tanzania, JICA Tanzania Office

Match result: Tigers 4 vs 3 Dragons