The DS, the CS, new managers, new postings, heartbreak, history, and everything in between!

It's getting tense in the postseason with the road to the World Series being littered with fallen teams, hopes, dreams, fingernails, and sanity. The Yankees have blessedly joined the fallen today (Oct 8), but the Phillies, Dodgers, Cubs, Brewers, Mariners, Tigers, and Blue Jays remain, each with Asian and Asian American players to root for.

We recap the Wild Card Series and the Divisional Series so far, setting up next week's League Championship Series. Two teams in the NL and two in the AL to fight for their shot at baseball glory.

Yamamoto had been lights out, Suzuki rediscovered his power swing, Woo is out for the ALDS, Sasaki is crushing in relief, and Ohtani started hot, but has since looked lost at the plate.

Lots to still be determined. And it's going to be explosive, tense, and a hell of a lot of fun.

We wrap up the regular season and then talk postseason.

The Wildcard series is underway and the Division series is taking shape. We started with HS Kim, Volpe, Yoshida, Suzuki, Ohtani, Darvish, Wong, Imanaga, Yamamoto, Sasaki, Kwan, and Edman.

Lots of amazing feats of Asian baseball greatness is on display already, and there is more to come. Stay tuned!

We soldier on without our dear leader, Kim, much like some of our players who are soldiering on without full use of their muscles and ligaments as they deal with nagging injuries and slumps. But we keep going, even in the face of overt White Christian Nationalism invading our sacred stadiums.

The Yankees honor a man who hated them to his core, several of our guys are banged up with injuries, and our pitchers aren't getting enough run support.

The mystery of Volpe's horrible season might be explained by a nagging injury, much like Kwan's steady decline in the second half. But Suzuki and Senga are still mysteries. Both had historic starts to their seasons only to completely disappear in the second half.

Yamamoto continues to dominate while getting no run support, and Ohtani is still...checks notes...Ohtani.

Who will make it to the postseason? We can't wait to find out. Just two weeks of regular season play to go.

WHERE TO BEGIN!! These last two weeks have given us plenty of reasons to scream, positively and negatively...let's get into it.

Sonny throws out the first pitch, MLB launches a new Korean-exclusive channel with MC Johnny Suh of NCT17, and a new documentary about MLB's relationship with Japan called DIAMOND DIPLOMACY will be available soon!

In position player news, CC Sabathia has words for Anthony Volpe's haters, IKF returns to the Blue Jays and Kim Ha Seong is already thriving at his new home in Atlanta, Bo Bichette is still on an offensive tear, and Lee Jung Hoo's teammates finally give him a taste of his own walk off celebration.

Pitching was a wild ride: Jonah Tong debuts in a huge way, Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets one out away from a no hitter...and then the Dodgers lose the whole game, Yu Darvish lets Fernando Tatis Jr. know how he feels, Bryan Woo does not make it through the 6th for the first time all year, and Kodai Senga is sent down to triple A.

And lastly, in Ohtani talk - his casual 48 home runs put him in striking distance of another record, he gets his first W as a Dodger, and the comment section thirsts...for him to hit them in the nuts????

It's another week of Asians in Baseball, and is it just us, or is it bright in here with all these STARS?!

First, Team Taiwan and Lin Chin-Tse win the Little League World Series! Saweetie, V, and Sonny throw out the first pitch (in separate games, but wouldn't that be sick if it was the same one!) And a very special listener recap from Brian Nguyen on his time at Ichiro's number retirement.

Then, in position players: Anthony Volpe is still trying to get out of his slump, we've got hit streaks on hit streaks, Jahmai Jones emerges as a candidate for Team Korea, Mookie is impressed by the Grandson of the Wind, and Steven Kwan is the first player featured in MLB's new Youtube series No Easy Outs.

In pitching, Mets #4 prospect Jonah Tong is called up to The Show, Shinnosuke Ogasawara gets the "diminutive Asian" treatment (he's 5' 11" and 205 lbs btw), Naomi argues a strong case for Bryan Woo winning the Cy Young, Yu Darvish holds a masterclass on the Art of Pitching, and Riley O'Brien is soaring.

Finally, Ohtani continues to prove his status as the GOAT: going on an offensive tear vs. the Angels when the rest of the Dodgers can't buy a hit, taking a liner off the thigh and staying in the game, and making friends with a Padres heckler who can't help but love the guy.

Steven Kwan on No Easy Outs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb741rMPOqc

Bryan Woo article in The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6567405/2025/08/22/bryan-woo-mariners-bob-uecker/

Just another week over here at Asians in Baseball with legends making history!

First, Ichiro's number is retired by the Mariners and Jen Pawol becomes the first female umpire of an MLB game (not Asians in Baseball, but we of course have to shout her out!)

Then, our position players stay hot! The battle of Kim Ha Seong vs Bryan Woo goes to the Ray (though Woo gets the W in the game), multiple guys are smashing pitches, Lars Nootbaar robs the Dodgers of a crucial hit that ends with Riley O'Brien's first win of the season, and Steven Kwan leads in a very specific stat.

In pitching, Kai-Wei Teng dedicates his first MLB win on Taiwanese Father's Day to his dad, Bryan Woo ties two records of legendary pitchers, and Tommy Sugar and Joey Cantillo are on the rise.

Lastly, Shohei isn't the only Ohtani in town! His dad's middle school baseball team plays Torrance and visits Dodger Stadium, at which game the better known Ohtani gets his 1000th career hit - a home run, of course.

The title sums it up this week, but we're still gonna dive deep!

First, Asians in Futbol news with the annoucement of Son Heung-min's signing with LAFC (not confirmed as of recording time but has since been made official!), The Angels and Dodgers pull out all the stops for Japanese celebrations, and Choo Shin Soo becomes HOF eligible next year.

As for the trade deadline, Steven Kwan did NOT move, much to the chagrin of...the Dodgers, of course. Kenta Maeda is released by the Cubs, but their loss means DAAAAAAAA YANKEES...win?! And a few other moves from earlier in the summer.

In position player news, Volpe's hot! Bo's hot! Higgy's hot! Yeli's hot! IKF's hot! Tommy Pham's hot! Lee Jung Hoo is trying to do his best with what he's got in the moment! And Tommy Edman and Kim Hyeseong need to get well soon!

Over in pitching, PUT SOME RESPECT ON YU DARVISH'S NAME! We're talking to you, Yu Darvish! He keeps it humble while breaking yet another record for a Japanese-born pitcher, Sean Manaea is feeling good, Imanaga and Yamamoto are cruising, and Riley O'Brien is on fire.

Lastly, in Ohtani news, his last start may not have gone to plan, but he just cranks up the dial in the other direction.

We're officially past the All-Star Break, and the race for the pennant is officially ON.

But first! At long last, Ichiro becomes the first ever Asian player in the Hall of Fame, so of course we have to talk about what that means to us, and how much MLB has changed since his tenure began.

Then, a quick overview of the All-Star Game. The NL won this round, but Ohtani has lost Best Dressed...again.

Onto the hot stove, Dane Dunning and Stuart Fairchild are the first Asians to move, but some big rumors have us refreshing our feeds until the deadline.

Position player news starts with Kim Ha Seong back on the IL, but Bo Bichette and Steven Kwan make big offensive contributions.

In pitching, Bryan Woo reaches a legendary record, Brennan Bernadino is has ZERO earned runs in over 11 IP in July, Shota Imanaga gets hung out to dry by his manager, and Kumar Rocker is finding his stride.

Lastly, Ohtani shows us that vintage TWP action against the Twins, continues to rake with 6 homers since the break, and is moonlighting as a children's book author.

Bryan Woo interview with International Examiner: https://iexaminer.org/seattle-mariners-starting-pitcher-bryan-woo-speaks-on-race-identity-and-being-a-role-model/

It only took half the year, but a bunch of our guys are finally back!

First, the Detroit Free Press reports on the MLB Players Association advising players to carry immigration documentation with them, Bryan Woo and his parents have a very sweet moment celebrating his first All-Star Game selection, and this year's MLB Draft sees not one, not two, but THREE Asian and Native Hawaiian players!

In position player news, Masataka Yoshida returns going 3-for-4 in his first game back, Kim Ha Seong is having a bumpy start to his season with minor injuries, and Bo Bichette, Travis d'Arnaud, Kyle Higashioka, and Lee Jung Hoo are all hot at the plate.

Pitching finally sees the return of Kodai Senga and the long-awaited season debuts of Sean Manaea and Yu Darvish. Meanwhile, Tomoyuki Sugano and Bryan Woo have strong games with their parents in attendance and Joey Cantillo, Dane Dunning, and Kumar Rocker stay solid.

Lastly, Ohtani's proving his comeback to the mound with more scoreless innings and an NL-leading 32 homers.

Detroit Free Press article: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2025/07/13/tigers-arent-worried-about-deportation-but-told-to-carry-documents/84507852007/

Bryan Woo calls his parents to share ASG selection:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5877AJvtDjk#:~:text=After%20learning%20he'd%20been%20selected%20to%20the,called%20his%20parents%20to%20share%20the%20news

It's that time of the year again...the All-Star Game is near and things are starting to get weird!

First, is BTS Suga a part-owner of the As??? The Dodgers lean into Japanese culture with One Piece Night and Hololive Night, and we have 6 Asians on the All-Star roster!

In position player news, Field Reporter Naomi Ko is on the scene for Kim Ha Seong's return (though short lived), Anthony Volpe beans Aaron Judge in the eye, Kyle Higashioka's Rangers-leading 5RBI game includes a deposit into the Higgy Bank, and Seiya Suzuki isn't worried his All-Star snub since his "plans are full."

Pitchers are feeling things! Exhaustion (Yamamoto and Sugano), finding their stride (Joey Cantillo and Kumar Rocker), and firmly in the groove (Bryan Woo, Yusei Kikuchi, and Shota Imanaga). Also, we welcome the big league debut of Shinnosuke Ogasawara and the season debut of Yu Darvish!

Lastly, Ohtani is officially Two Way Player status again...but how long until he makes a full start?

It's another week of Asians in Baseball, and everybody's taking notes!

First, our reaction to the Dodgers' response (or lack thereof) to the protests, the updated IL report, and a trade rumor and a DFA.

In position player news, Anthony Volpe needs the bump, Bo Bichette and Christian Yelich definitely do not, Steven Kwan shows off his Gold Glove defense, Seiya Suzuki counters two errors with two homers, and Kim Hyeseong earns more playing time.

Over in pitching, Tomoyuki Sugano and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are tired, the Angels continue to leave Yusei Kikuchi high and dry with the L, and Orion Kerkering has not given up an earned run since May 6th!

And Ohtani leads by example after getting HBP in the Padres/Dodgers Tour de Plunks and returns to the mound...maybe a little too early.

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Asians in Baseball to discuss how the Dodgers refuse to acknowledge the raids in our city. ICE OUT OF LA!

Wow, we take one week off, and now we have twice as much to discuss! (Makes sense.)

First, the Asian baseball world mourns the passing of Yomiuri Giants legend, Shigeo Nagashima, "Mr. Pro Baseball."

Then, into the nitty gritty. With June underway, it's that time of the year for the trade rumor mill to get up and running...and it seems like almost all the Asians on the Red Sox are possible trade chips. In other moves, we've got guys called up, guys on rehab stints, guys on the IL, and even a guy on a new team.

In position player news, Asians are MASHING. Seiya Suzuki is the first player in MLB to reach 50 RBI, Trevor Larnach is delivering on the Twins, Kim Hyeseong stays above 400, and Tommy Edman's son Eli is the newest Asian in Baseball as he throws out the first pitch on Dada's bobblehead night.

And in pitching, Tommy Sugar still leads Orioles pitching, Yusei Kikuchi and Yoshinobu Yamamoto get the Ohtani treatment, and Bryan Woo and Kodai Senga remain dominant.

Lastly, Ohtani tries to have it all as a three-way player: DHing, ramping up his pitching regimen, and juggling dad life.

Don't forget to vote for our guys for the All Star Game! https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-mediawall-asg-2025

With this many Asians doing this well, WE ALL BE WINNING!

First, the Dodgers v Dbacks game on 5/20 deserves its own segment with major contributions from Yamamoto, Carroll, Edman, and Ohtani.

Then, offense trends positive with our position players. Several of our guys are on a hot streak, Seiya Suzuki leads the league and his team, and will Stuart Fairchild and Corbin Carroll play for Team Taiwan in the 2026 WBC??

Over in pitching, Sugano continues to be a bright spot for the Os, Kikuchi finally notches his first W as an Angel, and Kumar Rocker is staying a starter, so stop spreading rumors!

Ohtani news has a huge turn this week with his first live BP, and equally importantly he finally dons a good outfit in NYC.

Asians in baseball are cruising in May!

First up, Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK throws out the first pitch at a Mariners game, and the Baseball Hall of Fame's YAKYU exhibit opens in July.

Then, pitching news?! Before position players?! We're crazy for that one! Sugano, Kikuchi, and Senga get the Ohtani treatment with solid outings not resulting in wins, Brennan Bernadino's May ERA remains a pristine 0.00, and Woo and Yamamoto remain atop the charts.

In position player news, Rob and Stuart also shine despite team losses, Travis d'Arnaud's first homer of the year puts the Angels ahead (cries in Dodger fan), Hyeseong and Seiya lead all MLB in quad strength (unofficial), and IKF celebrates his Hall of Fame lineage.

And Ohtani is on one of his famous hot streaks, though he stays humble by getting struck out swinging by the A's backup catcher, gets intent balked by a former Dodger, and keeps improving his arm.

It's May, and you know what that means...AANHPI Heritage Month!

First, we chat on-the-ground reporter Naomi's visit to Target Field to see Trevor Larnach and Lee Jung Hoo in the flesh, Stephen Nelson's dedication to pronouncing Asian names correctly, and MLB's AAPI Heritage Month posts.

Then, our guys were making moves...on and off the roster. Connor Wong and IKF return from the IL, but a buuuunch of guys go on it, and Matt Bowman and Kenta Maeda are DFAed by their clubs. In AAPI Heritage Month?! Is that even legal?!

Player news is positive this week, with Steven Kwan having a stellar May (not to mention a sweet article about his mom), Kim Hyeseong is finally called up to the majors, and pitchers stay strong despite an L here and there.

And somewhere in there, the Kpop and Kbaseball worlds collide as Naomi declares which Korean MLB player corresponds with which member of BTS.

Article about Stephen Kwan's mom: https://www.mlb.com/news/steven-kwan-s-mom-key-to-his-success-with-guardians

Asians in baseball are in the swing of things!

First, the LA Kings have the Koreatown Senior Center for a harmonica half time performance, and on Dave Roberts' Bobblehead night, he gives back to the LA community impacted by the fires.

Our position players are blazing through April with Rob Refsnyder smashing the hardest hit homer of his career, Anthony Volpe shutting up the haters, Trevor Larnach mashing three homers since our last recording, and Steven Kwan on a 10-game hit streak.

In pitching news, Tomoyuki Sugano has found his groove, Joey Cantillo possibly prepares to join the Guardians' starting rotation, and who is on top in the battle of Shohei vs. Shota?

Asians in Hockey: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EmXiaE847jr4LuBj2D3Rx

Steven Kwan article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6303184/2025/04/24/steven-kwan-four-tenets-success-peak/

Around the league, it was a week of firsts!

First, Kim Ng (the first female GM in MLB history) has a new gig, and Kim's first Dodger game of the season at Korean Heritage Night is chaos.

Then, onto player news! Position players were in Home Run Derby mode with multiple guys getting their first long ball of the season (including some Asian-on-Asian crime), Steven Kwan hits a 2-run homer within a minute of Corbin Carroll's grand slam, and Tommy Edman thrives in the leadoff spot.

In pitching, Kumar Rocker notches his first career W, Joey Cantillo gets his first career save in a big spot, Yoshinobu Yamamoto matches his career-high SO in a pitchers duel against one of the best arms in the game, and Yusei Kikuchi continues to get the Angels' treatment that plagued Ohtani.

Speaking of, congratulations to the Ohtani family on the birth of their first child! Now can everyone chill out on this baby's future until she's been on earth a little longer?!

Asians were making (positive and less positive) waves from the Bay Area to Washington D.C. these past couple of weeks...

Of course, we have to talk about our disappointment with the Dodgers going to visit the White House, Jazz Chisolm Jr. makes his love of anime the star of the show, and NPB bans fans from posting to social media at games?!

In position player news, Tsung-Che Cheng debuts, Tommy keeps Tanking, and our on the ground reporter Naomi Ko describes the Lee Jung Hoo mania in San Francisco.

Pitching is strong! Tomoyuki Sugano gets his first Major League win, Bryan Woo bests Kumar Rocker in the Asians in Baseball head-to-head matchup, and Asians in the Bullpens are pristine.

Finally, Ohtani goes yard on his bobblehead night and a new celly is born.

Check out Nate Nakao's podcast Asians in Hockey here! https://linktr.ee/asiansinhockey