The Hanshin Tigers are a professional baseball team based in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Founded in 1935 as the Osaka Tigers, they are one of Japan’s oldest professional baseball clubs. The team plays its home games primarily at the historic Hanshin Kōshien Stadium, which opened in 1924 and also hosts the esteemed annual high school baseball tournaments each spring and summer.
Competing in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League, the Tigers have secured multiple championships, including the Japan Series titles in 1985 and 2023. Their team colors are yellow, black, and white, and their mascot is a tiger, reflecting their team name.
In recent exhibitions, the Hanshin Tigers have demonstrated impressive form. On March 15, 2025, they defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-0 at the Tokyo Dome, with their 20-year-old top prospect, Keito Mombetsu, pitching five perfect innings. The following day, they shut out the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-0, highlighted by Teruaki Sato’s three-run homer off Blake Snell.
These victories underscore the Tigers’ strength as they approach the upcoming season.