The coolest place to watch the Cubs’ exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers on Saturday was the right-field cheering section.
The Tokyo Dome press seating was situated on the opposite side of the stadium, a little ways up the third-base line. But even from that vantage point, it was hard to miss. If the sight of the giant flags waving didn’t draw your attention, the sound of the drums would.
So, in the sixth inning I made my way over there to get a closer look.
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) March 15, 2025
The fans had a unique cheer for each Tigers player. And the whole crowd took their cues from the cheering section — complete with a band, flag bearers and a conductor.
Then during the seventh-inning stretch, they sang the team cheer. All due respect to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” but it doesn’t have nearly the same galvanizing effect.