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It is now commonplace for Keio and Early baseball games to be held twice, in spring and fall. In fact, a few years after the start of the Keio-Waseda game in 1903, we were faced with a crisis of “interruption”.

 

After the first Waseda-Keio baseball game, regular games were held several times a year. The Waseda University baseball team also made an effort to strengthen their team by making trips to the United States, etc., and a close battle unfolded. Each time the Keio-Waseda game gets more attention, the cheering for both schools becomes more enthusiastic, but this enthusiastic cheering causes the Keio-Waseda game to be suspended.

 

In the fall of 1906, Keio won the first game at Waseda University's Totsuka Stadium, 2-1. However, some Keio students caused a disturbance in front of Mr. Shigenobu Okuma's house, causing dissatisfaction with Waseda University.

Six days after the first game, the Waseda University Baseball Club won the second game at Mita Tsunamachi Stadium with a shutout victory of 3-0, with the support of more than twice the number of spectators. Waseda University students yelled "banzai" in front of Yukichi Fukuzawa's residence as if to retaliate.

Originally, the third match was to be held to decide the outcome, but as spectators from both sides were preparing for a duel, Keio University officials decided to prevent further escalation of the confusion. I propose to Waseda University to cancel this decisive battle. Waseda University also accepts this proposal, but as a result, this suspension will be prolonged.

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Active baseball team members hoped for the resumption of Keio-Waseda games, but university officials continued to stubbornly refuse. On the other hand, the frustrated alumni started their own Keio-Waseda match (Mita/Tomon match), and it was well received that active players jumped in to participate. there were many. On the other hand, the players were honing their skills through overseas expeditions and invitational matches.

 

In 1914, Keio, Waseda, and Meiji formed a three-university league, and Hosei and Rikkyo later joined the league and played games, but the Keio and Waseda games weren't the only league, which is unthinkable today. Something was happening. However, due to persistent persuasion from other universities and current club members, in 1925, the Keio-Waseda game was revived for the first time in 19 years.

 

I was reminded once again that the tradition of the Keio-Waseda game has continued to this day, thanks to the persuasion of club members and alumni, and the efforts of other universities. Looking at the history of college baseball, the current corona crisis is also a rather unusual situation. However, sports, athletes, and fans must have the power to overcome and overcome this situation. We are looking forward to watching the game from the packed cheering seats again, and let's send our cheers.

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