Definition
The 1968 Japan Series was the championship series of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the 1968 season, determining the overall league champion between the Central League and Pacific League titleholders.
Overview
The series, the 19th edition of the Japan Series, was contested between the Central League champion Yomiuri Giants and the Pacific League champion Hankyu Braves. It was played in October 1968, with games hosted at the home stadiums of the two clubs. The Yomiuri Giants emerged as champions, winning the series by a sweep of four consecutive games. The series is noted for solidifying the Giants' dominance during the late 1960s, a period in which they captured five consecutive Japan Series titles (1965–1969).
Etymology/Origin
The term “Japan Series” derives from the practice of naming championship series after the nation in which they occur, similar to the “World Series” in Major League Baseball (USA). The numeral “1968” designates the year of the NPB season to which the series corresponds.
Characteristics
- Participating Teams: Yomiuri Giants (Central League) vs. Hankyu Braves (Pacific League).
- Series Format: Best‑of‑seven, with the first team to secure four victories declared champion.
- Outcome: Yomiuri Giants won four straight games, resulting in a 4–0 series victory.
- Key Players: The Giants’ roster featured prominent players such as Shigeo Nagashima and Sadaharu Oh. Shigeo Nagashima was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the series.
- Historical Significance: The victory contributed to the Giants’ historic five‑year championship streak, reinforcing their status as the pre‑eminent NPB franchise of the era.
- Venue Details: Games were held at Tokyo’s Korakuen Stadium (Giants) and Nishinomiya Stadium (Braves), following the traditional alternating‑home‑field arrangement.
Related Topics
- Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
- Japan Series (general)
- Yomiuri Giants franchise history
- Hankyu Braves franchise history (now Orix Buffaloes)
- 1968 NPB regular season
- List of Japan Series MVP award winners
- Comparison of Japan Series and World Series formats