[Team Introduction] The History of the Hiroshima Carp
The Hiroshima Carp are a professional baseball team founded in Hiroshima in 1950. Belonging to the Central League, they are the only professional baseball team without a parent company, and have been loved by many people in Hiroshima since their founding.
The founding of the baseball team gave hope to the city of Hiroshima.
Five years after the atomic bombing, the Hiroshima Carp baseball team was born as a symbol of the city's postwar reconstruction. The name "Carp" was chosen because Hiroshima Castle was known as " Carp Castle," and also to express the hope that the city would recover like a carp, a fish that changes its name as it grows and swims up waterfalls.
* The team name changed to "Hiroshima" in 1968 .
A long-awaited first championship in the 26th year since its founding.
Immediately after its founding, the team faced difficult circumstances such as a lack of funds and the departure of key players, but the fans continued to support them, and in 1975 they won their first league championship. The city of Hiroshima was enveloped in joy as they achieved their long-cherished dream in their 26th year since founding. The victory parade held at that time was the catalyst for the "Flower Festival," one of Hiroshima largest festivals, which is still held every year during Golden Week.
The new Hiroshima Municipal Stadium is born, where "fans are the main focus."
The team's home stadium, "MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima," is a ballpark that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, featuring a wide variety of seating and play equipment. Its construction was made possible through fundraising efforts by many fans and residents of Hiroshima Prefecture. The former Hiroshima Municipal Stadium, once the team's home ground, has been transformed into a park called "Hiroshima Gate Park."
A popular character representing Hiroshima
The team mascot, "Carp Boy," is a familiar character to the people of Hiroshima Prefecture, appearing not only on Carp merchandise but also on manhole covers and car license plates. Along with "Slyly," who is popular for his comical movements, he plays an active role as the face of the team.
