Third Place Challenge
In 2024, the DeNA BayStars finished third at 71-69-3 under fourth-year manager Daisuke Miura. Shugo Maki anchored the lineup with .295/28 HR/88 RBI. Katsuki Azuma won 12 games and Jackson saved 30. They were just one game behind second-place Giants.
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Climax Series Battles
DeNA swept the Giants 2-0 in the First Stage, then upset league champion Hiroshima 4-2 in the Final Stage despite a one-game disadvantage. Maki delivered the go-ahead hit in the pivotal Game 5. It was only the second time a third-place team reached the Japan Series.
Japan Series Victory
Facing the dominant 91-win SoftBank Hawks, DeNA won the Japan Series 4-2. Series MVP Katsuki Azuma won both his starts. The title was their first in 26 years since 1998, sending Yokohama into celebration.
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12 Years of Transformation
The championship capped a 12-year transformation since DeNA acquired the team in 2012. From TBS-era struggles to IT-driven management, stadium renovation, and team building, the journey culminated with hometown hero Miura leading the team to glory.