Third Place and Low Expectations
The 2024 BayStars finished third in the Central League at 71-69-3 under fourth-year manager Daisuke Miura. Shugo Maki anchored the lineup with .295/28 HR/88 RBI, while Katsuki Azuma led pitchers with 11 wins and Yasuaki Yamasaki saved 30 games. After spending time in last place mid-season, they rallied to claim the final Climax Series spot with virtually no one predicting a championship.
Climax Series Dominance
DeNA swept the second-place Yomiuri 2-0 in the First Stage, then overcame the pennant-winning Carp's one-win advantage in the Final Stage, winning four of five games. The offense exploded throughout the CS, revealing a team built for short-series intensity.
Toppling the 91-Win Hawks
Facing SoftBank's dominant 91-win squad in the Japan Series, DeNA seized control from Game 1. Maki delivered clutch hitting throughout as DeNA won 4-2, claiming their first championship since 1998. A third-place team winning the Japan Series represented the ultimate 'gekokujo' (upset) in CS history. Maki earned Series MVP as Yokohama celebrated 26 years of waiting.
12 Years of DeNA Rebuilding Realized
The championship culminated 12 years of transformation since DeNA's 2012 acquisition, progressing from TBS-era futility through stadium renovation, fan engagement innovation, and gradual team building. Manager Miura, who spent his entire 25-year playing career as 'Hama no Bancho' in Yokohama, cemented his legend by delivering the title as manager. The victory reignited debate over CS fairness when third-place teams can claim the championship.