Last to First in 2021
After finishing last in 2020, the Swallows won the 2021 pennant under second-year manager Shinji Takatsu, whose 'Everything will be fine' mantra transformed team culture. Munetaka Murakami hit 39 home runs, Tetsuto Yamada regained form, rookie Yasanobu Okugawa joined the rotation, and McGough saved 38 games. The last-to-first turnaround was a rare NPB achievement.
Murakami's Triple Crown in 2022
The 2022 repeat was highlighted by Murakami's Triple Crown: .318/56 HR/134 RBI at age 22, the youngest in NPB history. His 56 home runs set a new record for Japanese-born players, surpassing Oh's 55. Dubbed the 'Reiwa Monster' alongside Ohtani, Murakami became Japanese baseball's brightest star.
2021 Japan Series Championship
The Swallows defeated Orix 4-2 in the 2021 Japan Series for their first title in 20 years, with Yamada earning Series MVP. The 2022 rematch went to Orix 4-2, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto silencing the Swallows' lineup. Back-to-back identical Japan Series matchups were unusual in NPB history.
Post-Dynasty Challenges
Murakami's slump, pitching injuries, and foreign player underperformance led to decline from 2023. Takatsu stepped down after 2024, leaving a legacy of proving small-market teams can reach the top. His trust-based management fostered Murakami's development and showed that last place one year doesn't preclude a championship the next.