Overview
Koshien (Hanshin Koshien Stadium), opened in 1924, is Japan's oldest major baseball venue and the sacred ground of high school baseball, hosting both the Spring Invitational and Summer Championship tournaments. It also serves as the Hanshin Tigers' home stadium, holding special significance for both professional and amateur baseball. With a capacity of approximately 47,000, the stadium features a distinctive wind pattern called hamakaze blowing from right to left field, making it difficult for right-handed batters to hit home runs. The tradition of high school players taking home Koshien's infield dirt has become a summer icon, and appearing at Koshien represents the ultimate goal for high school players. In the NPB draft, Koshien experience draws heightened attention, making tournament success a gateway to professional careers.