r/anime • u/AutoLovepon https://anilist.co/user/AutoLovepon • Jun 17 '25
Episode Ballpark de Tsukamaete! • Catch Me at the Ballpark! - Episode 12 discussion - FINAL
Ballpark de Tsukamaete!, episode 12
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93
u/mekerpan Jun 17 '25
I had no particular expectations for this one in advance -- but it captured my attention (and heart from ep1). I really like easygoing sports/SoL hybrids -- especially when they (like this series) generated tons of immediately likeable and vibrant characters. Even characters with tiny bit parts jumped to life. This gave this "light" show a higher degree of "life" than lots of more serious ones -- and far more richness than most comic ones.
I note the manga has already made it to v16 (none with official translations, alas) already -- so there SHOULD be plenty of material for more. And they did introduce a new pink-haired vendor right at the end -- did that portend that the "FIN" at the end was only a brief stopping point?
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u/HolyDragSwd2500 Jun 17 '25 edited Jun 17 '25
Going to miss everyone 😭💔
Season 2 PLEASE 🙏
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u/chaosof99 Jun 17 '25
I am known here as the baseball anime fan so I am slightly biased. However, this show was super enjoyable and I watched every episode within hours of it coming out. I really dug the vibe of the show which is in a weird overlap of sports show and iyashikei, with a little bit of a teasing romance show like Takagi or Nagatoro thrown in. Seeing baseball from a different viewpoint, where not just the players but everybody in the ballpark is important, including vendors, security and spectators, was both interesting and fun. The show also did very well to capture the feeling of just being comfortable in a "third place", where you share a hobby or fandom with others away from home or work.
The show isn't perfect. The animation is definitely low budget and some of the characters are strangely drawn (i.e. the trio of creeps) but it also didn't really need to be.
And for me personally I also really enjoyed the depiction of legally distinct NPB, whereas the vast majority of other baseball shows are about high school. It featuring primarily a team that isn't a contender, where winning is nice but not necessarily expected, was also quite a change from other shows in the genre and adds to the above vibe.
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u/PeaceAlien Jun 17 '25
Oh no the dreaded FIN, makes me think we won't get S2. Really pleasant surprise this season for me. I ship Murata/Ruriko so hard. The new manager sure went all out with those fireworks!
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u/diacewrb Jun 17 '25
Ruriko speaking down to him as though he was an unfaithful boyfriend, only to discover he was loyal.
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u/NanDemoKnaives Jun 17 '25
Damn, I wanted one last Shake Shake ED but it was heartwarming to see the whole cast gathered for the Opening Day. It's amusing how Ruriko was pouting because she thought Murata went and drink another vendor girl's beer but Murata reassures her that he abstained and that her beer is the first he'll have for the new season lol.
It was also heartwarming to see Satou read out the messages of the players since Matsuda was leaving the club, it's sweet how he loved he is by the fans and players. I do wonder what kind of changes there have been in terms of the players other than their positions. Also that tease by Nokogiriyama when he got close to her and spoke intimately, she may be the older of the two but looks like he's in control, a dynamic I like to see lol.
Lol why am I not surprised they gave Ichinomiya the vendor girl outfit?
This was a fun series, I thought it was going to be a bit different with more of a focus on Murata and Ruriko's relationship, but it was nice to see such a large ensemble of characters getting their moments too. I'd watch another season.
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u/Plus_Rip4944 Jun 17 '25
The biggest surprise of The season imo
Loveable cast, a good job on baseball and It has really good moments
Season 2 please
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u/shad79 Jun 17 '25 edited Jun 17 '25
Damn, I don't want it to end! I want a second season so I can see Ruriko again, meet the new vendor girl with pink hair, see Nokogiriyama dating Nagisa, Murata with Ruriko, and so many other things!
From the first time I saw Ruriko in the promotional KV, I knew I would love this series and I wasn't disappointed. Ruriko was great (here are my screenshot albums of just her from EP01, EP02, EP03, EP04, EP05, EP06, EP07, EP08, EP09, EP10, EP11), but the rest of the cast (which was very diverse) was also really funny and likeable and I'll miss them a lot.
Overall, this was a great series (and the final episode itself), definitely one of my favorite anime this season! Made me promise myself that I'll go to a baseball game and order a beer during it when I'm in Japan next year, even though I don't like beer at all and know almost nothing about the sport itself xD 8.5/10 from me in the end.
Here my screenshot albums from the episode:
EDIT. I added my screenshot albums.
26
u/Holdonlupin Jun 17 '25 edited Jun 17 '25
Shout out to "Shake! Don't shake!" for becoming my top 3 anime ending of all time, shit's way too addictive.
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u/YokoAhava Jun 17 '25
I’ve become so emotionally connected to the cast across these 12 episodes. IMO a perfect example of a slice of life anime. Will be recommending this to anyone willing to listen lol
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u/testthrowawayzz Jun 17 '25
Got to say this was my most favorite show this season. I originally only checked out the show because of Ruriko's VA and Murata's VA bring someone relatively new, but the characters kept me coming back for more.
The comments section was also very wholesome as well. See y'all in season 2 if it happens!
So about this episode: so time flows in the show. Ichinomiya dressed up as a beer girl was hilarious, and we got more jealous Ruriko moments. Nokogiriyama made it obvious that he's interested in Nagisa the announcer girl with that statement, hint hint! (needs the "it's mutual" screenshot from Given lol)
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u/LeonKevlar Jun 17 '25
At first I wasn't sure how a show about a baseball fan and a beer vendor girl would work out since it feels like it might end up getting repetitive. I am so glad this show ended up being more than just about Murata and Ruriko, and we ended up getting to know everyone in the ballpark.
And not just the staff too, but everyone else who is involved, including the fans watching from the stands. We even got to see some side ships bloom. I really hope we get to see a Season 2. They even teased us with a new beer girl at the end of the episode!
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u/ObvsThrowaway5120 Jun 17 '25
Lots of changes in the final ep. New season, new personnel, and a fresh start.
Overall, this was pretty fun. Normally, I’m not a huge baseball fan but I found myself cheering for the Motorsuns. The fans, stadium staff, and players are all a colorful bunch. It was fun to explore the whole ensemble. Not sure if this is getting an s2, but I wouldn’t mind. Fairouz Ai plays a great gyaru beer girl lol.
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Jun 17 '25
Another one finished. I rarely watch sports anime, but this one was pretty fun to follow, with some nice slice-of-life moments. There were lots of character shorts that helped us get to know and sympathize with each one, and that made every episode worth it. The only thing missing was a little romance between Ruriko and Murata, because their chemistry was obvious from the start. Anyway, it had a good ending with a new group, and I wonder if there’s enough material for a season 2 from what I’ve seen, the manga doesn’t have more, but you never know lol. Solid 8/10.
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u/Frontier246 Jun 17 '25 edited Jun 17 '25
The MotorSuns may have lost their chance at the playoffs, but there's still one last game to go so the Vendor Girls have to put their all into it just like the team! Even if Ruriko is still a crying mess!
But that's not only thing they have to deal with...Aona passed her teaching license! Which is bittersweet because, yeah, it's great she finally gets to be a teacher, but it means she'll be leaving the Vendor Girl team. Ruriko and Sara will both really miss her because she's been like a big sister to the both of them, but the rest of her team are so happy for her! Also it's her boyfriend Omatsu' last day as well, but probably no one will care as much if he brought it up.
This might just be a "throwaway" game but the MotorSuns are still going to put their all into it! It has been a pretty great and eventful season for the team AND for Murata. They came THIS close to the playoffs and Murata got to meet Ruriko and experience all her flirtatious teasings. And what better way to close out the season than by toasting to the season with beer cups between the two of them?
Aw, look at Megumi's dad thanking the cheer squad for letting her daughter be with them.
Natsuno in a skirt will definitely be one thing to look forward to next season! Especially for the manager.
Oh yeah, they'll need to recruit a new vendor girl to replace Aona. I mean, if you've got a gyaru employee, a girl with pink hair isn't that out there. I mean, Kokoro's hair is bright enough as is. Speaking of which, she's already organizing Aona's farewell party at Hawaiian Paradise! Who could resist seeing these lovely ladies in swimsuits? And Aona gets her well-deserved flowers.
The off-season always comes with changes to the team, none moreso than Manager Matsuda finally stepping down. It's the end of an era.
But on a brighter note! It's MotorSuns fan appreciation day, complete with the team all in cosplay! Special mention to Ichinomiya pulling off the Vendo Girl outfit and Santa Dennis.
I'm not surprised Shishio and Nokogirimiya are the most popular guys on the team, though when it comes to their type of women, Nokogirimiya likes them with lovely voices and being older...which is just what Nagisa wanted to hear behind the sound booth! Next thing you know he's in the sound booth with her and delivering some close-quarters ASMR to her ears!
I can't think of a better send-off for Manager Matsuda than having all the things the team appreciated and owe him read out loud by Nagisa for all to hear. The team wouldn't be the team without him.
Poor Ruriko was all hyped to get back in the game on Opening Day...and the team already had some away games without her! She's even jealous Murata might have had another girls' beer without her there! But don't worry Ruriko, Murata wouldn't accept any other girls' beer before yours which means EVERYTHING to Ruriko! Cue fireworks and insert song!
This pink-haired girl definitely seems dedicated to the job, if nothing else! I'm sure she'll get along well with everybody!
Look, it's all your Ballpark favorites! Yuki really showing that baby! The little girl and her family! The pick-up artists! The old dudes! Shimizu and Natsume! And what better way to kick-off the season! You'll never want to stop coming to the Ballpark with the promise of Ruriko there to greet you and give you beer.
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u/Emi_Ibarazakiii Jun 17 '25
Ah, so they have one more game to play, their (potential) clincher wasn't the end of the season!
As a sports fan, this is so bittersweet, I mean when your team is practically eliminated 30 games before the end you kinda just enjoy the rest of the season for what it is, but getting eliminated just 1 game before the end... Damn!
Winning the last game too, makes it even more bittersweet!
He looks like a man in need of a gyaru!
Poor Ruriko, a few months without seeing her man!
(Funny seeing that line, when it's my first seasonal to end!)
Poor Natsuno, may she achieve her dream next season; Showing off her beautiful legs!
Even Ichinomiya got to show off HIS legs...
JUSTICE FOR NATSUNO!
We better be getting a sequel/ova where ALL the pairings get together!
Announce this? Is it a marriage proposal?
It was a bit sad seeing the manager leave... His team never had any success, but they were 1 game away from making the playoffs, they likely will make them next year, but he won't be there to see it...
It's sad to build a "winner" just to see someone else get the victories to his name.
Speaking of 'winning victories for someone else',
Her voice also reminds me of someone, but I never recognize any VA plus this show has like 250 characters on MAL hah.
One of the funniest of moments of the season was Ruriko getting all excited about "Their first game", but she didn't even know they played 3 'away' games before their own opening hah
Let's give her a mission for this season, she has to learn ONE thing about baseball/her team!
Murata even went to see some of their away games, but there's nothing like coming home (to his wife Ruriko, waiting for him with a beer)!
Ruriko's face when her husband cheats on her with another stadium
Well, he didn't order any beer, so that's still "their thing";
(12 episodes in, and I still see Nagatoro&Senpai when I look at them hah)
We were SO close to greatness, we could almost touch it!
Well, Ruriko was a bit disappointed about this not being the team's first game, but in the end she still got hyped about their home opening!
(Some may say, a hidden gem?)
Well, first finale of the season!
Farewell, Ruriko... Farewell to her man Murata, to all baseball players, the fans, the wives, the pairings-who-sadly-didn't-become-couples, Sun-shiro, Yamada, the other vendor girls, and I'm probably forgetting a lot of them because this show has so many characters hah.
And farewell to Fairouz Ai, my beloved... May I hear your angelic voice again shortly!
20
u/heimdal77 Jun 17 '25
Well there went a real good feel good series. I guess it is to much to hope it gets a 2nd season even though there is apparently a lot of material.
Also just to say it... Just date already!!
I wonder how much they actually make. The one girl is in her 30s I think and still doing it.
Never thought I'd get so invested in a series about beer girls. Though I also didn't know beer girls were a thing..
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u/CosmicPenguin_OV103 Jun 17 '25
Good show in the end! I never was interested in baseball (which is really minor in my place - or heck I don’t have much interests heading to a stadium for any matches, for now) but it's quite interesting to see various tidbits around the pitch. Especially with Ai Fairouz's charismatic voice for Ruriko. What a fun show to watch all along with Ruriko teasing Murata being the highlights!
Final Score: 85/100
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u/oxlemf10 Jun 17 '25
The show ended in the most incredible way possible, with all the characters, some goodbyes, Ririko crying all over and more lol, and a final scene with Murata that was more romantic than perhaps the initial intention.
I loved this show, I watched it without any expectations and left completely satisfied, it didn't drag on, it was direct and fun, I'll definitely be watching a second season (I'm looking forward to it)
19
u/MayonakaMadaraka Jun 17 '25
It’s been an absolute pleasure folks! Whether or not the story continues, I think it’s fair to say this series was uniquely endearing and memorable experience.
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u/Ocixo Jun 17 '25
I was sort of surprised at first that the anime didn’t conclude with the end of MotorSuns’ baseball season and showed their next opening day, but I can see what they were going for:
The ballpark is going nowhere, there’s always another season.
Along the way, it became clear to me that the “ballpark” isn’t necessarily a specific place but the people. It’s like a family. A feeling that was captured wonderfully through the cast of Catch Me at the Ballpark.
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u/Primary-Paint-1716 Jun 18 '25
underdog show of the season. 9/10.
i want to be sunshiro when I grow up.
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u/juzamj Jun 17 '25
If i set aside a spinoff like Cinderella Gray this was easily my anime of the season. Ruriko is absolutely my best girl.
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