The Anime That Predicted The Astros Cheating Scandal
When the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal broke, its story aligned perfectly with the anime One Outs. Since somehow no one has written this yet, here’s how a fun baseball show predicted the Astros scandal.
I know I’ve waited quite a long time to write this article, but frankly, I thought someone else was going to beat me to it. Yet as fans (and players) grapple with baseball returning amidst a pandemic, it seems like the opportune time to share the joy of the first baseball anime I watched.
Before I dive into what makes One Outs a fantastic show definitely worth your time (not just because they predicted the Astros sign-stealing scandal), I’m obligated to provide a warning.
Take addiction precautions
Make a set time to watch the show. We’re all aware of binge-watching, but animes are really in a league of their own. The art of the cliffhanger has been perfected. Combine that with a sports fan’s expectation to be able to watch a game to its completion and you are even more predisposed to dive headfirst into episode after episode.
For many of us, it’s quarantine hours. Freed from the time commitment of watching actual baseball games may make it possible. But, I can’t afford to be held responsible for anyone’s plummeting productivity. Needless to say, if you want another source for baseball, please read on.
Why One Outs is a great introduction to anime
It’s an enjoyable show more than it is a good one. There aren’t too many characters you’ll find worthy of investing in and character development is pretty sparse, but for a passionate baseball fan it simplifies the show to a series of thrilling baseball puzzles.
It’s not quite the exact baseball world we’ve fallen in love with. However, the fictitious parallel universe gives us enough of what we know to connect while allowing some exciting alternate understandings of the game.
The show’s deficiencies in character development ultimately limited its commercial appeal. Only 25 episodes aired between 2008–2009. Still, that’s part of what makes it a good introduction. It’s pretty addiction proof. Even if you do get caught watching episode after episode you’ll run out of content rather quickly.
The story without spoilers
While I never dove headfirst into anime as a kid, I found my niche in some Japanese baseball-centric productions. One Outs was the first.
The series focuses on pitcher Tokuchi Toua. A psychological savant with a cutthroat desire to win, Tokuchi utilizes his skills on gambling backfields. Soon after the show begins, he is pulled to the top Japanese professional league where his approach constantly breeds conflict with the baseball traditionalist culture around him.
Eventually, threw cunning strategy and some magical baseball talents, Tokuchi earns the respect of his teammates and his opposition.
What I find particularly enjoyable about the series is how it presents baseball in a truly unique way. You won’t spend time watching practice or game action from standard TV cameras. Each event is set up like a puzzle. The in-game camera almost always sits at field level and tries to emulate the experience of a player on the field. You feel immersed in the challenge in front of the characters.
In essence, the show makes baseball an entirely mental game. Basically, the plot assumes players at the professional levels all have the ability to contribute. The only impediment to their success is the decisions they have to make. This premise, which isn’t entirely unfounded, doesn’t leave you asking whether characters will be capable of getting a clutch hit or strikeout, but whether they will make the right choice to get it done.
I thought you mentioned the Astros? (light spoilers included)
Yes, the original premise of the article was to expose the prescient connection between the show and the Astros sign-stealing scandal. If you’ve been thoroughly convinced you want to give this show a try, I suggest leaving the rest of this piece unread and diving in (there’s a link to the first episode at the end of the article).
If you’re okay with a little spoiler, Tokuchi and his team (the Lycaons), take on the cheaters (officially named the Blue Mars) in a three-game series for the final ten episodes of the show.
In the Lycaons pre-series meeting, their assistant coach gives some background on the Blue Mars. Once consistently at the bottom of the standings, the team has recently made a tremendous turnaround.
The success followed a coaching change, the addition of some foreign players, and a new stadium. Yet, somehow all of it centered on just one thing:
That information peaked Tokuchi’s curiosity. After all, that meant the Blue Mars won less than half their games on the road.
Before the series begins, Tokuchi tells one of his teammates “To be frank, these guys are all cheating.” He’s exactly right.
The Blue Mars run a series of operations out of their home stadium. In fact, the stadium was specifically designed to have numerous illegal advantages for the host, including an operation to relay what pitch is coming to their batters.
Tokuchi and his teammates find it nearly impossible to figure out how they are relaying signals, but the results tell them it has to be happening. Then they realize the signal can’t be seen, but heard.
No, they don’t use a trash can, but the Blue Mars intricate sign-stealing apparatus transmits signals threw a drum. It’s really an ingenious operation. Fans are rarely ever watched closely and plenty of fanbases are known for bringing drums to games. They just gave this one an ear piece.
Now go watch some baseball!!!
We don’t have any MLB or MiLB to satisfy our interest, but that still might not be happening for awhile. The fact is coronavirus could halt pro sports before they really get started this year. We just don’t know.
Luckily, there’s a whole baseball world with about 9 hours of content waiting for you to dive in.
Click here to be linked straight to the first episode and get to know baseball mastermind Tokuchi Toua.
All screenshots from Episode 16 or 17 of One Outs, via YouTube
