Ridiculous History

CLASSIC: Japan, Baseball and the Curse of the Colonel

Aug 24, 2024
Discover the quirky bond between Kentucky Fried Chicken and Japanese baseball fans, highlighted by the humorous Curse of the Colonel. Explore the deep cultural significance of baseball in Japan, where unique traditions and playful celebrations thrive. Learn about the bizarre incident involving a Colonel Sanders statue mistaken for a missing player and the superstitions that surround it. Delight in anecdotes of remarkable players and the nostalgic quirks of Japanese fandom, along with intriguing nighttime superstitions and rituals.
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ANECDOTE

The Ebisu-Bashi Bridge Celebration

  • In 1985, the Hanshin Tigers celebrated their Japan Championship Series win.
  • Fans jumped off the Ebisu-Bashi bridge, impersonating players.
ANECDOTE

The Randy Bass Impersonation Problem

  • Randy Bass, an American player, posed a challenge for the impersonations.
  • Fans couldn't find anyone who resembled the six-foot first baseman.
ANECDOTE

The Colonel's Plunge

  • Fans threw a nearby Colonel Sanders statue into the river, representing Randy Bass.
  • This act is now believed to have cursed the Hanshin Tigers.
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