- 1. ⚾ A One-of-a-Kind Setting: Life Inside a Baseball Stadium
- 2. 👥 Character Chemistry That Feels So Real
- 3. 😂✨ The Perfect Blend of Heartwarming Drama & Comedy
- 4. 🏟️ Stunning Details That Bring the Stadium to Life
- 5. 🎶 Music That Moves You
- 6. 👀 Easy to Enjoy, Even If You’re Not Into Sports
- 🎬 Summary: Why Catch Me at the Ballpark! Is a Must-Watch
1. Introduction
Spring 2025 welcomes a fresh new anime that’s already catching the attention of both baseball fans and anime lovers alike—Catch Me at the Ballpark!
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know before the premiere: broadcast and streaming info, key staff and cast, a spoiler-free synopsis, original source details, highlights to watch for, and reactions from fans and creators.
If you’re wondering, “What’s this anime all about?” “Where can I watch it?” or “Who are the main characters?”—this article has got you covered!
🔗 You Might Also Like These Spring 2025 Anime:
- Please Put Them On, Takamine-san
A bold and romantic comedy starring a daring class rep—don’t miss this unique twist on school life! - Hibi wa Sugiredo, Meshi Umashi
A soothing, food-centric slice-of-life anime that celebrates everyday meals and moments. - Hozuki no Reitetsu (Rebroadcast)
The fan-favorite dark comedy returns! Dive back into the underworld bureaucracy with Hozuki and his crew.
2. Where to Watch
📺 TV Broadcast Schedule (Japan)
| Broadcast Station | Start Date | Weekly Air Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Tokyo Network (6 stations) | April 1, 2025 (Tue) | Every Tuesday at 24:00 (midnight) | First broadcast. Nationally syndicated. |
| AT-X | April 2, 2025 (Wed) | Every Wednesday at 21:00 | Repeat: Fridays at 9:00 AM / Tuesdays at 3:00 PM |
| BS NTV | April 8, 2025 (Tue) | Every Tuesday at 23:30 | Air time may change without notice due to programming adjustments. |
🌐 Streaming (Japan)
| Platform | Start Date | Weekly Release Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABEMA | April 1, 2025 (Tue) | Every Tuesday at 25:00 (1:00 AM Wed) | Fastest online streaming (WEB最速配信) |
| Lemino | April 1, 2025 (Tue) | Every Tuesday at 25:00 (1:00 AM Wed) | Same as ABEMA |
| Anime Times | April 1, 2025 (Tue) | Every Tuesday at 25:00 (1:00 AM Wed) | Same as above |
⚠️ Viewing Notes (For viewers in Japan)
- Air times listed are in Japan Standard Time (JST).
- TV airings (especially on BS NTV) may be subject to change without prior notice.
- On-demand platforms such as ABEMA, Lemino, and Anime Times provide the earliest access online starting midnight after the TV broadcast.
- Make sure to check each platform’s official page or app for any changes in schedule or availability in your region.
3. Trailer & Early Buzz
Official Trailer A teaser trailer is now available on YouTube, giving fans a glimpse of the animation, character charm, and musical tone. Watch the official trailer
Fan Reactions on Social Media
📝 Anime Evaluation Table – Catch Me at the Ballpark!
| Category | Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Story | 8 / 10 | The story blends lighthearted humor with heartfelt drama, set uniquely in a baseball stadium. Its episodic structure allows for both character focus and thematic depth. |
| Characters | 9 / 10 | Ruriko and the supporting cast are vibrant and full of personality. Their relationships evolve naturally, with notable emotional depth and comedic timing. |
| Animation | 8 / 10 | The animation quality is solid with expressive character movements and warm, inviting visuals of the stadium. Not flashy, but consistently good. |
| Music | 7 / 10 | MONACA delivers an uplifting soundtrack, and the opening theme “Hurray!!” by GENIC is catchy. However, the BGM doesn’t stand out as much overall. |
| Worldbuilding | 8 / 10 | The behind-the-scenes look at stadium life adds authenticity and immersion, offering a unique setting not often explored in anime. |
| Comedy | 9 / 10 | The anime shines in its comedic timing and dialogue, especially through Ruriko’s interactions. Humor feels natural and character-driven. |
- Longtime fans of the manga are thrilled: “Finally, it’s getting an anime!”
- Lead character Ruriko (voiced by Ai Fairouz) is already being praised for her vibrant personality and design.
- Fans are also excited about the music, composed by MONACA, a well-known anime music group.
Staff Comments
- Director Junichi Kitamura shared, “We want to convey the energy and warmth of the ballpark. I hope it leaves viewers with a smile.”
There’s a lot of excitement building up even before the first episode airs. This show is poised to be one of Spring 2025’s highlights!
4. Quick Facts
- Title: Catch Me at the Ballpark!
- Premiere Date: April 1, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Studio: EMT Squared
- Director: Junichi Kitamura
- Series Composition: Shigeru Murakoshi
- Character Design: Fumio Iida
- Music: MONACA
Main Cast
- Ruriko (CV: Ai Fairouz)
- Murata (CV: Keishi Inomata)
- Aona (CV: Ikumi Hasegawa)
- Yamada Natsuno (CV: Ayumi Mano)
- Kojiro (CV: Hiroki Touchi)
A powerhouse team of creators and voice actors brings this world to life.
Official website and official Twitter(X)
5. Story Overview (Spoiler-Free)
Set in the bustling home stadium of a professional baseball team, the anime follows the everyday lives of staff, fans, and players alike. At the heart of it all is Ruriko, a lively beer vendor with big dreams.
Through Ruriko’s energetic service and the interactions among stadium workers, seasoned athletes, and regular fans, the show delivers heartfelt, humorous, and often touching moments.
More than just a sports anime, it’s a slice-of-life drama about human connection, ambition, and the stories found in everyday moments at the ballpark. Even if you’re not into baseball, there’s plenty to enjoy.
6. Meet the Main Characters
🧡 Ruriko（CV: Ai Fairouz）
🍺 The Cheerful Stadium Beer Vendor
- Personality:
Bright, energetic, and unapologetically herself. Ruriko is a fast-talking, upbeat gal who wears her heart on her sleeve. She brings joy to everyone she meets, from customers to coworkers. - Background:
A popular beer vendor working in the stadium. She’s a top-seller with a dream: to become the No.1 in sales and bring smiles to everyone in the stands. - Relationships:
- Has a growing bond with Murata, the quiet pitcher. Their opposites-attract dynamic adds emotional depth and light-hearted fun.
- Shares a strong mutual respect with Aona, despite contrasting personalities.
- Highlights:
- Her sales pitches and customer interactions are filled with charm and energy.
- Surprisingly thoughtful, she often becomes the emotional glue connecting others.
- Watch how she subtly grows and inspires those around her!
💙 Murata（CV: Keishi Inomata）
⚾ The Stoic Rookie Pitcher
- Personality:
Quiet, serious, and a bit awkward in social settings. But underneath his reserved exterior lies a strong will and deep passion for baseball. - Background:
A young pitcher working hard to make it to the first team. He’s known for his work ethic and quiet determination, though he often struggles to express himself. - Relationships:
- His interactions with Ruriko slowly bring out a warmer, more human side of him.
- Respected by teammates for his dedication, though he remains somewhat of a lone wolf.
- Highlights:
- Watch for his subtle facial expressions — they say more than words ever could.
- His journey from being closed-off to forming real bonds is both relatable and heartwarming.
- A textbook “quiet but strong” character who grows without fanfare.
💚 Aona（CV: Ikumi Hasegawa）
📣 The Cool-Headed PR Staff
- Personality:
Calm, organized, and always composed. Aona is the kind of person who handles crises with a clear head and steady hands. She’s a perfectionist with a strong sense of duty. - Background:
Works in the PR division of the stadium. She’s responsible for everything from social media to managing press events, often juggling multiple roles behind the scenes. - Relationships:
- Acts as a reliable confidante to both Ruriko and Murata.
- Though she seems strict at times, she deeply cares for the people she works with.
- Her friendship with Ruriko is especially touching — built on trust, not similarity.
- Highlights:
- A look at what it’s like to keep a stadium running smoothly from the shadows.
- Her rare emotional moments carry real weight due to her usual restraint.
- The ultimate “unsung hero” of the team, offering strength in quiet ways.
7. Original Source
- Based on the manga Catch Me at the Ballpark! by Tatsuro Suga
- Published in Kodansha’s Morning magazine
- Well-loved for its blend of warmth and humor, with a loyal following
- This anime marks its first adaptation for TV
Reading the manga beforehand is a great way to catch subtle character details and enrich your viewing experience.
8. Why You Should Watch
1. ⚾ A One-of-a-Kind Setting: Life Inside a Baseball Stadium
The standout feature of this anime is its unique setting — a professional baseball stadium.
It focuses not just on the players, but also on beer vendors, staff, and even the fans. It’s a slice-of-life drama packed with small yet powerful emotional moments.
📌 Why it stands out:
- Offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at stadium operations
- Narratives told from the perspective of people who love the ballpark
- A beautifully crafted space where excitement and everyday life coexist
2. 👥 Character Chemistry That Feels So Real
Each character feels both unique and relatable.
The dynamics between them evolve with heart, humor, and subtle nuance.
🧡 Ruriko (CV: Ai Fairouz)
A cheerful and charismatic beer vendor 🍺
→ The stadium’s star vendor and a walking ray of sunshine. Her fast-talking style and lively personality bring energy to every scene.
💙 Murata (CV: Keishi Inomata)
A quiet, stoic young pitcher ⚾
→ A hardworking underdog striving to make the starting lineup. His growing rapport with Ruriko is full of sweet, understated charm.
💚 Aona (CV: Ikumi Hasegawa)
A composed and competent PR staff member 📣
→ Cool-headed and efficient, she manages marketing and supports the players. Though very different from Ruriko, they share a strong mutual bond built on trust and respect.
3. 😂✨ The Perfect Blend of Heartwarming Drama & Comedy
This anime thrives on everyday emotions.
There are no grand battles or massive plot twists — just touching, real moments filled with laughter and heart.
🎯 Why the humor works:
- Comedy flows naturally from character interactions, not forced gags
- Emotional ups and downs are perfectly timed
- Feels authentic — like people you might actually know
4. 🏟️ Stunning Details That Bring the Stadium to Life
The animation brings the ballpark to vivid life — from crowd cheers and vending chants to glittering confetti in the breeze.
👀 Watch for:
- Announcer voices, concession stands, fan goods booths — it’s all there!
- Stadium design is likely modeled after real-life venues
- Expressive backgrounds and crowd reactions elevate every scene
5. 🎶 Music That Moves You
🎵 Opening Theme: “Hurray!!” by GENIC
→ Bright and energetic — this song matches the anime’s vibrant tone perfectly!
🎼 BGM by MONACA
→ From lighthearted moments to emotional crescendos, the score brings depth and atmosphere to every scene.
6. 👀 Easy to Enjoy, Even If You’re Not Into Sports
No deep baseball knowledge required!
At its core, this is a character-driven, feel-good story about people and relationships.
🌟 Perfect for:
- Viewers who don’t usually watch sports anime
- Fans of heartwarming, slice-of-life stories
- Busy folks looking for a weekly emotional recharge
🎬 Summary: Why Catch Me at the Ballpark! Is a Must-Watch
✅ A refreshing, realistic setting
✅ Relationships that grow naturally and meaningfully
✅ A perfect mix of humor and heart
✅ Great for beginners and longtime anime fans alike
✅ Leaves you feeling warm and uplifted after every episode
9. Final Thoughts & Anticipation
Catch Me at the Ballpark! isn’t just for sports fans—it’s a story about passion, community, and chasing your dreams, set in the lively world of a baseball stadium.
If you enjoy feel-good stories, vibrant characters, or behind-the-scenes workplace tales, this anime is for you.
Mark Your Calendars
- First Air Date: April 1, 2025 (TV Tokyo, 12:00 AM)
- Streaming: ABEMA, Lemino, and Anime Times (from 1:00 AM every Tuesday)
Get ready by watching the trailer or picking up the manga, and don’t miss this standout of the Spring 2025 anime season!
🔗 You Might Also Like These Spring 2025 Anime:
- Please Put Them On, Takamine-san
A bold and romantic comedy starring a daring class rep—don’t miss this unique twist on school life! - Hibi wa Sugiredo, Meshi Umashi
A soothing, food-centric slice-of-life anime that celebrates everyday meals and moments. - Hozuki no Reitetsu (Rebroadcast)
The fan-favorite dark comedy returns! Dive back into the underworld bureaucracy with Hozuki and his crew.
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