Yesterday was January, and now we’re somehow in April. The concerning loss of time aside, it’s a new season, and with that comes new anime! One of the first animes up to bat is the flirtatious adult cast comedy Catch Me at the Ballpark! But is it worth watching?
Catch Me at the Ballpark! — Spring 2025’s Teasing Anime
Since this anime seemed like an adult version of Teasing Master Takagi-san, I wasn’t planning on watching it. I would rather eat five-day-old items from Taco Bell than sit through a teasing anime. However, as happens often, a particular scene caught my attention, and I gave the show a chance. And I’m thankful that I did. Because the moment I realized that Ai Fairouz was playing a blonde gyaru, I was as happy as Maomao getting her Ox Bezoar. And, unlike all the other teasing anime I’ve halfheartedly sat through, this one works. There doesn’t seem to be any malice or habitual boundary-crossing. It’s pure AF!
I do have to mention that Catch Me at the Ballpark!’s plot seems like it will be repetitive. But this repetitiveness is not necessarily an unfavorable thing. As someone who watched seven seasons of #schoolidols saving their schools, I can assure you that sometimes repetition is enjoyable.
Catch Me at the Ballpark! — A Short Synopsis
Ballpark de Tsukamaete! follows Koutarou Murata, a corporate slave who looks like he needs a vacation, a pay raise, therapy, and a massive bong rip. Murata’s sole enjoyment comes from frequenting his local baseball stadium and watching his local team. But one day, instead of finding his usual solace, he finds a cheeky gyaru who coerces him to buy a foamed-up beer. Somehow, someway, this endears Murata to the spunky lass. Here’s where I say — “It could never be me.”
The day someone gives me a foam-heavy pint would be the day I reject my pacifism and start to throw hands. Yet for the forlorn Murata-kun, Ruriko’s playfulness makes her charming. Half enchanted and half flustered with Ruriko, Mukata decides he’ll become her regular. With that, a budding friendship (?) starts. The rest of the episode follows Ruriko teasing and coaxing Murata to buy more. We get a few scenes that show the “behind-the-scenes” of stadium work. And that’s about it.
Why Should You Watch It?
Billing Catch Me at the Ballpark!’s plot as “simple” may not encourage you to watch it. But I’m recommending it for a reason. One can enjoy simplicity. Plus, Catch Me at the Ballpark! promises to be a mecha kawaii show! This show seems perfect for relaxing after a long day, and anything that helps you unwind in today’s world deserves praise.
EMT Squared’s animation may not be the best, but it’s pleasant (despite a few wide-looking body scenes). I don’t believe every show should have cinema-quality animation. But lately, I’m starting to feel like I’m in the minority. But the one thing I do think everyone can get excited about is who voices Ruriko — the one and only Ai Fairouz. Trust me when I say she’s going to be one of the greatest VAs of our generation.
All that said, I’d give Catch Me at the Ballpark! a 4/5 for its premiere episode. Crunchyroll is simulcasting the anime every Tuesday. Tatsuro Suga writes and illustrates Ballpark de Tsukamaete! Kodansha’s Morning magazine has serialized the literary work since September 2020. The manga currently boasts sixteen tankoubon volumes.
Screenshot — Crunchyroll
©Tatsuro Suga, Kodansha / “Catch Me at the Ballpark!” Production Committee
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