After more than 12 hours of activities during their first full day in beautiful Fuchu City, Team Australia were put through their paces in a rigorous three hour training session on a picture perfect day in Fuchu City.
Multiple players including former MLBer Travis Blackley and current Minnesota Twins prospect Todd Van Steensel were put through their paces with a bullpen, while the position players ran through multiple defensive situations.
Fuchu City Mayor Norio Takano visited the Australia team's practice, and watched some excellent hitting displays from a number of key team members.
Speaking about their practice, Melbourne Aces star Darryl George was excited by the development of the squad.
"We've put a couple of really good sessions together and the group is bonding well. The messages from the coaching staff have really instilled a lot of trust among the players. We want to focus on what we can do, repeat the process and the results will come."
Warwick Saupold gave his all as integral member of the 2017 World Baseball Classic team. Saupold has been making the most of his time at Detroit Tigers spring training, and while 'Waz' couldn't make the trip to Japan, he had this message for his Team Australia mates.
He picked up the save for the @tigers a few days ago, now he's wishing our #TeamAustralia boys all the best! Keep grinding, @Wazr30! #2020OurJourney pic.twitter.com/zmwwEpJ89C
After another delicious meal provided by Fuchu City, the Australian team then had an hour or so at the hotel before making their way to Suntory Brewery, one of Fuchu City's most popular attractions. The brewery staff were exceptional as the touring party were taking for a comprehensive tour of one of Japan's most famous breweries.
Team members mingled with a number of Suntory Brewery, including one brewer, who was delighted that members of the Australian team were sampling his brews.
Team Australia's time in Fuchu City ends tomorrow, with the team taking the bullet train to Nagoya and beginning final stages of preparation for the upcoming two-game series against Japan.
Australia's upcoming two game series against the might of Samurai Japan means a lot more than just the opportunity to play baseball in Japan. This tour marks the beginning of #OurJourney2020, which will follow Team Australia's journey to Nagoya and Osaka for the upcoming series, as well as the 2019 Premier12 and beyond.
Stay tuned to Team Australia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates as #2020OurJourney continues tomorrow in Nagoya!