Big Windup! (2007)
A heartfelt baseball anime about a self-doubting pitcher rediscovering his passion and confidence at a new high school.
Big Windup! - Series Information
- Original Title: おおきく振りかぶって
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 25 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 38
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 13, 2007 (Australia - M), April 13, 2007 (South Korea - 12)
- Networks: TBS
- Alternative Titles: Ookiku Furikabutte (TW), Oofuri (JP), Ōkiku Furikabutte (US), Big Windup! (CH)
- Production Companies: A-1 Pictures
- Production Countries: Japan
Big Windup! - Plot
Ren Mihashi was the ace of his middle school's baseball team, but due to his poor pitching, they could never win. Constant losses eventually lead to his teammates bullying him and reached the point where his teammates no longer tried to win, causing Mihashi to graduate with little self-esteem. As a result, Mihashi decides to go to a high school in a different prefecture where he has no intention of playing baseball. Unfortunately, upon his arrival at Nishiura High, he is dragged into joining their new team as the starting pitcher.
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Big Windup! - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Jun Fukuyama
- Daisuke Kishio
- Yuichi Nakamura
- Tsubasa Yonaga
- Atsushi Kisaichi
- Chihiro Suzuki
- Hiro Shimono
- Kenichiro Sumi
- Kisho Taniyama
- Makoto Yasumura
Big Windup! - FAQs
What is Big Windup! about?
Big Windup! follows Ren Mihashi, a timid high school pitcher whose confidence was crushed by bullying teammates in middle school. Joining Nishiura High's brand-new baseball team, he gradually rebuilds his self-esteem through teamwork, strategy, and the support of catcher Takaya Abe.
Is Big Windup! based on a manga?
Yes, Big Windup! is based on the manga series Ōkiku Furikabutte by Asa Higuchi, serialized in Afternoon magazine. The manga began in 2003 and is praised for its detailed, realistic portrayal of baseball strategy and character-driven storytelling.
Who are the main voice actors in Big Windup!?
The main cast features Tsubasa Yonaga as protagonist Ren Mihashi and Yuichi Nakamura as catcher Takaya Abe. Other prominent voice actors include Jun Fukuyama, Daisuke Kishio, Hiro Shimono, Chihiro Suzuki, Kisho Taniyama, Atsushi Kisaichi, Kenichiro Sumi, and Makoto Yasumura.
How many seasons does Big Windup! have?
Big Windup! has two seasons. Season 1 consists of 25 episodes and Season 2 contains 13 episodes, bringing the total to 38 episodes. There are also 2 special episodes. The series aired from 2007 to 2010 and has since concluded.
Where can I watch Big Windup!?
Big Windup! is available to stream in the United States. You can check current streaming availability and compare all viewing options across platforms by visiting JustWatch, which provides up-to-date regional listings for subscription, rental, and purchase options.
Is Big Windup! worth watching for non-sports fans?
Absolutely. While baseball is central to the story, Big Windup! is fundamentally a character study about overcoming trauma, building trust, and finding belonging. Its emphasis on psychological depth, team dynamics, and emotional growth makes it compelling even for viewers with no interest in sports.
When did Big Windup! first air?
Big Windup! first aired on April 13, 2007, on TBS in Japan. The second season premiered in 2010. The series was produced by A-1 Pictures and is based on Asa Higuchi's manga. It concluded in 2010 after two seasons.
What makes Big Windup! different from other sports anime?
Big Windup! stands out for its meticulous focus on baseball strategy and the psychological relationship between pitcher and catcher. Rather than relying on flashy power moves, it emphasizes realistic tactics, mental resilience, and the quiet intensity of each pitch, making it one of the most analytically grounded sports anime.
More About Big Windup!
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