Japanese spring training begins normally, except for the active volcano

Residents of two cities have fled to evacuation centers, but do you think that an erupting volcano is going to delay the start of Japanese spring training? The Softbank Hawks, Yomiuri Giants and Seibu Lions began workouts on Wednesday in Miyazaki, in southern Japan, despite clouds of volcanic ash spewed by nearby Mount Shinmoedake. From the AP photo caption:

Wearing masks to protect from volcanic ashes, Softbank Hawks baseball players exercise during their spring training camp in Miyazaki, southern Japan, near the revived volcano Mount Shinmoedake. The 4,662-foot volcano burst back to life last week and covered wide areas in ash, shot boulders onto distant roads, knocked down trees and broke hundreds of windows in hotels and offices.

(Whispers) Shhh, you’re going to wake Godzilla!

Of course in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice, we’re told that Mount Shinmoedake is an inactive volcano with a placid lake, suitable for picture-taking and Sean Connery sex with bikini-clad girls. It also served as a secret lair for the super villain Blofield.

Also I’m told that despite the burning soot, the Giants worked out for four hours. Too bad it wasn’t our Giants … I’d like to see if Brian Wilson’s beard is flammable.

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Photo: Japan’s spring training opens under cloud of volcanic ash [Big League Stew]