ドジャーズ2024年優勝物語で学ぶ「生きた野球英語」：語彙を定着させる多角的リーディング実践編

なぜ、知っているはずの英語が口から出てこないのか？

英語教育の専門家として多くの学習者を見てきて確信していることがあります。日本人が英語を話せない最大の理由は、圧倒的な「語彙の定着不足」です。

単語を一度辞書で引いただけでは、会話で使えるようにはなりません。脳がその言葉を「自分のもの」として認識するには、「異なる文脈で何度も出会う」こと、そして「読む・聞く・書く」の多角的なトレーニングが不可欠です。

本記事は、すでに公開しているブログ記事やYouTube動画で紹介した重要表現を、「リーディング」という形式で再会・定着させるための実践トレーニング編です。

「リーディングは会話とは別物」と考えていませんか？ それは大きな誤解です。良質な英文を読み、文脈の中で表現を捉え直すプロセスこそが、スピーキングの土台となる語彙力を強固にします。

ドジャーズの歴史的な優勝物語を楽しみながら、あなたの英語力を「知っている」から「使える」レベルへと引き上げましょう！

注意：あくまでも学習用のコンテンツのため、野球に関する内容は必ずしも実際の出来事を反映している訳ではありません。

Part 1: The Dream Begins – ドジャーズの夢が始まる

第1章：新しい時代の到来

The Los Angeles Dodgers had a dream. After losing in 2023, the manager Dave Roberts wanted to oversee team strategy for another chance at the championship. In the winter, the team made lineup decisions by bringing in new stars: Shohei Ohtani and other great power hitters.

Shohei Ohtani is an amazing player. He is a cleanup hitter who can take a big swing and hit a home run every game. At the same time, he is also a pitcher! The Dodgers fans were very excited. “This is our year!” they said.

The season started in March. The Dodgers played their first games in South Korea. Everyone was ready for a great season.

第2章：Regular Season – 66試合での躍進

The 2024 regular season was excellent for the Dodgers. The starting pitcher Jack Flaherty took the mound and delivered the ball with power. The catcher called the game perfectly. He called for a curveball one moment and signal[ed] for a fastball the next.

Freddie Freeman is the team’s heart. He is a contact hitter with good plate discipline. He doesn’t take big swings at bad pitches. Instead, he waits for good ones and hits singles and doubles with his smart batting.

Shohei Ohtani hit home runs and helped the team win game after game. The Dodgers won 98 games in the regular season—one of the best records in baseball!

One special moment came when Ohtani and Betts hit back-to-back home runs in the ninth inning for a walk-off win. The fans went crazy!

Part 2: The Postseason Begins – ポストシーズンの始まり

第3章：Padres との戦い

The postseason is different. The games are more important. The Dodgers’ manager needs to manage in-game substitutions carefully. One mistake and the season ends.

The Dodgers played the San Diego Padres in the first round. It was a tough series. The relief pitcher came from the bullpen many times. The closer was ready to finish the games when they needed him.

In Game 5, the score was close. A gap hitter on the Padres team hit a line drive between the outfielders. But the Dodgers’ defense was great. A good catch stopped the hit.

The Dodgers won the series in 5 games. Now they had to face the New York Mets.

第4章：Mets との激闘

The Mets were a good team, but the Dodgers were better. Ohtani ran aggressively on the bases and scored many runs. The catcher for the Dodgers worked with the pitcher to control the game perfectly.

Even with a badly sprained ankle, Freddie Freeman didn’t need to bunt. He remained a power hitter, hitting a home run in each of the first four games. Mookie Betts, a star right-handed hitter, showed incredible plate discipline and defensive skills in right field.

In Game 6, Ohtani hit his fourth home run of the postseason. He hit a double in another game. The Dodgers’ offense was unstoppable.

When the starting pitcher got tired, the manager made a pitching change. He called in the relief pitcher from the bullpen. Sometimes he even brought in the closer early to finish the game.

In the end, the Dodgers beat the Mets 4 games to 2. They were going to the World Series!

Part 3: The World Series – ワールドシリーズ

第5章：Game 1 – Freddie Freeman’s Moment

October 25. Dodgers vs. Yankees. The World Series began.

The Dodgers’ starting pitcher Jack Flaherty took the hill with confidence. He delivered the ball with great speed. The catcher called the game perfectly—asking for fastballs, then curveballs.

It was the bottom of the tenth inning. The bases were loaded (three runners on base). The score was tied. Freddie Freeman stepped up to the plate.

The Yankee pitcher delivered the ball. Freeman took a big swing. CRACK! The ball flew through the air… up, up, up… and it went into the stands! A grand slam!

The crowd went crazy! It was a walk-off grand slam—the first one ever in World Series history! Freddie Freeman was a hero!

“This is our year,” the Dodgers fans shouted. The Dodgers won Game 1, 6-3.

第6章：Game 2 – Yamamoto’s Dominance and the Lineup

In Game 2, it was Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s turn to shine. He took the hill and dominated the Yankees’ hitters. He delivered a masterpiece, pitching over six innings and earning the win.Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ lineup, featuring three MVPs (Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman), put pressure on the opponent from the very first inning. Ohtani’s presence as the leadoff hitter changed how pitchers attacked the entire team.

Although Ohtani could not pitch in 2024 due to surgery, he made history as a designated hitter (DH). He became the first player ever to achieve “50-50” (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases) in the regular season.

The Dodgers were up 2-0 in the series. The Yankees were worried.

第7章：The Yankees Fight Back

The Yankees are a great team. Their manager Aaron Boone oversees team strategy from the dugout. He makes lineup decisions to help Aaron Judge and other stars win.

Aaron Judge is a power hitter. He can take a big swing and hit a home run. But in the World Series, Judge was struggling. He wasn’t hitting the big moment.

The Yankees won Games 3 and 4. The series was tied 2-2. Now everyone watched Game 5.

In the games, the catcher tried to block the plate to stop runners from scoring. The relief pitcher came from the bullpen many times. Sometimes the closer finished the games.

But the Yankees couldn’t catch up. The Dodgers’ lineup was too strong.

第8章：Game 5 – The Championship

October 30. Dodgers vs. Yankees. Game 5 of the World Series.

The Dodgers’ starting pitcher took the hill. He delivered the ball with everything he had. The catcher called the gamewith years of experience.

In the fourth inning, something magical happened. The bases were loaded. Freeman stepped up to the plate again. The Yankee pitcher delivered the ball. Freeman took a big swing.

CRACK! Another home run! Not another grand slam—this time it was a different situation. But the moment was big. Freddie Freeman hit another big home run when the Dodgers needed it.

“Freeman is a cleanup hitter for a reason!” the announcer shouted.

The game was close, but the Dodgers were ahead. In the ninth inning, the closer came in. He took the hill and maintained composure. He pitched 1-2-3. Three outs. The game was over.

THE DODGERS ARE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!

The fans cheered. The players ran to the field. Freddie Freeman was named the World Series MVP. He hit home runs in the first four games!

Ohtani, Freeman, Mookie Betts, and all the Dodgers smiled. They did it! After years of trying, they won the championship again!

Part 4: The Story of Their Success

第9章：Why Did They Win?

Why were the Dodgers so good? The manager Dave Roberts had great team strategy. When the starting pitcher got tired after 5 or 6 innings, he made a pitching change. He brought in a relief pitcher. In the ninth inning, he called the closer to finish the game.

The catcher was also important. He called the game very well. He signal[ed] for the right pitches. Sometimes he wanted a curveball. Other times he signal[ed] for a fastball. The pitcher listened.

The batters were excellent too. Freddie Freeman is a contact hitter with good plate discipline. He didn’t take big swings at bad pitches. Mookie Betts is a Right-handed hitter,with good plate discipline as well. .Shohei Ohtani is a power hitter who could hit a home run anytime.The opponents never knew what to expect!

The team worked together. When runners were on base, a contact hitter would lay down a sacrifice bunt to move them forward. When there was a big moment, the cleanup hitter would take a big swing and hit a home run.

The defense was also great. The catcher could throw out base runners trying to steal. The relief pitcher came in and maintained composure even in tough situations. Everyone worked with their teammates to win.

第10章：Freeman’s 12 RBIs

Freddie Freeman had 12 RBIs (Runs Batted In) in the World Series. That tied the World Series record from 1960!

He hit home runs in Games 1, 2, 3, and 4. He was the star of the series. When the Dodgers needed big hits, Freeman was there. He stepped up to the plate and hit a home run or a double.

The manager gave Freeman the respect of a cleanup hitter. Freeman responded with the best postseason ever.

Everyone said, “Freeman is the MVP!” And they were right.

第11章：The Japanese Connection

The “Japanese Connection” was the talk of the baseball world. While Ohtani was the team’s spiritual leader and power hitter, Yamamoto proved he is an elite starting pitcher. They showed that Japanese players can lead a team to the top of the Major Leagues.

Part 5: Reading Comprehension & Practice

Part 6: Key Expressions Summary

ピッチャーに関する表現

表現	意味	例文
take the hill	マウンドに立つ	The starting pitcher takes the hill.
deliver the ball	ボールを投げる	He delivers the ball with speed.
starting pitcher	先発投手	The starting pitcher pitched 6 innings.
relief pitcher	救援投手	The relief pitcher came from the bullpen.
closer	抑え投手	The closer finished the game in the ninth.
maintain composure	冷静さを保つ	The pitcher maintains composure.
called for a curveball	カーブを指示した	The catcher called for a curveball.
signal for a fastball	ファストボールを指示した	He signaled for a fastball.

バッターに関する表現

表現	意味	例文
cleanup hitter	4番打者	The cleanup hitter hit a home run.
power hitter	長打を重視する打者	A power hitter can hit home runs.
contact hitter	安打を重視する打者	He is a contact hitter.
take a big swing	大振りする	He took a big swing.
hit a home run	ホームランを打つ	He hit a home run!
hit a double	ダブルを打つ	Freeman hit a double.
hit a single	シングルを打つ	He hit a single.
good plate discipline	選球眼が良い	He has good plate discipline.
laid down a bunt	バントを打った	He laid down a sacrifice bunt.
switch hitter	両打ちできる打者	Betts is a switch hitter.
stepped up to the plate	バッターボックスに入った	Freeman stepped up to the plate.
ran aggressively	積極的に走塁した	He ran aggressively.

キャッチャーと監督に関する表現

表現	意味	例文
called the game	投球を指示した	The catcher called the game.
worked with the pitcher	ピッチャーと連携した	He worked with the pitcher.
block the plate	本塁をブロックした	The catcher blocked the plate.
throw out base runners	ランナーをアウトにした	He threw out base runners.
manager	監督	The manager made changes.
oversee team strategy	戦略を統括する	The manager oversees team strategy.
make lineup decisions	スタメンを決定する	He made lineup decisions.
made a pitching change	ピッチャー交代を指示した	The manager made a pitching change.
manage in-game substitutions	試合中の選手交代を指示する	He manages in-game substitutions.

Part 7: Fun Discussion Questions

話してみよう！

1. Who was your favorite player in this story? Why?

• Do you like cleanup hitters like Freeman?
• Or do you prefer starting pitchers like Ohtani?

2. If you were the manager, what would you do?

• Would you make a pitching change in the 7th inning?
• Would you call for a sacrifice bunt to move runners forward?

3. Describe Freddie Freeman’s style in your own words.

• Is he a power hitter or a contact hitter?
• Why did he succeed in the World Series?

4. What do you think about Ohtani?

• Can you take a big swing and also deliver the ball like he does?
• What makes him special?

5. What did you learn from this story?

• Why is team strategy important?
• Why should batters work together with pitchers?

学習者へのアドバイス

このストーリーを最大限に活用するための方法

1. 段階的に読む

• Part 1-3を最初に読む（基本表現を学ぶ）
• Part 4を読む（表現を復習する）
• Part 5-6で知識を確認する

2. 声に出して読む

• 野球実況は「声」が重要です
• “He takes the hill” や “hit a home run” を何度も声に出しましょう

3. 自分で文を作ってみる

• 学んだ表現を使って、自分の好きな選手について文を書いてみる
• 例：“My favorite cleanup hitter is…”

4. 実際のMLB中継を見る

• このストーリーで学んだ表現が実際の試合でどのように使われているか確認する
• 実況アナウンサーが “He takes the hill” や “hit a home run” を使うのを聞く

5. 単語リストを暗記する

• Part 6の表現を定期的に復習する
• 毎日3-5個の表現を練習する

6. Discussion Questionsで話す練習

• Part 7の質問に英語で答える
• 友達と野球について英語で話す

まとめ

語彙の定着が「話せる」への最短ルート

お疲れ様でした！ドジャーズの栄光の軌跡を英語で読み解くことで、これまでに学んだ表現がより深く脳に刻まれたはずです。

改めて、今回の学習のポイントを整理しましょう。

次の一歩として： 【英作文ワークシート】My Favorite Team & Player

〜学んだ野球英語を使って、自分の「推し」を表現しよう〜

このワークシートでは、ブログや動画で学んだ表現を使いながら、あなたの好きなチームや選手について英語で書く練習をします。空欄を埋めるだけで、説得力のある英文が完成します。

Step 1: 選手について書く (About Your Favorite Player)

まずは、一番好きな選手について書いてみましょう。大谷選手やフリーマン選手の描写で使った語彙が役立ちます。

Step 2: チームの戦略について書く (About the Team Strategy)

ドジャーズの勝因として学んだ「連携（Work together）」や「監督の判断」に触れてみましょう。

Step 3: オリジナル文章に挑戦！ (Free Writing)

以下のキーワードから少なくとも3つを選んで、あなたの「野球愛」を短い文章（3〜5文）で表現してみましょう。

キーワード候補:

• Take the hill (マウンドに立つ)
• Cleanup hitter (4番打者/強打者)
• Stepped up to the plate (打席に立った)
• Maintain composure (冷静さを保つ)
• Deliver the ball (投球する)
• Good plate discipline (選球眼が良い)

学習を深めるコツ

最強のチーム・ドジャーズが連携で勝利を掴んだように、皆さんも「多角的な学習」の連携で英語の壁を突破していきましょう！

Happy learning! Go Dodgers! 🔵⚾

📖 さらなる英語学習をお考えの方へ

基礎から学び直したい方はこちら

• 【初心者必見】英会話の基礎を固める文法ルール完全ガイド

語彙力を強化したい方はこちら

• 日本人が最も苦手とする語彙・表現力コーナー

本格的な英語学習方法を知りたい方はこちら

• 留学も海外生活もせずに日本で英語を学ぶ方法

このガイドは、35年以上の英語教育経験を持つ矢野晃によって作成されました。数千人の講師を育て数千人の生徒を指導してきた実績に基づく、実践的で効果的な学習方法をお届けしています。

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