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{{Short description|Japanese manga series by Mitsuru Adachi}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image           = Cross Game v01 cover by Mitsuru Adachi.jpg
| caption         = First {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volume cover, featuring Ko (left) and Wakaba
| ja_kanji        = クロスゲーム
| ja_romaji       = Kurosu Gēmu
| genre           = {{ubl|[[Coming-of-age story|Coming-of-age]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Viz Manga App Adds Six New Digital Manga Titles for the Ipad, Iphone and Ipod Touch for June|url=https://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/1004945|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=July 28, 2018|archive-date=July 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729013337/https://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/1004945|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Romantic comedy]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Garrity, Shaenon K.|author-link=Shaenon K. Garrity|title=Cross Game - House of 1000 Manga|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2014-05-08|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 2, 2020|date=May 8, 2014|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126092800/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2014-05-08|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Sports manga|Sports]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/cross-game|title=The Official Website for Cross Game|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721174420/https://www.viz.com/cross-game|url-status=live}}</ref>}}<!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = [[Mitsuru Adachi]]
| publisher       = [[Shogakukan]]
| publisher_en    = {{English manga publisher
 | NA  = [[Viz Media]]
}}
| demographic     = {{Transliteration|ja|[[Shōnen manga|Shōnen]]}}
| imprint         = Shōnen Sunday Comics
| magazine        = [[Weekly Shōnen Sunday]]
| first           = April 27, 2005
| last            = February 17, 2010
| volumes         = 17
| volume_list     = List of Cross Game chapters
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| director        = [[Osamu Sekita]]
| producer        = {{ubl|Shunji Aoki (1–13)|Fukashi Azuma (14–26)|Shinnosuke Wada (27–50)|Naohiko Furuichi}}
| writer          = Michihiro Tsuchiya
| music           = [[Kōtarō Nakagawa]]
| studio          = [[SynergySP]]
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee
 | NA  = Viz Media
}}
| network         = [[TX Network|TXN]] ([[TV Tokyo]])
| first           = April 5, 2009
| last            = March 28, 2010
| episodes        = 50
| episode_list    = List of Cross Game episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}

{{Nihongo|'''''Cross Game'''''|クロスゲーム|Kurosu Gēmu|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[baseball]]-themed [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Mitsuru Adachi]]. It was serialized in [[Shogakukan]] [[Shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Sunday]]'' from April 2005 to February 2010, with its chapters collected in 17 {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes. The series was adapted as a 50-episode [[anime]] television series that aired on the [[TV Tokyo]] network from April 2009 to March 2010.

''Cross Game'' is the story of Ko Kitamura and the four neighboring Tsukishima sisters, Ichiyo, Wakaba, Aoba, and Momiji. Wakaba and Ko were born on the same day in the same hospital and are close enough that Wakaba treats Ko as her boyfriend, though nothing is officially declared, while Aoba, one year younger than them, hates how Ko is "taking" her sister away from her. After Wakaba dies in an accident, Ko and Aoba slowly grow closer as they strive to fulfill Wakaba's final dream of seeing them play in the high school [[Baseball in Japan|baseball]] [[High school baseball in Japan|championship]] in [[Koshien Stadium]]. The manga is divided into multiple parts. Part One, which consists of volume one, is a [[prologue]] that takes place while the main characters are in [[elementary school]], ending in tragedy. Part Two starts four years later with Ko in his third year of [[junior high school|junior high]] and continues into the summer of his third year of [[high school]]. Part Three continues the story without a break, ending with Ko and Aoba traveling to Koshien.

In 2009, ''Cross Game'' received the 54th [[Shogakukan Manga Award]] for the {{Transliteration|ja|[[Shōnen manga|shōnen]]}} category. Both the manga and its anime adaptation have been overall well received by critics.

==Plot==
{{Main|List of Cross Game characters}}
At the start of Part One, Ko Kitamura, son of the owner of Kitamura Sports, lives in the same neighborhood as the [[Batting cage|batting center]] run by the Tsukishima family. Due to their proximity and the relationship between their businesses, the Kitamura and Tsukishima families have been close for many years, and their children go back and forth between the two homes. Because Ko and Wakaba are the same age and always together, Aoba is jealous of all the time Ko spends with her older sister. Aoba is a natural [[pitcher]] with excellent form, and Ko secretly trains to become as good as she is, even while publicly showing little interest in baseball. Then Wakaba dies in a swimming accident at a summer camp during fifth grade.

Part Two starts with Ko in his third year of junior high, as he continues training in secret. When he enters Seishu High School, he joins the baseball club along with his childhood friends, Akaishi and Nakanishi. However, the interim principal (the regular principal is on medical leave) has brought in a new head coach, and he in turn brings in transfer students from other schools as [[List of sports idioms#R|ringers]] just to play baseball. This team, led by their star, Yūhei Azuma, is the clear favorite of the school. Because the three friends refuse to take evaluation tests to join the first-string team, they are placed on the second-string "portable" team under the former head coach, Maeno, who has to use the Seishu Junior High School field for practice. This causes a rivalry between the two parts of the team. In the first summer practice [[Exhibition game|scrimmage]] between them, the portable team loses by only a narrow margin.

During the summer vacation, while the first-string team plays in the [[Prefecture#Japanese sense of prefecture|prefectural]] qualifying tournament for [[High school baseball in Japan|Koshien]], Maeno has the portable team practice at a recently closed elementary school with the support from a mysterious old man. The portable team also has six practice matches with other local high schools, all of which reached semifinals or higher in the regional preliminaries. Near the end of summer vacation, the interim principal decides to dissolve the portable team. However, Coach Maeno asks for a rematch scrimmage with the first-string team, after which the losing team would be dissolved and that coach would leave. The portable team, playing with Aoba, wins a narrow victory. The first-string team is dissolved, and the head coach and the interim principal leave to work at other schools.

In the spring, Ko becomes a second-year student and Aoba enters Seishu High School. Yūhei, who stays at Seishu despite having been on the former first-string team, moves in with Ko's family after the first-stringers' dormitory is closed. The reformed Seishu team goes on to prove themselves by defeating Sannō High School in the first round of the summer prefectural qualifying tournament. However, they lose to their second-round opponents, Ryuō, in overtime, ending Seishu's hopes of Koshien for the year. Ryuō subsequently reaches Koshien, advances up to the semifinals where they are narrowly beaten. However, Ryuō then goes on to win the spring invitational Koshien tournament later that same year.

As Ko and Aoba enter their summer break, a girl named Akane Takigawa with a striking resemblance to Wakaba moves in next door to Ko. This causes mixed feelings among the various characters, particularly Ko, Aoba, and Akaishi (who had also liked Wakaba). Akane soon becomes friends with Ko and Tsukishimas, and begins working in the Tsukishima cafe. As another year begins, the romantic subplots further solidify when Yūhei expresses an interest in Aoba. Meanwhile, Seishu gains a new assistant coach in the form of Yūhei's older brother Junpei, after Ichiyo agrees to marry him if Seishu makes it to Koshien.

When the prefectural summer baseball tournament starts, Seishu starts with a dominating [[Shutout#Baseball|shutout]] against its first-round opponent, Matsunami Municipal High School. In the second round, they face Sena Municipal High School led by Tatsumasa Miki, a former Seishu first-string player, which in the first round defeated the team headed by Seishu's former head coach. Seishu wins with a nearly [[Perfect game (baseball)|perfect game]], ending Part Two of the story.

Part Three starts with the prefectural tournament still in progress. After another win by Seishu, Akane is hospitalized due to an unspecified illness. Initially, Akaishi's play is affected by worrying about Akane's condition. Ko continues to perform well and promises Akane to go on a date with her if Seishu reaches Koshien. However, Akane's illness is more severe than expected, and she is scheduled for surgery on the morning of the prefectural final against Ryuō. Before the game begins, Ko tells Aoba he loves her more than anyone, but in such a way she thinks he is lying until after Seishu wins in [[extra innings]], clinching a Koshien berth. In the final chapter, the morning before traveling to Koshien, Akaishi visits Akane recovering in the hospital and Ko and Aoba head for the train station holding hands.

==Media==
===Manga===
{{Main|List of Cross Game chapters}}
''Cross Game'', written and illustrated by [[Mitsuru Adachi]], was serialized in [[Shogakukan]]'s [[Shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Sunday]]'' from April 27, 2005,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:少年サンデー ２００５年２２・２３号|url=http://www.s-book.com/plsql/com2_magnew?sha=1&zname=2066&type=s&keitai=0|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=July 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050508043246/http://www.s-book.com/plsql/com2_magnew?sha=1&zname=2066&type=s&keitai=0|archive-date=May 8, 2005|language=ja}}</ref> to February 17, 2010.<ref name="ending">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-09/mitsuru-adachi-ends-cross-game-sports-manga-next-week|title=Mitsuru Adachi Ends Cross Game Sports Manga Next Week|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=February 9, 2010|access-date=February 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314221217/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-09/mitsuru-adachi-ends-cross-game-sports-manga-next-week|archive-date=March 14, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:あだち充「クロスゲーム」完結、最終巻は4月発売|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/27837|website=[[Natalie (website)|Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=January 28, 2022|language=ja|date=February 17, 2010|archive-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128172326/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/27837|url-status=live}}</ref> The series is divided into multiple parts. Part One, "Wakaba's Season", consists of volume one, and takes place while the main characters are in [[elementary school]]. Part Two, "Aoba's Season", covering volumes 2 through 14, with chapter numbering restarted from 1, begins four years later with Ko in his third year of junior high school and continues into high school. In October 2008, the series went on hiatus at the end of Part Two,<ref>{{cite journal|title=Cross Game, Part Two, chapter 130|journal=Shōnen Sunday|year=2008|issue=43|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|language=ja}}</ref> resuming in March 2009 with the start of Part Three, which is untitled and covers volumes 15 through 17, with Ko in the summer of his third year of high school. Shogakukan collected its 160 individual chapters in seventeen {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes, released from September 2, 2005,<ref name="sho-v1">{{cite web|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=4091273513|script-title=ja:「クロスゲーム 1」|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|language=Japanese|access-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218190403/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=4091273513|archive-date=February 18, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> to April 16. 2010.<ref name="sho-v17">{{cite web|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091222596|script-title=ja:「クロスゲーム 17」|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|language=Japanese|access-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218225336/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091222596|archive-date=February 18, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The series is licensed in France by [[Editions Tonkam]],<ref name="tonkam">{{cite web|url=http://www.editions-tonkam.fr/serie.php?id=12|title=Cross Game – Manga – Editions Tonkam|publisher=[[Editions Tonkam]]|language=fr|access-date=April 9, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221055758/http://editions-tonkam.fr/serie.php?id=12|archive-date=February 21, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> in Italy by Flashbook Editore,<ref name="flashbook">{{cite web|url=http://www.flashbook-edizioni.it/serie-dettaglio.asp?idserie=60|title=Cross Game|publisher=[[Flashbook Editore]]|language=it|access-date=April 9, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225101616/http://www.flashbook-edizioni.it/serie-dettaglio.asp?idserie=60|archive-date=February 25, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> in South Korea by [[Daiwon C.I.]],<ref name="daiwon-v1">{{cite web|url=http://www.daiwon.co.kr/comic/01comic04_view.asp?vm=vie&seq=11744|script-title=ko:크로스 게임 1|publisher=[[Daiwon C.I.]]|language=ko|access-date=April 9, 2009}}</ref> in Hong Kong by [[Jonesky]],<ref name="jonesky-v1">{{cite web|url=http://jonesky.imaker.com.hk/Jonesky_CH/product_details.php?id=955|title=CROSS GAME #1|publisher=[[Jonesky]]|language=zh|access-date=April 9, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709112153/http://jonesky.imaker.com.hk/Jonesky_CH/product_details.php?id=955|archive-date=July 9, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> in Taiwan by [[Chingwin Publishing Group]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ching-win.com.tw/?sinfo=bookslist&cunit=19&btype=34|script-title=zh:安達充系列 > 四葉遊戲-青文網路書店|publisher=[[Chingwin Publishing Group]]|language=zh|access-date=March 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092758/http://www.ching-win.com.tw/?sinfo=bookslist&cunit=19&btype=34|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> in Indonesia by [[Elex Media Komputindo]],<ref name="elex">{{cite web|url=http://elexmedia.multiply.com/reviews/item/239|title=CROSS GAME|publisher=Multiply, Inc.|language=id|access-date=April 9, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728004937/http://elexmedia.multiply.com/reviews/item/239|archive-date=July 28, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and in Thailand by Vibulkij Publishing.<ref name="vibulkij">{{cite web|url=http://vibulkij.com/main/content/view/218/31|script-title=th:ลิขสิทธิ์ใหม่ เดือนกรกฎาคม|publisher=Vibulkij Publishing|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029155352/http://vibulkij.com/main/content/view/218/31|archive-date=October 29, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In March 2010, Viz Media announced that they had licensed the series for release in North America.<ref name="VizAnnConfirm">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-03-18/viz-to-release-mitsuru-adachi-cross-game|title=Viz Media to release Mitsuru Adachi's Cross Game Manga in October|date=March 18, 2010|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=March 19, 2010|archive-date=March 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322191838/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-03-18/viz-to-release-mitsuru-adachi-cross-game|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="viz-pr">{{cite web|url=http://viz.com/news/newsroom/?id=577|title=VIZ MEDIA PREVIEWS THE RELEASE OF BASEBALL MANGA SERIES CROSS GAME ONLINE AT SHONENSUNDAY.COM|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|date=April 7, 2010|access-date=April 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724000518/http://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/?id=577|archive-date=July 24, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy}}</ref> The first volume, collecting the first three {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes, was published October 12, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cross Game, Vol. 1|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/cross-game-volume-1/product/2562|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=January 28, 2022|archive-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128172332/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/cross-game-volume-1/product/2562|url-status=live}}</ref> The eighth and final volume was released on November 13, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cross Game, Vol. 8|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/cross-game-volume-8/product/2714|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=January 28, 2022|archive-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128172329/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/cross-game-volume-8/product/2714|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Anime===
{{Main|List of Cross Game episodes}}
''Cross Game'' was adapted into an [[anime]] television series produced by [[TV Tokyo]], [[Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions]] and [[SynergySP]]. It was directed by [[Osamu Sekita]], with Michihiro Tsuchiya handling series composition, Yūji Kondō designing the characters and [[Kotaro Nakagawa]] composing the music.<ref name="anime-staff">{{cite web|url=http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/contents/crossgame/staff/index.html|script-title=ja:あにてれ: クロスゲーム スタッフ|trans-title=Cross Game Staff|publisher=[[TV Tokyo]]|language=ja|access-date=July 7, 2009|archive-date=August 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830110603/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/contents/crossgame/staff/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The series aired on the [[TV Tokyo]] network beginning on April 5, 2009 in the 10:00–10:30&nbsp;am slot;<ref name="anime-airtime">{{cite web|url=http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/contents/crossgame/onair/index.html|script-title=ja:あにてれ: クロスゲーム|publisher=[[TV Tokyo]]|language=ja|access-date=July 7, 2009|archive-date=October 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010144016/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/contents/crossgame/onair/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> episodes began syndication later in April 2009 on [[AT-X (company)|AT-X]] and other channels in Japan, and finished airing on March 28, 2010.<ref name="newtype-eps">{{cite web|url=http://anime.webnt.jp/program/index.php?pg_page=tv_detail&detail=3471|script-title=ja:クロスゲーム|trans-title=Cross Game|publisher=Anime Newtype Channel|access-date=March 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404131807/http://anime.webnt.jp/program/index.php?pg_page=tv_detail&detail=3471|archive-date=April 4, 2010|url-status=dead|language=ja}}</ref> The first DVD volume of episodes was released in Japan on July 24, 2009,<ref name="shopro-dvd">{{cite web|url=http://www.shopro.co.jp/tv/crossgame/news/dvd.html|script-title=ja:クロスゲーム|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|language=ja|access-date=August 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927000748/http://www.shopro.co.jp/tv/crossgame/news/dvd.html|archive-date=September 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> with additional DVDs released monthly.

The opening theme song, "Summer Rain", was written by [[Kobukuro#Members|Kentarō Kobuchi]] and sung by [[Kobukuro]].<ref name="Warner-op1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wmg.jp/artist/kobukuro/WPCL000010668.html|script-title=ja:虹(通常盤) – コブクロ – ワーナーミュージック・ジャパン – Warner Music Japan|publisher=[[Warner Music|Warner Music Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=June 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326080804/http://www.wmg.jp/artist/kobukuro/WPCL000010668.html|archive-date=March 26, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was released by [[Warner Music|Warner Music Japan]] on April 15, 2009 in both regular and limited edition versions,<ref name="Warner-op1"/><ref name="Warner-op1-limited">{{cite web|url=http://www.wmg.jp/artist/kobukuro/WPZL000030118.html|script-title=ja:虹(初回限定盤) – コブクロ – ワーナーミュージック・ジャパン – Warner Music Japan|publisher=[[Warner Music|Warner Music Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=June 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326081108/http://www.wmg.jp/artist/kobukuro/WPZL000030118.html|archive-date=March 26, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> and peak ranked at #2 on the [[Oricon]] singles chart.<ref name="oricon-op1">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/c/30168/|script-title=ja:コブクロ-リリース-ORICON STYLE ミュージック|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=June 27, 2009|archive-date=October 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016034332/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/c/30168/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ending theme song for episodes 1–13, {{Nihongo|"Heartfelt Dream"|恋焦がれて見た夢|Koi Kogarete Mita Yume}}, was composed and sung by [[Ayaka]] and arranged by [[Shintarō Tokita]].<ref name="Warner-ep1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wmg.jp/artist/ayaka/WPCL000010680.html|script-title=ja:夢を味方に/恋焦がれて見た夢 (通常盤) – 絢香 – ワーナーミュージック・ジャパン – Warner Music Japan|publisher=[[Warner Music|Warner Music Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=June 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405121517/http://www.wmg.jp/artist/ayaka/WPCL000010680.html|archive-date=April 5, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was released as a single by Warner Music Japan in both regular and limited edition versions on April 22, 2009,<ref name="Warner-ep1"/><ref name="Warner-ep1-limited">{{cite web|url=http://www.wmg.jp/artist/ayaka/WPCL000010679.html|script-title=ja:夢を味方に/恋焦がれて見た夢 (生産限定盤) – 絢香 – ワーナーミュージック・ジャパン – Warner Music Japan|publisher=[[Warner Music|Warner Music Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=June 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324043450/http://wmg.jp/artist/ayaka/WPCL000010679.html|archive-date=March 24, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> and reached #6 on the Oricon singles chart.<ref name="oricon-ep1">{{cite web|url=http://133.163.207.131/music/release/d/813573/1/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803200359/http://133.163.207.131/music/release/d/813573/1/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 3, 2009|script-title=ja:絢香-リリース-ORICON STYLE ミュージック|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=June 27, 2009}}</ref> The ending theme for episodes 14–26, {{Nihongo|"Orange Days"|オレンジDays|Orenji Days}} by Squarehood, was released as a single by Warner Music Japan on August 5, 2009.<ref name="Warner-ep2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wmg.jp/artist/squarehood/WPCL000010734.html|script-title=ja:オレンジDays – SQUAREHOOD – ワーナーミュージック・ジャパン – Warner Music Japan|publisher=[[Warner Music|Warner Music Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=July 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323112516/http://wmg.jp/artist/squarehood/WPCL000010734.html|archive-date=March 23, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ending theme song for episodes 27–39 was {{Nihongo|"Moeruyō na Koi ja naikedo"|燃えるような恋じゃないけど|}} by Tsuru, which was released as a single on November 11, 2009.<ref name="Warner-ep3">{{cite web|url=http://www.wmg.jp/artist/tsuru/WPCL000010745.html|script-title=ja:アイタリナイ / 鶴 / ワーナーミュージック・ジャパン – Warner Music Japan|publisher=[[Warner Music|Warner Music Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=October 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927091714/http://wmg.jp/artist/tsuru/WPCL000010745.html|archive-date=September 27, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ending theme song for episodes 40–49 was {{Nihongo|"Rehearsal"|リハーサル|"Rihaiseru"}} by Natsuko Kondō. The final ending theme, for episode 50, was {{Nihongo|''Loving Maiden''|恋スル乙女|Koisuru Otome}}, also by Kondō.

Viz began streaming the ''Cross Game'' anime in the United States in May 2010.<ref name="viz-cross-game-site">{{cite web|url=http://www.vizanime.com/cross-game|title=Cross Game|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=May 19, 2010|archive-date=May 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520163053/http://www.vizanime.com/cross-game|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="viz-streaming">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-10/viz-confirms-streams-of-cross-game-baseball-anime-in-may|title=Viz Confirms Streams of Cross Game Baseball Anime in May|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=May 10, 2010|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513060251/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-10/viz-confirms-streams-of-cross-game-baseball-anime-in-may|archive-date=May 13, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy}}</ref>

==Reception==
''Cross Game'' won the 54th [[Shogakukan Manga Award]] for the {{Transliteration|ja|[[Shōnen manga|shōnen]]}} category in 2009.<ref name="shogakukan-award">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-20/54th-shogakukan-manga-award-winners-announced|title=54th Shogakukan Manga Award Winners Announced|date=January 21, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 22, 2009|archive-date=January 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122154029/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-20/54th-shogakukan-manga-award-winners-announced|url-status=live}}</ref> The first volume of the French edition won the Prix Tam-Tam Dlire Manga 2007.<ref name="salon-livre-presse">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon-livre-presse-jeunesse.net/D_06_02_01_tam_tam_07.php|title=Découvrez les précédents lauréats Tam-Tam|publisher=Salon du livre et de la presse jeunesse|year=2007|access-date=April 8, 2009|language=fr|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222164759/http://www.salon-livre-presse-jeunesse.net/D_06_02_01_tam_tam_07.php|archive-date=February 22, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The manga was also used in an academic paper presented at the 2007 conference of the International Research Society for [[Children's Literature]] as an example of telling a story using "silent" scenes (scenes with no dialogue) to powerfully convey a message.<ref name="martabak">{{cite web|url=http://martabakomikita.multiply.com/journal/item/119|title=Silent Scenes in Manga as the Powerful and Universal Visual Languages|first=Martabak-ers|last=Hafiz|date=September 29, 2007|access-date=April 9, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222170103/http://martabakomikita.multiply.com/journal/item/119|archive-date=February 22, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The first two volumes of the Japanese edition were described by ''[[Anime News Network]]'' as "quietly brilliant" and "the slice-of-life genre at its best", saying that despite some "storytelling goofs", there is "no matching the pleasant feelings that come from reading this series."<ref name="ann-v1-2">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2009-04-28|title=RIGHT TURN ONLY!! MmmBobobop|first=Carlo|last=Santos|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 28, 2009|access-date=June 5, 2009|archive-date=May 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501112504/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2009-04-28|url-status=live}}</ref> The French edition was praised by Manga News as a "great success"<ref name="MangaNews-v1">{{cite web|url=http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-1#review|title=Cross game Vol.1 ( ADACHI Mitsuru ADACHI Mitsuru ) Tonkam – クロスゲーム – Manga news|publisher=Manga News|language=fr|access-date=June 21, 2009|quote=Une grande réussite d'Adachi. (A great success for Adachi.)|archive-date=April 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416195649/http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-1#review|url-status=live}}</ref> and "a pure delight as usual,"<ref name="MangaNews-v3"/> citing as key ingredients the "appealing and funny characters" put in funny situations,<ref name="MangaNews-v2">{{cite web|url=http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-2#review|title=Cross game Vol.2 ( ADACHI Mitsuru ADACHI Mitsuru ) Tonkam – クロスゲーム – Manga news|publisher=Manga News|language=fr|access-date=June 23, 2009|quote=On retrouve tous les ingrédients, qui font le succès des séries Mitsuru Adachi. Des personnages drôles et attachants, que l'auteur aime à placer dans des situations souvent cocasses, et pleine de sous-entendu ou de non dit. (We once again find all the ingredients which make Mitsuru Adachi's series a success. Appealing and funny characters, whom the author loves to put in often comical situations, full of innuendo or things unsaid)|archive-date=April 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415054145/http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-2#review|url-status=live}}</ref> accessible drawing style,<ref name="MangaNews-v6-a">{{cite web|url=http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-6#review|title=Cross game Vol.6 ( ADACHI Mitsuru ADACHI Mitsuru ) Tonkam – クロスゲーム – Manga news|publisher=Manga News|language=fr|access-date=June 30, 2009|quote=De l'humour bon enfant, un dessin tout public, une histoire d'amour toute simple avec un sport comme décor : voilà la méthode Adachi. (Light comedy, an accessible drawing style, a simple love story with a sport as background: that's Adachi's method.)|archive-date=April 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417024812/http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-6#review|url-status=live}}</ref> and Adachi's talent for staging baseball scenes;<ref name="MangaNews-v4">{{cite web|url=http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-4#review|title=Cross game Vol.4 ( ADACHI Mitsuru ADACHI Mitsuru ) Tonkam – クロスゲーム – Manga news|publisher=Manga News|language=fr|access-date=June 25, 2009|quote=C'est l'occasion pour notre auteur de montrer tout son talent de metteur en scène graphique pour les scènes « baseballistiques », ajoutant quelques touches d'humour qui sont toujours le bienvenu. (It's an opportunity for our author to display all his talent in staging scenes of "baseballistics", adding some always welcome comedy touches.)|archive-date=March 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330201218/http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-4#review|url-status=live}}</ref> Adachi was praised for his ability to mix "the sports world which he cherishes so much and the love relationships that are not yet real but so much implied and awaited"<ref name="MangaNews-v3">{{cite web|url=http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-3#review|title=Cross game Vol.3 ( ADACHI Mitsuru ADACHI Mitsuru ) Tonkam – クロスゲーム – Manga news|publisher=Manga News|language=fr|access-date=June 23, 2009|quote=Du pur régal comme à son habitude, M.Adachi mélange habillement le milieu sportif qu'il chérit tant à un des relations amoureuses pas encore concrètes mais tellement sous entendues et attendues (A pure delight as usual – Mr. Adachi ably mixes the sport world which he cherishes so much and the love relationships that are not yet real but so much implied and awaited)|archive-date=April 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402144635/http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-3#review|url-status=live}}</ref> and his skill at rendering moving scenes without dialogue.<ref name="MangaNews-v5">{{cite web|url=http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-5#review|title=Cross game Vol.5 ( ADACHI Mitsuru ADACHI Mitsuru ) Tonkam – クロスゲーム – Manga news|publisher=Manga News|language=fr|access-date=June 30, 2009|quote=On se laissera attendrir par sa dévotion pour l'anniversaire de Wakana, le tout génialement mis en image : pas un mot, c'est par des angles de vue bien choisis que l'auteur nous fait comprendre les sentiments de ses héros et arrive ainsi à nous toucher. (We are moved by the tenderness of his devotion for Wakana's anniversary, all gently shown on stage: not a single word, it's the points of views well chosen by the author that make us understand the feelings of the heroes, and thus leaves us touched.)|archive-date=April 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416181342/http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-5#review|url-status=live}}</ref> The reviewer noted that while Adachi's art style has not changed much since ''[[Touch (manga)|Touch]]'', his layouts are cleaner and his action scenes more dynamic than before.<ref name="MangaNews-v6-b">{{cite web|url=http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-6#review|title=Cross game Vol.6 ( ADACHI Mitsuru ADACHI Mitsuru ) Tonkam – クロスゲーム – Manga news|publisher=Manga News|language=fr|access-date=June 30, 2009|quote=Depuis «Touch», le style graphique de l'auteur a peu évolué mais sa mise en page est devenu plus claire, son dessin occupe mieux l'espace, les scènes de matchs sont beaucoup plus dynamique. (The author's art style has not evolved much since "Touch", but the layout is clearer, his drawing is occupying better the space, the match scenes are way more dynamic.)|archive-date=April 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417024812/http://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/Cross-game/vol-6#review|url-status=live}}</ref> Anime Land praised Adachi for his "sense of the elliptical and staging",<ref name="AnimeLand-v5">{{cite web|url=http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/11591/Cross-game-Vol5|title=Animeland – Critiques – Cross game Vol.5 – La BD|publisher=Anime Land|language=fr|date=September 5, 2008|access-date=June 24, 2009|quote=Le sens de l'ellipse et de la mise en scène d'Adachi émeuvent encore (Adachi's sense of the elliptical and his staging are still moving)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906143959/http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/11591/Cross-game-Vol5|archive-date=September 6, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> the verisimilitude of his stories,<ref name="AnimeLand-v11">{{cite web|url=http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/15253/Cross-Game-Vol-11|title=Animeland – Critiques – Cross game Vol.11 – La BD|publisher=Anime Land|language=fr|date=April 3, 2009|first=Steve|last=Naumann|access-date=June 24, 2009|quote=Encore une fois, il réussit à nous surprendre avec des histoires semblables (Once more, he succeeds at surprising us with the verisimilitude of his stories)|archive-date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914001619/http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/15253/Cross-Game-Vol-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> appealing secondary characters,<ref name="AnimeLand-v10">{{cite web|url=http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/14970/Cross-game-Vol-10|title=Animeland – Critiques – Cross game Vol.10 – La BD|publisher=Anime Land|language=fr|date=February 9, 2009|first=Steve|last=Naumann|access-date=June 24, 2009|quote=... on ne peut s'empêcher de s'attacher aux personnages secondaires (&nbsp;... we cannot help but find the secondary characters appealing)|archive-date=September 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906144501/http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/14970/Cross-game-Vol-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> and ability to develop comedy in just one panel.<ref name="AnimeLand-v12">{{cite web|url=http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/15356/Cross-Game-Vol-12|title=Animeland – Critiques – Cross game Vol.12 – La BD|publisher=Anime Land|language=fr|date=May 6, 2009|first=Steve|last=Naumann|access-date=June 24, 2009|quote=... la drôlerie que seul Adachi réussit à développer en une seule case (&nbsp;... humor that only Adachi manages to develop in just one panel)|archive-date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914001722/http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/15356/Cross-Game-Vol-12|url-status=dead}}</ref> The reviewer claimed Adachi's handling of Wakaba's death is "remarkable" and that the event "gave real meaning" to the story.<ref name="AnimeLand-v1">{{cite web|url=http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/9268/Cross-game-Vol1|title=Animeland – Critiques – Cross game Vol.1 – La BD|publisher=Anime Land|language=fr|date=September 5, 2008|first=Emmanuel|last=Bahu-Leyser|access-date=June 21, 2009|quote=Mais, à la grande surprise, la fin dramatique tombe comme un couperet et donne un vrai sens à ce tome&nbsp;... mais il faut admettre que la mise en scène est toujours remarquable. [However, to our great surprise, the tragic ending falls like a sharp blade and give real meaning to this volume&nbsp;... we must admit that the staging is as always remarkable.]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903174401/http://www.animeland.com/critiques/voir/9268/Cross-game-Vol1|archive-date=September 3, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The first episode of the anime series was called the "masterpiece of the new season" by ANN, which also complimented the musical score as "understated but highly effective".<ref name="ann-theron">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2009-03-03/theron|title=The Spring 2009 Anime Preview Guide: Theron Martin: Cross Game|date=April 3, 2009|first=Theron|last=Martin|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=April 7, 2009|archive-date=April 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419045322/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2009-03-03/theron|url-status=live}}</ref> Two reviewers at ANN gave it the highest possible rating, and one said that he would have given it a higher rating if possible.<ref name="ann-carl">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2009-04-03/carl|title=The Spring 2009 Anime Preview Guide: Carl Kimlinger: Cross Game|date=April 3, 2009|first=Carl|last=Kimlinger|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=April 7, 2009|archive-date=March 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304064157/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2009-04-03/carl|url-status=live}}</ref> Another praised its "honest and heartfelt storytelling" while saying it would be easy to call the episode's pacing "almost too-languid".<ref name="carlo">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2009-04-03/carlo|title=The Spring 2009 Anime Preview Guide: Carlo Santos: Cross Game|first=Carlo|last=Santos|date=April 3, 2009|access-date=April 9, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=April 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419043541/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2009-04-03/carlo|url-status=live}}</ref> A fourth reviewer found it to be typical of Adachi anime adaptations, but that the production values were "at best, mediocre and, at times, brushing up against the marginal".<ref name="casey">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2009-04-03/casey|title=The Spring 2009 Anime Preview Guide: Casey Brienza: Cross Game|first=Casey|last=Brienza|date=April 4, 2009|access-date=April 9, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=September 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905011047/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2009-04-03/casey|url-status=live}}</ref>

Chris Beveridge of Mania.com, after viewing the first episode, said the series had "an older feeling to it" because of the rounder character designs reminiscent of those from the 1980s and 1990s, calling it a "great look" with a "wonderful simplicity" and backgrounds "filled with detail". Beveridge called the animation "solid", and stated that the series had "a whole lot of potential", making him excited to see more.<ref name="mania-01">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-01_article_122639.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008193936/http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-01_article_122639.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Cross Game Episode #01 Review|publisher=Mania.com|date=May 17, 2010|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|access-date=June 14, 2010}}</ref> He was impressed with the way the events of episode one were handled in the second episode, comparing the pacing and style to that of ''[[Kimagure Orange Road]]'', which he stated is one of his favorites series. He especially liked the way the budding romance was shown between Ko and Wakaba back in the elementary school days, and how it affected the current relationship between Ko and Aoba.<ref name="mania-02">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-02_article_122672.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008193942/http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-02_article_122672.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Cross Game Episode #02 Review|publisher=Mania.com|date=May 19, 2010|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|access-date=June 14, 2010}}</ref>

Beveridge called the third episode "understated", moving at a slower pace which helps to begin showing the true nature of several of the characters,<ref name="mania-03">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-03_article_122740.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008193950/http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-03_article_122740.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Cross Game Episode #03 Review|publisher=Mania.com|date=May 21, 2010|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|access-date=June 14, 2010}}</ref> and the good pacing continues into the fourth episode where a dynamic between Akaishi, Nakanishi, and Ko is developed.<ref name="mania-04">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-04_article_122760.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008194000/http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-04_article_122760.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Cross Game Episode #04 Review|publisher=Mania.com|date=May 24, 2010|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|access-date=June 14, 2010}}</ref> Beveridge praised the character building in the fifth episode, calling the interaction of Ko and Aoba "very charming" and "reminiscent of real childhoods",<ref name="mania-05">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-05_article_122763.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008194007/http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-05_article_122763.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Cross Game Episode #05 Review|publisher=Mania.com|date=May 25, 2010|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|access-date=June 14, 2010}}</ref> with things "starting to fall into place" for the main focus of the series (high school baseball) by the end of the sixth episode.<ref name="mania-06">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-06_article_122764.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008194014/http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-06_article_122764.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Cross Game Episode #06 Review|publisher=Mania.com|date=May 26, 2010|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|access-date=June 14, 2010}}</ref> He praises the exposition used in the seventh episode, the protective instinct of Ko, Nakanishi, and Akaishi when it comes to Aoba,<ref name="mania-07">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-07_article_122919.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008194048/http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-07_article_122919.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Cross Game Episode #07 Review|publisher=Mania.com|date=May 31, 2010|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|access-date=June 14, 2010}}</ref> the use of flashbacks which show how the past is affecting the characters in the present, and the good pacing which "really sets it apart from almost every other sports show".<ref name="mania-08">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-08_article_123068.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008194107/http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-08_article_123068.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Cross Game Episode #08 Review|publisher=Mania.com|date=June 7, 2010|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|access-date=June 14, 2010}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

==External links==
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707082945/http://www.websunday.net/rensai/set_crossgame.html|title=Official manga website at ''Web Sunday''}} {{In lang|ja}}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118123321/http://www.shonensunday.com/series/crossgame/index.shtmll|title=Official manga website at ''Shonen Sunday''}}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925082036/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/crossgame/|title=Official anime website at TV Tokyo}} {{In lang|ja}}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229041558/http://www.shopro.co.jp/tv/crossgame/index.html|title=Official anime website at ShoPro}} {{In lang|ja}}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306103738/http://www.vizanime.com/cross-game|title=Official anime website at Viz Anime}}
* {{Anime News Network|manga|6040}}

{{Mitsuru Adachi works}}
{{Weekly Shōnen Sunday - 2000–2009}}
{{Shogakukan Manga Award - Shōnen}}
{{SynergySP}}

[[Category:Anime series based on manga]]
[[Category:Baseball in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Coming-of-age anime and manga]]
[[Category:Mitsuru Adachi]]
[[Category:Romantic comedy anime and manga]]
[[Category:Shogakukan manga]]
[[Category:Shōnen manga]]
[[Category:TV Tokyo original programming]]
[[Category:Viz Media anime]]
[[Category:Viz Media manga]]
[[Category:Winners of the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen manga]]