One piece: Mezase! Kaizoku yakyu o

"One Piece: Aim! The Pirate Baseball King" is a short and comedic TV special that takes a break from the usual high-seas adventures to throw the Straw Hat Pirates into an over-the-top baseball match. While it delivers laughs and fan service, it ultimately feels like a novelty rather than a meaningful addition to the One Piece universe.

The biggest strength of this special is its humor. The One Piece series is no stranger to absurdity, and seeing characters like Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji apply their combat skills to baseball leads to hilarious results. The exaggerated plays, ridiculous strategies, and rule-breaking antics make the match entertaining, especially for fans who enjoy One Piece's lighthearted moments.

The animation, while not movie-level, is lively and colorful, capturing the chaotic energy of the game. The special also includes appearances from major antagonists like Buggy, Foxy, and other familiar faces, adding extra fun for long-time fans.

Since this is a purely comedic non-canon special, there are no real stakes or story depth. The plot is just an excuse to showcase the characters in a baseball setting, so anyone looking for meaningful action, world-building, or emotional moments will be disappointed.

Additionally, the humor might not work for everyone. While One Piece thrives on comedy, this special leans heavily into slapstick and gags, which can make it feel repetitive or shallow compared to the series' best comedic moments.

Final Verdict "Aim! The Pirate Baseball King" is a fun, silly detour for One Piece fans, but it doesn't offer much beyond wacky baseball antics. It's worth a watch for a few laughs but is ultimately forgettable.

Rating: 7/10 - A fun gag special for die-hard fans, but nothing essential.

Like the Soccer King Short. Only this time it's baseball.

The Straw Hat Pirates are up against Arlong and his Merman crew in the play offs. But knowing how tough these dudes were from the Arlong Arc. Episodes, they use Spike balls instead of required baseballs to beat Luffy and everyone else by force. If Luffy can defeat Arlong once, he'll surely can, if he and everyone else can come up with a good strategy in winning.

Hosted by Buggy the Clown & Mr. 2/Bon Clay, who do the commentary on what is happening and act out everyone's roles. Plus several of the Skypiea characters appear as back up players for the remaining positions in the game.

I can't say it's as great as the Soccer King Short. But it's still funny to watch. If it Buggy and Bon Clay's voices weren't in the way. Then I'd consider it an excellent short. Course Buggy made me laugh more than Bon Clay. Since Bon Clay is my least favorite of the Baroque Works Agents.

Highly recommended for those who like Arlong, but you won't here any dialog from him or any of his crew.