Back to the height of season 1, it fixes some of the interest and retention problems that were faced in season 2, and does a really good job of developing characters and showing the realistic, gritty nature of sports. One thing that is somewhat lacking in this season is high stakes, as unlike season 1 or even 2, there aren't much stakes to any of the matches being played, which is understandable, as it is set during the off season, but from a watching standpoint, you certainly don't get that gut gripping tense feeling that you get from the Inashiro qualifier game, or the Yakushifall tournament final. Still very good though, although I am still a bit unsure as to whether somebody not very interested in baseball would enjoy this show. USA vs Tokyo All-Stars was too funny though.