By Saruwatari Tsuyoshi, Kyoto Shimbun News

September 21, 2014: Kyoto, Japan – Questions, in primordial packs, stalk our thoughts from the dark recesses of our minds. In Edo, one question ascended above all others, advancing beyond idle fancy of the fans to become an actual spoken question: “When will the streak end?” It was the baseball equivalent of, “What is the meaning of life?” The answer to both questions, of course, is simple: “42.”

For many Japanese fans, 42 was a most unfortunate number to mark the streak. It was also an ironic number to answer the question of the meaning of life. It is considered unlucky because the numerals, when pronounced separately — “shi ni” (four two) — sound like the phrase, “Unto death.” Death was unavailable for comment on this matter, as he was assisting in the preparation of copious amounts of sushi for Sunday’s ceremony to mark the event.

42. Edo SS Bing-zhang Chien hit successfully in 42 consecutive games. Amazing. After the streak ended on an 0-3 night against the Seoul Crushers, we all felt a bit off as if we had been cheated of even greater history. But to be fair, that may have just been the octopus tacos.

Today, the club launched into action and held a special ceremony to mark the streak. Fans attending the afternoon game were given “magic” Rubik’s Cubes whose sides bore digits that each totaled to 42. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company provided sushi meals and created an elaborate special meal for the team. They also announced a new campaign featuring Chien promoting their new line of takeout sushi, titled “Meals on ‘Wheels’”. A representative of Mizuno Co. presented Chien with a remarkable bat constructed entirely of molybdenum (atomic number 42).

After the ceremony, Chien spoke briefly to the assembled fans. “Hey, I knew it wasn’t going to last forever, but it was a good ride while it lasted.” He beamed as he left. “So long, and thanks for all the fish!”