Top 5 International Baseball Leagues You Need to Know

Baseball, often dubbed America's favorite pastime, is a passion in Latin America and even a beloved pastime in Croatia. While only a handful of nations are typically associated with the sport, its reach is far broader than many realize.

Surprisingly, baseball has become a flourishing activity worldwide. On the following pages, we’ll introduce you to some of the most notable baseball leagues and organized associations that have emerged globally.

While some leagues, like Japan's, are hardly surprising, they boast passionate fans and a unique cultural approach to the sport. Others are astonishing, not only for their existence but also for their competitive edge on the global scene. We'll also explore how baseball found its way to some unexpected corners of the world.

Get ready to adjust your batting glove and clean your cleats as we embark on a global journey to uncover some of the most fascinating and unexpected baseball leagues around the world.

5: Japanese Baseball League

Japan's passion for baseball is widely recognized. But how did the country become a baseball haven?

Horace Wallace, a professor at what is now the University of Tokyo, is credited with introducing baseball to his students between 1867 and 1912. The Japanese referred to it as "yakyu," meaning field ball. The first Japanese Baseball League was founded in 1936 but dissolved during World War II. In the 1950s, major corporations began sponsoring teams as a post-war morale booster. This led to the formation of two leagues, each with six teams. The Central League adheres to traditional rules, while the Pacific League, like the American League in the U.S., includes the controversial designated hitter position.

Japanese baseball has a few unique quirks. Umpires may define a larger or smaller strike zone, and games conclude after 12 innings, allowing for ties. Umpires can also gather to review and potentially overturn a call, even if it takes 30 minutes, as the concept of a single person having absolute authority doesn't align with Japanese culture. Additionally, unlike in the U.S., umpires tolerate player arguments without immediately ejecting them.

4: Amateur Baseball Federation of India

While not a dominant force or a professional league, India's cricket-dominated culture hasn't stifled a genuine interest in America's favorite pastime. The Amateur Baseball Federation of India may lack visibility and financial rewards, but its members are deeply committed to their baseball endeavors.

Established in 1983 by a group of baseball enthusiasts across the country, the Federation hosted its inaugural National Championship in 1985. Notably, it pioneered the inclusion of women's teams, a move ahead of even the MLB. As a member of both the Baseball Federation of Asia and the International Baseball Federation, the ABFI participates in men's and women's World Cups and Championships organized by these federations.

The Indian league adheres closely to the rules of the MLB's National League and American League. With teams representing at least 27 regions, baseball has gained traction in India. Its inclusion in the National School Games has further boosted its popularity among the youth.

3: Australian Baseball League

Australia's baseball scene isn't entirely unexpected, given that notable MLB players like Travis Blackley and Grant Balfour of the Oakland Athletics hail from there. The sport was introduced to Australia by Americans, with a popular tale suggesting it was gold miners in Victoria during the 1850s who played the game during breaks with their Australian counterparts. While this story is widely repeated, its accuracy remains debated. The first recorded baseball game in Australia occurred between Collingwood and Richmond, with an unusually high score of 350-230, indicating the game likely borrowed heavily from cricket rather than traditional baseball.

Today, the Australian Baseball League thrives. The national team has competed in the World Baseball Classic and secured a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics. Over 80 Australian players are in MLB's minor leagues, with 28 having reached the majors. The league, co-owned by Major League Baseball and the Australian Baseball Federation, ranks 11th in the International Baseball Federation standings.

2: Croatian Baseball League

Croatia's Baseball League is a serious contender, having participated in multiple Baseball World Cups. Zagreb hosted the event in 2009. The game is believed to have been introduced by U.S. soldiers, though the exact timing—whether during World War I or II—remains unclear.

In 1975, a group of teachers established Croatia's first baseball club. The inaugural game took place in Split in 1978, where the local team triumphed over Ljubljana with a score of 20-1. Split's love for baseball is documented in the book "Nima Baluna do Baseball Baluna," which translates to "There's No Ball Like Baseball." Today, the Croatian league boasts a regular season, and its national team ranks an impressive 25th globally.

Major cities in Croatia each have their own teams, totaling 13 across the country. Youth and cadet leagues cater to boys and girls aged 8 to 16, while Junior and Senior leagues are reserved for boys 16 and older. However, Croatia faces a shortage of proper baseball facilities, with only two dedicated stadiums located in Zagreb and Karlovac. In other areas, makeshift fields are created by adding bases and a pitcher's mound to existing stadiums.

1: Chinese Baseball League

It might come as a surprise, but China boasts a flourishing baseball league. This wasn't always the case, as the sport has seen significant growth in recent years.

Baseball first took root in China with the establishment of a club in Shanghai in 1863, leading to a surge in popularity. The country even secured second place in the Greater Asia Baseball Tournament in 1915. However, under Mao's rule, Western influences, including baseball, were banned. After Mao's death, interest in the sport revived, culminating in the construction of a stadium in Tianjin in 1986. The China Baseball League was officially launched in 2002, starting with four teams and a month-long season. Today, the league has expanded to six clubs and a more extensive schedule.

China's national team ranks an impressive 16th globally, a remarkable achievement for a squad emerging from a league that's just a decade old.