The History and Growth of International Baseball
Baseball has long been considered America’s pastime, but its reach has expanded far beyond U.S. borders. Over the years, the game has grown into a global sport, with international leagues, tournaments, and Major League Baseball (MLB) efforts to spread its influence. With the 2024 season featuring games in Tokyo and London, baseball’s global expansion is more evident than ever.
Early International Baseball
Baseball’s first international competitions date back to the early 20th century, with barnstorming teams traveling to Japan, Cuba, and other countries to showcase the sport. By the 1930s, the game had a strong presence in Latin America and Asia, leading to the formation of professional leagues in countries such as Japan, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
One of the biggest moments in international baseball history came in 1934 when a team of American all-stars, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, toured Japan. This trip played a major role in the growth of the sport in Japan and led to the establishment of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in 1950.
MLB’s Expansion Efforts
In recent decades, MLB has actively worked to grow its global footprint. From international scouting efforts to hosting games overseas, the league has made it a priority to expand its audience.
- Tokyo Series (2025) – MLB opens the 2025 season with the Dodgers playing the Cubs in Tokyo, Japan. Japan’s deep cultural history with baseball and the Dodgers being the reigning World Series champions made this a captivating matchup!
- Tokyo Series (2024) – MLB opened the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres playing two games in Tokyo, Japan. The series paid homage to Japan’s deep baseball culture and highlighted the many Japanese players who have made an impact in the MLB.
- London Series (2024) – Later in the season, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies played in London as part of MLB’s continued efforts to grow the game in Europe. The London Series has been a recurring event, with previous matchups including Yankees vs. Red Sox (2019) and Cubs vs. Cardinals (2023).
- Other Global Initiatives – MLB has also hosted games in Mexico and Puerto Rico in recent years, aiming to strengthen its presence in Latin America, a region that produces some of the sport’s biggest stars.
The Future of International Baseball
With the success of events like the World Baseball Classic and MLB’s global series, the league is committed to making baseball a truly international sport. Talks of future games in South Korea, more European cities, and additional contests in Latin America suggest that baseball’s global footprint will only continue to grow.
As baseball looks to the future, one thing is clear: the game is no longer just an American pastime. It’s a worldwide phenomenon that continues to expand, bringing fans together from every corner of the globe.