Japanese Baseball vs American Baseball

I?m in the midst of reading a book recommended to me from a coworker entitled ?You Gotta Have Wa,? and while only half way through the book, I can already say it?s one for the most classic, passionate fans.

Written by Robert Whiting, it encompasses the culture of baseball oversees and it?s dramatic differences in philosophy as compared to what we are use to in America in regards to Major League Baseball.

?Baseball is more than just a game. It has eternal value. Through it, one learns the beautiful and noble spirit of Japan,?
- Suishu Tobita (1886-1965),
Japan?s original ?God of Baseball.

Although organized/professional baseball in Japan did not start until 1935, a notable 66 years following the start of professional ball in the states, Japan dates the existence of the sport back to 1867 (2 years before MLB began with the Cincinnati Red Stockings) with an American teacher named Horace Wilson. It all started when he introduced his students to the simple tools of the game- the ball and the bat. Five years later, Albert Bates developed the first organized contest between two teams, but it wasn?t until 1878 that an avid Red Sox fan, Hiroshi Hiraoka came to establish the first ever Japanese baseball team, consisting of blue collar workers who even wore ?geta? (wooden sandals) while running the bases.

Their passion for the game is remarkable. Japanese baseball started on a right and moral path. Simply put, Japanese baseball is a prideful tradition, one that brings honor to their culture and depicts their way of life. They view baseball in the same light as living a peaceful, moral and upstanding life, and therefore it?s easy to see why baseball literally is life to the Japanese.

?This country has got its national flag all wrong. Instead of a rising sun in the center, there should be a baseball,? - British Tourist.

 Whiting adds, ? The Japanese found the one-on-one battle between pitcher and batter similar in psychology to sumo and the martial arts. It involved split-second timing and a special harmony of mental and physical strength. As such, the Ministry of Education deemed it good for the national character,? (page 28). And thus, baseball was worshipped.

The Japanese believe that suffering builds character and in turn the difference between winning and losing is determined. They even view training as being more important than the game itself. In late baseball in Japan, ending a game in a tie was a sign of respect so that no one team would be inferior to another. The score was not the importance, instead the emphasis was put on the preparation and execution of their talents. The abundance of strict rules and the work horse mentality guided these players into a prideful representation of their country which over time has transformed into a harmonious, selfless, loving and patient culture of individuals.

On page 60 of the book, Whiting writes, ?For American?s baseball is a job. For the Japanese it is a way of life.? Personally, I have always believed that any valuable life lesson can be taught through sports, especially baseball. It?s one reason my parents got me into softball and basketball when I was growing up. It?s as simple as instilling a coach to help your child listen, and as in-depth as teaching them how to trust in the unity of people. Want to teach them how to work with others towards a common goal? Teach them to hit a fly to right to get the runner in from third. Do you want them to be a leader? You teach them patience at the plate and the value of a walk. Japanese baseball gets it. The entire philosophy behind baseball in Japan encompasses my entire passion for the game. It not only tests you physically and mentally, but socially and morally.

When I think of Japanese baseball I think of Ryne Sandberg?s induction speech into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I think of the emphasis of sacrificing, the importance of moving runners over, and the quality of the individuals that believe in those words. I have a lot of respect for the Japanese Culture because of what I have learned from it through baseball. I have the absolute and utmost respect for any ballplayer, whether it be high school, college, or professional who plays the game with passion, selflessness, and with respect to the people on his team, in the stands, and most importantly for the ones who have come before him.


Happy Offseaon,
-S


Read The Full Article:
http://baseballbetweenthelines.blogspot.com/2009/11/japanese-baseball-vs-american
-baseball.html

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