Difference Between American and Japanese Baseball

American vs Japanese Baseball

Believe it or not, baseball is played in Japan as well! In Japan, their baseball is referred to as ‘yakyu’ (professional baseball), and in America, it is, of course, just American baseball. One of the major differences between these two baseball games, is the actual size of the ball. The Japanese baseball is bigger (and harder) than the American baseball. This is a very controversial topic discussed on TV and radio. Although Japanese players have a good history of securing runs, their focus is more on sac flys, walks, bunts, solid fielding and stolen bases, rather than on players and runs, unlike the American teams.

As with all variations of sporting activities, there are some exclusive rules in Japanese baseball. For example, if the pitcher were to accidentally hit the batter, he should tip his cap as the batter returns to the base. This gesture indicates that the hit was not done intentionally, and there is no need for retaliatory battles!

The possibility of a tie may occur in Japanese baseball, although, ties are only seen in major games. It takes about 20 innings and two days to break a tie. To ensure that each batsman arrives fresh and ready in his position, there is a six man rotation scheme within the Japanese baseball game. Every year, the Japanese professional baseball team plays with the other champions in Asia, and they are regarded as the best team in the whole of Asia. On average though, it has been seen that the Japanese people have taken longer to achieve the major league.

The American baseball teams do consist of some Japanese players, which further indicates America’s inclusion and diversity to other cultures and races in their sporting activities. The Japanese players have also done very well in the American teams. However, there are no American players in the Japanese baseball teams. There are about 30 leagues which support the American baseball teams.

Summary:

1.The size of the Japanese baseball is bigger than the American baseball.
2.The Japanese baseball is also harder than the American baseball.
3.There are Japanese baseball players in the American teams, but there are no American players in the Japanese baseball teams.
4.Unlike in American baseball, a tie may occur in a major Japanese baseball game.
5.The American players focus more on players and runs than the Japanese baseball teams.