tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26205275.post2207398561407313959..comments2007-10-19T23:02:39.360+08:00IslaFormosanoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26205275.post-29164229918653744162007-10-19T23:01:00.000+08:002007-10-19T23:01:00.000+08:00In the case of Japan, the postwar military presence has had no effect on the popularity of baseball there. Baseball was first introduced in Japan in 1872, and by the early years of the 20th century was already the country's most popular sport, and has remained so since then. There has been a professional baseball league in existence since 1936 (with the exception of the war years). The game has deep roots in Japan.Kaminogehttp://kaminoge.livejournal.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26205275.post-73473881405728857112007-10-19T22:21:00.000+08:002007-10-19T22:21:00.000+08:00I'm a huge baseball fan, thus, I am a hugely biased commenter on your blog.<BR/><BR/>I couldn't disagree more. Taiwan has only seen the beginning of the baseball craze that will eventually encompass the island, and here's why: There are over 40 Taiwanese citizens currently in America's minor league baseball system, or signed under a MLB affiliate, as opposed to 4 a few years ago. The number of scouts infiltrating the island, from both North America and Japan, is growing tremendously. Wang Chien-Ming stands to be one of the top 5 pitchers on the planet over the next few years, barring any injuries. Ticket sales in Taiwan's own professional league are up each year. Enrollment in youth baseball programs has never been higher.<BR/><BR/>True, you don't run into a lot of kids (especially in your classes) that play baseball. How many open parks with a backstop are there around Taiwan? Kids just don't have the space. Plus, the kids who play organized baseball are REALLY involved. Way too involved, if you ask me. Many of the successful teams are 'school teams', and they practice ALL THE TIME. Five hours a day, seven days a week. No kidding. I played college ball in the states, and we practiced 3.5 hours a day, and we were in our 20's, and we had scholarships. I can't believe what I see in some of these little league programs here. It's no wonder Taiwan is a world power in the Little League world series every year.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, just wanted to put my two cents in and stand up for the National Pastime. Long live baseball!!!Adam ....with Nicole and Rainnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144830508939910575noreply@blogger.com