Take me out to the ball game

The Japanese love baseball. It's their biggest spectator sport as well as the biggest sport by number of participants.

Baseball was first brought here in 1873 (sure beats Missionaries) and professional teams have played in the country since the 1930s.

In true Japanese style, baseball must be played with wa or team spirit and not just for the glory of the individual.

Hiroshima is home to the Carps and their merchandise was for sale everywhere. Little kids wear the players outfit when they go spectating. I am now a Carps supporter.

In Nagasaki, a game was finishing as the train pulled past the stadium and a little shriek came up from the passengers, even the women in traditional dress. The men even smiled.

I craned in my seat to see some action but couldn't. Maybe someone was having a Kevin Costner moment (if you build it...)

At least the Americans have someone to play against in their World Series now.