Japan vs. USA Baseball

Each summer, collegiate baseball teams from multiple nations travel around and play each other at minor league ballparks. Around July 4th, one of these special games is played at the BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte, NC. In 2017, Cuba and USA collegiate teams played each other. This year, a Japan and USA team played on July 3, 2018.

Teams shake hands before the game begins

The minor league baseball ballpark in Charlotte, NC attracts many visitors around July 4th because of the fireworks display after certain games. I went to the Japan vs. USA game with a few friends including my buddy Dan, an avid fan of Japanese baseball. He enjoys following the Seibu Lions. After nine innings of play, Japan won with a final score of 1-0. It was a very defensive game with teams struggling to get players in scoring positions. According to Dan, a few players from last year's Japan collegiate team were recruited to Japanese major league teams. Last October, Dan went on the Japanball baseball tour in Japan. Baseball in Japan is a different experience than what you see in the United States. I highly recommend attending a baseball game in Japan if you ever go during the regular season.

BB&T Ballpark in downtown Charlotte, NC

We thoroughly enjoyed attending the game and were lucky to sit in a shaded area. The fireworks display was enjoyable as well. Each teamed showed good sportsmanship and enthusiasm on the field. The USA team gave the Japan team long sleeve shirts to commemorate the occasion. The Japan team's roster and game results can be found here.

Japan team before the game

Fireworks after the game