Baseball in the Philippines

Baseball was introduced in the Philippines during the American colonial period. Baseball was a national past time in the country. The sport has become a re-emerging sport in the recent years.

Early history

Company B, 2d Regiment Baseball Team in the Philippines, March 1903. The Americans introduced baseball in the Philippines as early as the 1890s.

Baseball was introduced in the Philippines by the Americans. The first baseball game in the Philippines was played in September 1898 weeks after the Battle of Manila of 1898, a match between Astor Battery led by George Wetlaufer and a regiment from the American Army. From 1899 to 1900, baseball clubs were established by local Filipinos. The sport's introduction aided the American colonial government's assimilation efforts. General Otis planned to eliminate local cockfighting through the introduction of the sport. A baseball league composing of six clubs was established. Then, Governor General William Howard Taft encouraged baseball in the archipelago. Baseball grew to be a popular sport in the country.[1][2][3]

Arlie Pond was instrumental to the growth of baseball in the country.[4]

Baseball's popularity saw a decline from 1898 to 1923 because of claims of neglect by the Department of Public Instruction. Prior to 1998, sporting officials claimed that the department, through the Bureau of Education, had supported baseball in the country with the goal of eliminating cockfighting in the country. Teachers who were brought from the United States to the country had no experience in baseball and even in basic athletics. The Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation favored indoor baseball over its outdoor counterpart. In 1923, the Manila League was the only flourishing league in the country.[5]

Late 20th century

Baseball experienced a boost when the Philippines hosted the first Asian Baseball Championship in 1954 and emerged as champions in the inaugural tournament. Bobby Balcena became the first player of Filipino descent to play in the Major League Baseball in 1956. Baseball continued to be a popular sport up to the mid 1970s. Political conflict among baseball officials led to the decline of the sports in the country. Basketball eventually gained popularity over baseball.[6][7]

From 1971 to 1994, the Philippines did not take part in any international competition. Baseball suffered from lack of financial support and a decrease of baseball venues. There was also a lack of coverage on television on the sport.[7]

21st century

The Philippine national team at the 2006 Intercontinental Cup

Since 2005, the Philippine baseball became a re-emerging sport finishing just behind the three Asian baseball powerhouses. The Philippines became a powerhouse in the ASEAN region and has developed rivalries with Thailand and Indonesia. Baseball Philippines a professional league was established in 2007.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Baseball Aids Taft". The Pittsburgh Press. March 22, 1903. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Philippine Islands Wild Over Baseball". The Pittsburgh Press. August 2, 1913. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Baseball in the Philippines". The New York Times. February 13, 1916. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  4. ↑ Simon, Tom. "Arlie Pond". SABR Baseball Biography Project. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Baseball Dying Out in Philippine Islands". Reading Eagle. July 20, 1923. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Paba to launch first pro baseball here". Manila Standard. October 11, 1996.
  7. 1 2 3 Fidler, Gabriel. "Philippines Preparing for Baseball Renaissance". Mister Baseball. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
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