The cultural roots of America's past time were undoubtedly established by our forefathers on some sand lot, amidst a scorching hot summer afternoon. American baseball traditions that have been instilled in us, will never be tarnished regardless of how the sport changes. However, culture in baseball is ever-changing as the game evolves into a more global character.
Every year, Little League baseball hosts the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. While American teams compete to determine a national champion and a chance to play the winner of the international tournament. All of the games are played on the same fields, while kids have an opportunity to interact with different cultures throughout the tournament. This is a great opportunity for youth baseball players worldwide and provides a perfect example of the direction baseball is heading.
The Major League player population in comprised of over forty percent Latin American players. In a sport that was once segregated, Major League Baseball showcases it's diversity with players from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Japan, Cuba, Curacao, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, The Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Canada, and Australia in addition to the talent generated from the United States.
Major League Baseball has enriched it's culture by permitting teams to play exhibition games against Cuba's all-star team, in both the United States and Cuba, as well as having two teams open their seasons with games in Puerto Rico or Japan. The league also expands it's cultural outlook by promoting the game through charitable programs such as R.B.I, which is designed to give kids in inner-cities and chance to learn and play the game, who otherwise, may not have had a chance to.
The true epitome of baseball culture will take place every four years in the World Baseball Classic. A tournament which professionals and amateurs alike, from all over the world, will compete on behalf of their country. The first World baseball Classic was played in 2006 in stadiums in Florida, California, Arizona, Toyko, Japan and Puerto Rico. Japan was crowned the first champion of the tournament, and are currently the defending champions.
The game itself will forever remain the same, as America will always be the center of true baseball culture. The traditions of the American game will continue to be passed down through the generations. However, as the sport continues to grow, the cultural diversity that surrounds the game will dictate how baseball progresses as a global sport.