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.
History
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Early History
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 1898-1923 due to claims of neglect by the Department of Public Instruction. Prior to 1998, sporting officials claimed that the department through the Bureau of Education has 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]
1950s
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 up to 1994 the Philippines didn't take part in any international competition. Baseball suffered from lack of financial support and decrease of baseball venues. There was also a lack of coverage on television on the sport.[7]
2000s-2010s
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
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