Take me out to the ballgame…all over the world! International baseball is a very real phenomenon, and one that’s more popular than you might think. Here are a few other cities whose passion for sunny summer days, stealing home, and curveballs would rival that of any U.S. city.
Toronto, Canada
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Yes folks, Toronto loves to play ball. Home to the only Major League Baseball team in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays, this city obsesses over its team and has the screaming, blue-painted, beer-chugging fans to prove it. The Blue Jays play at the Rogers Centre in Toronto’s Entertainment District, right by the harbour, and no trip to this famously cultured city is complete without a day at the ballpark cheering for the Jays amid thousands of hollering Canadians. Stay at the Chelsea Hotel and walk to the ballpark.
Tokyo, Japan
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This is pretty much the unofficial capital of international baseball. Boasting millions of passionate fans, baseball is so popular in Japan that, according to Japan’s National Tourism Organization, “many fans are surprised to hear that Americans also consider it their ‘national sport.’” As if! If you’re headed to Tokyo, make sure to catch a Yomiuri Giants game at Tokyo Dome, the largest Japanese baseball stadium. Set your bat and mitt down at Tokyo Dome Hotel, a 4-star hotel within walking distance of the big game.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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Along with being the cultural, financial, and political heart of the Dominican Republic, this city of nearly a million people also has great nightlife, colonial architecture…and a champion baseball team. Fans go wild for players in this country, and seeing popular stars on the field at the city’s well-maintained stadium, Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal, will be a highlight of your trip. Drop your bags at Hotel Mercure for a great budget stay.
Seoul, South Korea
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South Korea’s ardor for baseball knows no bounds. The country is home to 10 professional teams, two of which—the Doosan Bears and LG Twins—play in Seoul at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Get a ticket and sit among 26,000 screaming fans as they cheer on their favorite players, and afterwards, rest your head at centrally-located Boutique Hotel SB Seoul.
Mexico City, Mexico
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While soccer reigns supreme in Mexico, baseball is still beloved, with ballparks dotting even small towns. The best place to see a game is at Mexico City’s stadium, Estadio Fray Nano, where the Diablos Rojos del Mexico (Mexico City Red Devils) play against their longtime rivals, the Tigres de Quintana Roo. Tickets are inexpensive, and so are Coronas and tacos at the game—what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico, a 4-star hotel in the heart of the city.
So there you have it: Next time you’re in Tokyo, head to a game, grab a beer and confuse all your Instagram followers with a selfie with some rabid Japanese baseball fans.
Image may be NSFW.
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