metimes not so subtle differences are quite surprising and they exemplify the unique Japanese mentality. Since Japan shaped their baseball from America, there are many similarities between the two. On the other hand, the great cultural differences rationalize the dissimilarities. "Japanese professional baseball is molded closely on the U.S. system where two separate leagues are maintained" (Tasker 31). American baseball is divided into two leagues, the American League and the National League. Also, Japan breaks down into two leagues, the Central League and the Pacific League. Moreover, Japan even copies team mascots by "having names like the Buffaloes, Braves, and Tigers" (30). They have refitted it for local consumption, as they have been adept as doing with most everything that has ever come into the country.
             In each case the rules remain the same, but that is where the major similarities end. The style of playing differs the greatest. American baseball is known for big ball parks, grass infields, aggressive play, home plate collisions, small strike zones, battling pitchers, and homerun hitting all-stars. According to Ron Fimrite, the Japanese systems functions a little differently. "Their ball parks are considerably smaller, in some parks the infields are entirely dirt, the aggressive double play breakup had to be introduced by an American, the strike zone is the size of a big screen television, constant hooking of troubled pitchers, and homerun hitters sacrificing runners along to abide to basic strategy" (64).
             Though baseball has been played in Japan almost as long as it has in the United States, many Americans still believe the game has had only as relatively short tenure in the East. American fans, as well as professional baseball players, tend to underestimate the high caliber of play overseas. Many professionals, for example, went to Japan thinking they could perform at a higher level than the native players. H...