The Vinita weekly chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1905, 1903-12-03
BASEBALL IN JAPAN.
the Youngsters of the MI
kado'a Realm.

game which is continually played year
after year with ever-increaaing popu,
larity Only Of late have the japanese
taken up football and tennis; the for
mer only by one or two schools with
very little success. while tennis Is
gathering in favor In several directions
and WILL without doubt, be game in
which they will ultimately excel. But
baseball is eminently suited TO the agile
Japanese, and from the start they have
taken TO II like duck to water Il has
proved so popular that all the large
cities throughout Japan. and many a
little village, ran boast a baseball nine.
some of them three and four
Baseball was first introduced into
Japan about 25 years ago, when the
American residents Of Yokohama be-
gan playing the game In matches
against men-of-war stopping in port.
The Japanese. however, did not take IL
up until about 1887. when Mr.. Hlra-
Okla. who had been In America for sew
eral years, taught the game to several
OF the schools Of Toxic, on his return
20 japan, and from that time its popu-
larity was assured. The game spread
rapidly among the students OF nearly
every school in Toxic. II was some
time before any OF them could play II
with any degree OF success. although
those interested ayalled themselves Of
the opportunity Of learning the game
by watching the foreigners play in
Yokohama when the chance offered.
In 1890 the first high school OF Toxic
won the championship. and they have
since that time been acknowledged the
finest players In Japan, quite record
TO hold for 10 years. Since then this
particular school has only been beaten
once or twice by the various foreign
teams OF Yokohama and the crack
mines of the American navy visiting
Japan. The Mobiles school Of Toxic has
sls0 another excellent team, while for
hard work aud enthusiasm II is hard
TO beat the Yokohama Commercial
school. This year, for the first time in
the history Of baseball in Japan, the
team Of this school arranged tour
throughout the empire. playing games
in the most prominent cities. II was
this same school that started what Is
called "all day Matches" commencing
AT 1880 in the morning and keeping II
up ell day IN series Of class games,
three innings AZ a time. as long as day
light would permit This new depar-
ture Will, no doubt. be taken up by
several OF the schools next year, bring.
ing the already popular game more
before the public eye.
The Japanese as players are really
excellent. They play with coolness
and steadiness that is wonderful. Their
fielding IL beyond criticism. though
much complaint has been made in re-
gard to the gloves they wear Nearly
the entire team, from catcher TO right
field, use almost the same mitt Of
Japanese make. Although rather
small. Il is true. yet IL is no, a glove.
and certainly would not be allowed II
the rules we're strictly followed. This
mitt is really responsible for their SUI
perb fielding. though anyone who has
them closely comedies that
they would In time do Just as we'll II |
they kept to the regulation glove.
Their throwing is remarkably strong
and accurate Il being in this branch Of |
The game that they most excel. Bat.
ling Is their weakest point. They are
rather small TO use regular American
bats that carry the ball. though &
ErHdual Improvement In this depart
aient Of the game ~ noticeable. AS
base runners they are 1.-the and active.
Ind In a light sort OF aemi-Japanese
uniform and usually bare legs and feet
hey steal bases with great ease. Good
Japanese pitchers are not numerous.
hough the best as twirlers, are fairly
Effective, Some Of the Japanese pitch
RS have mastered several of the
'urves. though the majority throw
loihing but straight. swift ball.
geeping their heads remarkably In
light places
To emphasize the spirit with which
baseball Is played IN the mikados em-
ire, tho following is a good example:
patiy Of tourist we're walking IN the
Of Yokohama one Sunday
ghen, coming to a little feld at the
'aek Of a village. they we're surprised
o hnd a baseball game In progress.
The players we're dlmunltive native
lrchins from six to 12 years old. all
laying with an enthusiasm wonderful
o see All the rulings we're yelled in
English With an accent that was truly
aughablet The umpire. little young.
ter Of II, officiating with an impor-
ant. serious afr, called out In loud
dice hts decisions. which were rarely
ispuied Foul ball was called "fauru
arru." out ai FIRST, "hrsu bassu outo;"
ne ball, zone barru,r two striku,~
funny but perfectly clear
ven 70 the tourists One Of them ap-
reached what he thought looked like
be captain Of the team then batting.
'ho was sitting on stone calmly
q cigarette Are you the cap
linf' he asked.