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China Sports: NBA Slam Dunks, MLB Can’t Get To First Base
By Paul Midler | November 13, 2007
Sports has been making a big push in China these weeks, with Major League Baseball (MLB) sending over Cal Ripken, Jr. to pitch to the kids. Recent weeks have also seen the “NBA China Games”, which was an exhibition match between two major teams broadcast to over 200 countries.
The Chinese are fantastic lovers of sports, and I find it curious the way China has embraced basketball while turning up its nose at baseball. You can’t suggest that it’s a Chinese thing since baseball is actually quite popular in Taiwan.
To give an indication just how much China has taken to basketball, look at all the nicknames they give to top American players: You have “Little Flying Mouse”, “Old Cat”, “Man in the Mask”, “Sweet Melon”, “Germany Race Car” and “Stone Buddha”. The list is worth a look - here.
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In addition to this one, we own TheChinaGames.com (with an “s”). Anyone in a position to develop should get in touch. Would make for a good site devoted to sports, or online gaming. - pm
Topics: China |
November 13th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
I suppose the reality is that Taiwan had a strong American military presence in the 50s, 60s and 70s with the baseball playing G.I.s (same as Japan) and China never really did. Actually, China also had its period of strong anti-Americanism as well which could have been a factor.
Also, baseball takes a lot of time, equipment, experienced coaching and space…all things that the average Chinese kid today doesn’t have access to (nevermind the spoiled little urban emperors).
November 15th, 2007 at 12:33 am
Yes, I agree with you that baseball in Taiwan has something to do with Japan…
November 15th, 2007 at 3:30 am
Also, basketball is now associated with a fast paced, action packed, hip-hop culture whereas baseball is quite “fuddy duddy”. Your father’s Oldsmobile, so to speak…
November 15th, 2007 at 3:56 am
But Hunxuer, basketball is just as American as baseball. I think your second comment might be closer to the truth, although it seems to me that basketball has been popular here longer than hip hop has existed.
Maybe it’s because Mainland Chinese realised very early on that baseball is almost as boring as cricket?