MLB: Opening Day in Japan Is Good for Baseball

Japan is the most advanced country in the Far East. So it is no surprise that Japan’s interest in MLB has started trickle over to other countries.  MLB now distributes licensed merchandise to 40 stores in China, 100 stores in Korea, and another 100 in Taiwan—of course resulting in additional revenue.

Is it a drain on the players to travel half way across the world to begin a grueling six-month, 162-game season?

Of course it is.

Is it disappointing for Red Sox and A’s fans to watch the excitement of opening day from the other side of the globe?

Of course it is.

But holding opening day in Japan, although a burden on players and fans alike, will do more to grow the game of baseball than many of us think.

Let's face it, we are not the most popular country in the world at the moment. So any opportunity to promote our culture and the game is not only good for MLB, but for America.

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