Unlike its neighbour Japan, baseball has never really caught on in China. But Guangzhou is an exception to the rule since the first missionaries introduced the sport in 1895. Overseas Chinese returning home started playing baseball and ever since, people in Guangzhou have shown a true interest for the sport.

Baseball is played between two teams of nine players. The aim is to score "runs" by hitting a ball as far away as possible which then leaves time to run past a series of four bases before the opposing teams manages to bring the ball back. If they succeed, the player is then eliminated. Teamwork is a key factor in this sport and participants are required to show bravery and determination.

Baseball is popular in Guangzhou with over 10,000 fans across the city. Local clubs have been set up in schools, colleges and within local communities. Of course, many foreigners also play in Guangzhou, especially people from Japan, Korea and the US. Well-known local clubs include Firefox started in 1993 and City Wolves founded in 1995. These clubs organise their own amateur leagues.

Guangzhou has now three standard baseball fields, as well as numerous school-based training fields. A students' baseball championship is held every year in schools at various levels.

Venues:
Sanjing Baseball Field in Tianhe Sports Centre
Fee: 600-700 Yuan (USD 85-100) per hour
(Notice: Sanjing Baseball Field regularly provides initiation courses and improvement courses, but it is currently under renovation for the Guangzhou Asian Games)

Huangcun Sports Centre
This venue belongs to the Guangdong Baseball Team and is not open to public.

The Guangzhou Institute of Physical Education Baseball Field
Fee: 200-300 Yuan (USD 30-50) per hour

Equipment and Prices:
Baseball: 20-30 Yuan (USD 3-5)
Baseball Bat: 200-1000 Yuan (USD 30-150)
Jersey: 150-300 Yuan (USD 25-50)
Baseball Glove/Mitt: 30-300 Yuan (USD 5-50)
Protective Equipments: 30-300 Yuan (USD 5-50)

Professional's Hints:
Warm up in advance to avoid injuries
Wear protective equipments to avoid being hit by balls
Beginners or amateurs should take coaches for professional guidance

(Devin Liao and David Keyton) (The End)