Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke
Alright, its at this point that I'll explain and acknowledge that I'm far from an expert and, no, I dont 'have any links.'
I also dont really follow baseball so I'm far from a baseball historian. If I'm wrong I'm free and open to being corrected.
My understanding is that Japan learned to love baseball due to being occupied post WWII by American GIs who introduced the sport to them and, as the Japanese tend to do, they went 'all in.'
I dont even like baseball but I love that element of Japanese culture. To take something foreign and add their own flavour and culture to it.
Cuba as per my understanding was because prior to the revolution many Americans loved baseball, introduced it to the populace along with other elements of American pastimes...like gambling. Many American enterprises in Cuba prior to the Communist revolution were centered around gambling.
That being said though, baseball is simple. All you need is some space, a stick and something to hit that is 'round-ish.' The glove is a luxury.
But I understand that was how it was introduced (I am likely wrong). Americans in Cuba who showed people how to play and for some reason they loved it and the rest is history.
I'm certain there is more to it because Baseball is a huge sport in South America in general, but that fever was introduced via exposure and then the local populace adored it, adopted it and its popularity clearly soared from there.
Look at how many South American and Japanese players are in the MLB. Its not a coincidence.
That being said, hockey is a whole different animal. It is far from simple. There is a lot of things that you need in order to play hockey in comparison to sports like Baseball/Football/Rugby and Soccer.
So will these trends translate to hockey? I'm skeptical, but to say that widespread exposure never worked for other sports before is erroneous.
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That is the difference though, baseball was taken there and played there. Americans and Japanese side by side and then the Japanese loved it and took over. It's the same with cricket in the India.
But a) it was a simpler time back then and b) the sport was played and demonstrated there. Are Canadians going over to China or elsewhere to demonstrate the game? IIHF is trying, they have 80 members but what's the NHL doing? Think playing a game there once every few years or having pros in the olympics once in a lifetime will bring new fans? The KHL is probably doing more for hockey in China than the NHL with Kunlun Red Stars.
Another curling example, curling is growing worldwide. Why? Canadians are going all over the world playing and coaching. Especially with the simplified mixed doubles game.