Not America’s Game: The Globalization and Post-Westernization of Women’s Baseball

Abstract

This article explores the globalization of women’s baseball from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The women’s game is largely absent from literature about the global diffusion of baseball, but its growing presence in numerous cultural contexts demands attention. Drawing on ideas from Rumford and Cho, I contend that contemporary women’s baseball is best read as an example of post-Westernization, which sets it apart from the men’s game still largely defined by the singular entity of Major League Baseball. The power base of women’s baseball has shifted from the United States to East Asia, as developments such as youth infrastructure, a professional league, and annual tournaments have created a surge of interest in women’s baseball in the region. Moreover, East Asia’s commitment to women’s baseball as a sport distinct from softball reinforces the shift of organizational power and cultural influence away from the United States.