MLB Simultaneously Holds 'PLAY BALL Weekend' Across Six Continents

Scenes from PLAY BALL Weekend held at three venues

Major League Baseball (MLB) held 'PLAY BALL Weekend' on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 in collaboration with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, Yomiuri Giants, and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, an event for children to experience the joy of baseball. The initiative was linked to the 'PLAY BALL Weekend' where all 30 MLB clubs conduct youth activities in communities and ballparks across North America. It was held simultaneously across six continents including China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, India, Australia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Egypt, New Zealand, and Nicaragua.

With an increasing number of Japanese players active in both Japan and the US, exchanges between MLB and Japanese professional baseball teams are deepening. This event was realized in collaboration with three teams under the common goal of getting children moving, touching baseball, and experiencing its fun. This year's 'PLAY BALL Weekend' saw approximately 450 children with little or no baseball experience participate across three venues, experiencing 'first-time baseball' such as pitching, batting, and catching. Guests Takashi Saito, Koji Uehara, and Tsuyoshi Wada attended each venue, interacting directly with children through the program and demonstrating impressive plays, making it an unforgettable event for the kids.

Since its first holding in Japan in 2022, 'PLAY BALL' has continued to expand, inviting various guests and targeting children with little or no baseball/softball experience. MLB will continue to contribute to communities and inspire children through baseball.

MLB x Yokohama DeNA BayStars (PLAY BALL Weekend | Yūgure B-PARK)

Saturday, June 6, 2026 | Yokohama Stadium | Guest: Takashi Saito (former Los Angeles Dodgers, Yokohama BayStars, etc.)

Comment from Takashi Saito: 'I think this collaboration between MLB and Japanese professional baseball is a wonderful project. Both Japan and the US face the challenge of declining birthrates, and what individuals can do is limited. So I'm truly grateful to be invited to such activities and want to actively participate in the future.'

MLB x Yokohama DeNA BayStars (PLAY BALL Weekend | Yūgure B-PARK)

MLB x Yomiuri Giants

Saturday, June 6, 2026 | Yomiuri Giants Stadium Indoor Practice Field | Guest: Koji Uehara (former Boston Red Sox, Yomiuri Giants, etc.)

Comment from Koji Uehara: 'Usually it's hard to see everyone at baseball clinics, but today I was able to see all the participants and had a great time. If they can do this level despite no experience, I'm excited about their future. I just want them to love baseball. That's all!'

MLB x Yomiuri Giants

MLB x Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks

Sunday, June 7, 2026 | Tama Home Stadium Chikugo | Guest: Tsuyoshi Wada (former Chicago Cubs, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, etc.)

Comment from Tsuyoshi Wada: 'The most important thing was that the children with no baseball experience participated happily. Major League and professional baseball are the same baseball despite different countries. I hope children become interested across borders and start baseball because of this. I want to continue contributing to such initiatives.'

About 'PLAY BALL' (https://www.mlb.com/ja/play-ball)

PLAY BALL is a representative youth participation event of MLB held across the United States and Canada. It is a global initiative encouraging youth and communities to engage in diverse activities through baseball and softball. In Japan, it provides opportunities for children with little or no baseball experience to learn the basics of baseball and softball while moving their bodies and having fun with friends. PLAY BALL is a framework integrating all related programs and events, operating under the simple and consistent message: 'However You Play Ball, PLAY BALL!'