Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the world and it has been around for centuries. It is estimated that there are over 10 million active players worldwide and the number keeps growing. With so many players, it is no wonder that the sport has become a global phenomenon. But exactly how many baseball players are there in the world?
The Number of Players by Country
Most countries around the world have professional baseball leagues, but the United States is by far the most popular. Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of professional baseball in the US and it boasts over 2,400 active players. This number is just the tip of the iceberg; when combined with the minor leagues and college teams, the US has well over 10,000 active players.
Japan is another country with a large number of professional baseball players. The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league has around 1,200 active players, while the semi-professional Japan Independent Baseball League (JIBL) has an additional 500 players.
Outside of the US and Japan, there are hundreds of thousands of baseball players in countries like Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. All of these countries have professional baseball leagues and their players are highly respected by their peers.
The Number of Amateur Players
While professional baseball leagues around the world attract the most attention, the vast majority of baseball players are amateurs. It is estimated that there are over 8 million amateur players in the US alone, with over 7 million of them being youth players.
Outside of the US, there are hundreds of thousands of amateur players in countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Dominican Republic. These countries have highly competitive amateur leagues and many players aspire to become professional.
The Number of Women Baseball Players
Women’s baseball has grown significantly in recent years and the number of female players is on the rise. In the US, there are over 200,000 female players and the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league features the best female players in the country.
Outside of the US, there are hundreds of thousands of female players in countries like Japan, Canada, and South Korea. Women’s baseball is also gaining traction in countries like Australia, Mexico, and Venezuela.
Conclusion
The exact number of baseball players in the world is hard to pin down, but it is estimated to be over 10 million, with the US and Japan having the largest number of players. While professional leagues get most of the attention, the vast majority of players are amateurs. Women’s baseball has also seen a surge in popularity in recent years and the number of female players is on the rise.