They're not millionaires like the New York Yankees, and their games are never played under floodlights in front of 50,000 fans.
But the baseballers of Wales and England (make that Cardiff, Newport and Liverpool actually) hold centre-stage in the public parks of their cities during the all-too-short summer months.
We like to think that the North American game has its roots in our humble game, but historically, that looks a bit dodgy.
The rules of British baseball were unified in 1892, and since then children and adults of both sexes have gone to the pegs for the love of the game.
Nowadays the game is struggling a bit in Newport and Liverpool, while Cardiff is holding steady.
But overall the numbers playing are as good as ever - thanks to ever-increasing numbers of women players.
To find out more, contact John Day, treasurer of the Welsh Baseball Union - johndaybaseball@hotmail.co.uk
See also the websites for the Welsh Ladies Baseball Union at www.wlbu.co.uk or one of Wales's oldest baseball clubs, www.grangealbionbaseball.co.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Wales v England photo gallery
your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
Jamie Martin, Llanrumney, Cardiff
My dad is Leighton and my uncle is Russell. Me and my brothers Sam and Liam play for Llanrumney and we all hope the game spreads all over the UK. I heard that in the old days they broadcast the international on the BBC - I hope they bring it back!
Mike Murray, Isle of Man, ex Speke
I was a member of the Liverpool Boys team that was the first to win against the Welsh Lads after the war, about 1954. We had a civic reception and a cruise down the Mersey on the Royal Iris. Great days to be a schoolboy. I hope the game prospers. Like Dave from Speke I played for Speke Secondary Modern and remember Bob Horseley well.
David Doubleday, USA
Abner never claimed he invented baseball. He put the rules in writing. Part of his family lived in Usk!! As a child I was told of the links to the Doubleday Publishing Company based in New York. They are linked to Abner as distant cousins. The founder, Frank, had the middle name of Nelson as did my father who was born in Llantrisant near Usk. I am told it had been used as a name for several generations. My uncle Reginald, who died in Cardiff, told me several years ago about the link and described a trip to Arlington to visit Abner's grave.
Dave from Speke, Liverpool
I played baseball with Speke secondary modern and Speke Old Boys with the great Bob Horseley. It is a great game and should be kept alive in Liverpool so we can beat the Welsh.
Jackie Steven
I used to play from the age of 11 until 24 when I moved to the valleys. We had an A & B side for the Ely Legion Ladies. I was player of the year Division 2 1979 at the age of 15 that was Ladies player of the year it was downhill from there...
Kayleigh from Cardiff
I'm 15 years old and i've played baseball for Gower Sports for as long as i can remember. I am now in the womens team with my mum and sister, my dad plays for the mens and has also played for wales(we won!!). I fink baseball is a good way of meeting new people and going out when you've got nothing better to do!!
Anfield old boys
We're a team from the Liverpool league and we want to say how fun the game is and if any one from Liverpool wants to come down and have a go we're at Maiden Lane baseball fields Tuesday nights 6.30pm Saturday 2.30pm and children on Thurdays at 5.30pm.
c.margerison
Although I never played baseball I spent my much of my youth watching my father umpire and then my sister play (for St Woolos Ladies)This is a brilliant sport that any age can enjoy and remembering some of the players over the years most levels of fitness. It would be a real shame if this sport dies out as there seems to be real confusion over what is available and where to go. There seems to be a lot of mismatched information. Where is the WBU ?? Without the support and encouragement of the governing body the sport will soon become totally disorganised and those who battle week after week to train, raise funds for equipment, travel and to pay for the pitches and umpires will soon abandon the game. I was sat with a group of individuals on sunday who had watched the St Mikes centenary match, there is as much passion for the game amongst its supporters as there is for the rugby. Unfortunately this sport does not enjoy the profile that rugby has and therefore needs to be promoted and not ignored or abandoned...I have to agree with Gordon Griffiths where have all the players gone that could be helping the next generation to improve and enjoy this wonderful sport?!!
The Saint, Newport
Mark a from Tasmania.If you want a copy of the rules, log on to www.stmichaelsbaseball.com go to the contacts page and get in touch with Peter Sanders he will sort you out.All the best.
Gareth from Cardiff
That ginger bowler is most probably John Smith that Ian F is referring to. Probably the best bowler there has been but you need a great backstop to be a great bowler and he had the best in Ivor Hughes, now the manager of Llanrumney today.
Mark A from Launceston, Tasmania
Where can I find a comprehensive set of the rules? I've searched the net, high and low, with no success. I'd like to introduce my friends, to what would be a good 'park' alternative to our cricket games at picnics here in Tas.
Chris from Cardiff
If the game is dying - as it seems to be, based on the amount of teams and players this season - then why have the WBU banned a player for 5 years for something in other sports you get banned for 5 games at the most? If the game is dying the people who run the league (WBU) are only killing it quicker.
Stacey Horne Hennessy
My grampy is Paddy and I have to say I am so happy that you are still talking about his excellent skills as a bowler. Thanks
Gordon Griffith, Newport
I retired from playing baseball over 18 years ago due to injury, but took up refereeing which I enjoyed immensely and still do. Where have these former players gone who got so much enjoyment out of the game, but have put nothing back into it by taking up the whistle? I believe there are only four referees registered with the league which has been the case for a number of years. So come on you former players put something back into the game for a change and help to keep baseball alive instead of sitting on the sidelines and moaning about decisions that the small band of regular referees make. Good luck to all teams for the coming 2008 season.
The Saint, Newport
I have played for St Michael's Old Boys for 25 years and 2008 is our centenary year. I know a few players at our club actually go into the schools around Newport and promote the game e.g St Joseph's, Duffryn and Hartridge High Schools and St Michael's, Pillgwenlly, Duffryn and Gaer Primary Schools. I also know that Newport Schools played Cardiff Schools at under 11's last year. It's a great game and I've made some great friends over the years. Come on the Micks let's have a great 100 years celebration.
Kate Fairhurst
Anyone wanting to play baseball in Newport should know that St Mike's are still playing and also Pill Harriers have got a team.
Dave B , Grangetown
I've played baseball for a number of years at mens' and international level. Fantastic sport and more people should get involved. There are plenty of clubs about but this dying sport needs more players so please get started !!
Richie, Newport
I played for my school and Gwent in baseball, I want to start a team for this summer, how do I go about this?
Mark from New York
The ginger bowler you are referring to is probably Charlie Kinsey from the Grange Albions.As for the best bowlers ever, well the ones generally considered to be the best are John Clements and Paddy Hennessey.
Cameron, Cardiff
Are there any Baseball or American Football teams in Cardiff? If so, where? I would really like to play American Football for a team and my brother would love to play Baseball for a team in Cardiff. And are there any teams for Under 13s? Cheers.
Paul Clarke from Liverpool
I play for Townsend in Liverpool - there are four teams in the league. We are trying to get more kids playing baseball. I love the sport and always give 110%. I first started playing baseball when I was 14 - I have won loads of trophies with the club and played loads of times for England youth and been captain and played for England B a couple of times. I love playing against Wales - it's very exciting. I hope to see the Wales team over here in 2008 and hopefully I will be playing again against yous again and try and try and beat yous - ha1
Zoe Bremer, Derby
International Rules baseball needs all the support it can get. I have just written to the Parliamentary All-Party Committee on Arts and Heritage about this. When I asked Sport England for some information a while ago I received no reply. Is it any wonder that the numbers playing it are going down? It used to be played all over England but is now reduced to Liverpool. Jane Austen would be horrified! As for the links with American baseball, there is a form of the game played in Massachusetts called townball which is probably closer to the British game than to Doubleday Rules baseball (rumour has it that Abner Doubleday was English anyway).
Lewis and Taylor from Cardiff
We think that our uncles Stuart Cleverly (A Cap player of the year 2006, Baseballer of the year 2006) and Gareth Cleverly (B Cap player of the year 2006) are great!
Chris, Cardiff
I play for the Old Illtydians in Division 2 and think there should be a lot more teams playing. The WBU should make a school team into a club team and play on weekends. Then when they hit 17 make a senior side and then in 5 or so years you would have at least 4 senior leagues. If it dies in england, send people out to Scotland and Ireland to promote the game, maybe have a big cup competition.
Jake Cowan - Cardiff
I'm only 13 but am already looking forward to playing mens baseball when im older. I hope I can bowl as fast as Gareth Cleverly or Russel Martin of Llanrumney when I'm older. However I don't think the game is dying - far from it. I know a load of kids in school who want to join a team as soon as possible.
Tony Lloyd, Heath, Cardiff
We play British Baseball at our school in Cowbridge, where I introduced it 15 years ago. Probably the furthest west it's played? What is the exact extent of the game in Glamorgan and Gwent?
D Jane, Cardiff
Who do you consider are the greatest players over the history, greatest batsmen, fastest bowlers? What about superstitions - bet there were a few to keep up the good luck hoping the batsmen wouldn't get any ducks! How can we get the youths off the streets and onto the diamond?
Maurice Brunnock, Cheltenham
I played Baseball for Newport School boys. I would like to know if you have any records going back to 1956/1958.
Adam Thompson, Cardiff
Does anyone know baseball's Jackie Thompson? He's my grandad and I've never known much about him so any knowledge would be great, many thanks.
Justin Nichols from Newport
When I lived in newport I used to play baseball for my school until one match when I got hit just below my eye by the ball. I then stopped playing baseball - hopefully when I'm older I will start playing again.
Tom from Newport
I used to play in school (early '90s), and quite fancy the idea of playing again. What teams exist in Newport these days?
Ian F - Newport Ex pat
I remember every school in the 70s/80s used to have their own school team and the sport was very healthy. I myself played for the town team and remember playing Cardiff in the local derby. Also remember watching international games on BBC Wales on Sunday afternoons. The Welsh bowler was a ginger guy from Cardiff who was a fast as a bullet. Also remember a couple of stars of rugby turning out for Wales like Mark Ring and Dai Bishop.
Paul F from Newport
I watched Wales v England in the 70's at Bettws Civil Service. It was even featured on the Welsh news - Bobby Bright was the Welsh bowler. If I remember right it used to be a bit of a Catholic v Protestant thing ie St Michaels
Alex old boys.
Barrie Wallington, Wellington, New Zealand
I used to play for Caerleon RFC in Newport. Any expats in NZ who want a game, call in to the Welsh bar in Wellington and leave your contact details. Would be keen to get a couple of teams together for a knockabout. The Kiwis are good at softball so bowlers shouldn't be a problem.
Sam Martin from Cardiff
Leighton Martin is my dad and he plays for Wales - we really enjoy watching him play baseball. Also my uncle Russell Martin plays for Wales and Llanrumney like my dad.
Howard Evans - Cardiff
The International programme suggested that the Ladies and Mens Unions are together. The Ladies went alone from March 2006. The Ladies are reduced to 31 teams not 50 as the programme suggested. The Mens are at an all-time low of 20. Liverpool baseball is four sides - less than 44 players. England's bowler in the B side against Wales was Jeff Linge - nearly 60. It was his only game of the season. They have nobody else. Nice pics, but the game is fast dying - sadly. I wish it were not so, but false statements do little to help.
What's your view of Welsh baseball?
Have you played or watched the game?
