China Baseball League (CBL)

In China, where the world's commercial interests have been focused in recent years, the emergence of the China Baseball League (CBL) in 2002 was a natural development. Contrary to its neighboring countries of Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei, baseball was considered a minor sport in China for many years.

However, since expanding at the grass-roots level in the 90's, baseball in China has rapidly grown to the extent of exporting players to Japan Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball.

The aim of the Chinese Baseball Association (CBA) organizing body of CBL is to hopefully win a medal at the Beijing Olympics and at the same time, to establish baseball as a major sport in China.  The CBL teams are currently receiving support from Japan and the U.S. in the form of coaching assistance and technical training.  Helping the Chinese are fellow former major leaguers Bruce Hurst, and Jim Lefebvre.  Lefebvre's help was evident when China surprised many with their success at the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament in 2003. The Chinese squad made it by the first round by beating Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines by a combined score of 41-1. How 'bout that Mel Allen? Taking on South Korea next, they triumphed 6-1 in the round-robin playoffs, before bowing out to Japan (13-1) and Taiwan (3-1).

China Baseball League (CBL) Champions

China Baseball League (CBL) Teams

	Beijing Tigers Started: 2002 Home Field: Beijing Fengtai Stadium Year W-L   2006 20-6   2005 22-7   2004 21-15   2003 13-11   2002 9-3
	China Hope Stars Started: 2005 Home Field: Beijing Fengtai Stadium Year W-L   2006 3-24   2005 4-26   2004 did not exist   2003 did not exist   2002 did not exist
	Guangdong Leopards Started: 2002 Home Field: Guangdong Tianhe Stadium Year W-L   2006 17-10   2005 19-11   2004 20-16   2003 9-15   2002 2-10
	Shanghai Eagles Started: 2002 Home Field: Shanghai Sports Stadium Year W-L   2006 15-11   2005 16-13   2004 10-26   2003 8-16   2002 4-8
	Sichuan Dragons Started: 2005 Home Field: Chengdu Jinniu Stadium Year W-L   2006 6-21   2005 8-22   2004 did not exist   2003 did not exist   2002 did not exist
	Tianjin Lions Started: 2002 Home Field: Tianjin Dodger Stadium Year W-L   2006 19-8   2005 20-10   2004 21-15   2003 18-16   2002 9-3

Players Born in China