Baseball may not be the first sport people think of when they hear Europe. However, across the continent there are small but passionate communities keeping it alive. A discussion on the internet showed just how varied those experiences can be. Some fans spoke about the difficulty of following Major League Baseball because of time zones. Others highlighted the challenges of supporting local leagues that are rarely broadcast or covered by mainstream media.
In countries where baseball is hardly noticed, fans still find ways to stay connected. A reddit thread on r/baseball helped put some notice on how the game is growing in a soccer dominated Europe.
Following MLB from Afar
For many European fans, supporting a Major League Baseball team is an act of endurance. Because of the time difference, games often start at 1 or 2 in the morning. A German fan explained, “I like to watch most games the next day as a vod through Kodi, which has a plugin that skips commercial breaks. It really shortens the games and makes them more enjoyable.”
Others take a more flexible approach. An American who moved to Germany shared, “I watch the US day games live and watch replays of the night games the next morning. Either in full or as a condensed game, depending on what I have time for.” This kind of devotion often feels exhausting. Yet it also builds a special connection. For many fans, the challenge of following baseball from so far away only strengthens the bond.
In return, MLB hosted the London Series, with the Yankees and Red Sox playing before packed crowds at London Stadium. The event drew global attention and thousands of new fans.
Local Leagues in the Shadows
While MLB dominates their screens, many fans admitted that their own local baseball leagues receive little attention. A French player who competes at the regional level noted, “I don’t really follow our first division closely because few games are broadcasted. Not really high level and is being played at the same time as my league.” On the other side, a German side confessed that he didn’t even care about German Baseball League. He didn’t even bother attending any games.
Yet even in obscurity, there are bright spots. Another fan praised the German Baseball League, calling it “very entertaining.” Someone from Ireland mentioned how clubs stream their games on Twitch to reach wider audiences. In Austria, attendance can be modest with rivalries in Vienna and Dornbirn only drawing local attention.
How Europe Keeps Baseball Alive
The heart of the European baseball experience is not the size of the stadiums but the persistence of the fans. A Greek supporter explained that there is no league there. Nobody follows baseball, but he follows the Angels and the Dodgers through MLB TV. In Serbia, a fan described how the top league has only six clubs, with some teams forced to play on football fields. These stories reveal how much baseball depends on individual dedication. Fans are willing to sacrifice sleep, money, and time to stay connected to the sport.
Despite the odds, Europe has hosted memorable baseball moments. The London Series has drawn thousands. It gives fans the chance to see MLB up close. Another notable incident included the Czech Republic who, with a roster of firefighters, students, and teachers, captured hearts worldwide by qualifying and competing against baseball powerhouses. Further down the line, another inspiring moment took place when the Netherlands stunned the baseball world. They defeated the Dominican Republic twice in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
