In late February, the Czech national baseball team, preparing for the World Baseball Classic, showcased uniforms featuring their country name in Czech and the Katakana for 'Czech.' This design, as explained by their manager Pavel Hajim, is meant to demonstrate respect and admiration for Japanese baseball. The Czech team has seen a rise in performance, evidenced by their third-place finish at the European Championship last September, with Japanese baseball culture playing a significant role in their development.

Historically, baseball struggled to gain traction in Czechoslovakia due to its classification as an 'enemy sport' during the socialist era, which lasted until 1989. During this time, Hajim discovered baseball at the age of 12, navigating the challenges of acquiring baseball equipment that was clandestinely imported from Cuba. It was only after the Cold War, in 1993, that the domestic leagues were formally established, and Hajim played a crucial role in the early stages as an outfielder.

Despite the challenges, the Czech national team has been bolstered by the influence of Japanese baseball, which has become a model for their growth and tactical approach. However, during significant competitions in Europe, they have faced strong opposition from countries like the Netherlands and Italy, which have more established baseball traditions. As they prepare for their debut against Japan in the World Baseball Classic, the Czech team aims to leverage their unique background and respect for Japanese culture to make a statement on the world stage.