Baseball Exchange

2023 San Mateo team in Toyonaka

A tradition since 1979

Every two years, an all-star team of 11- and 12-year-olds from San Mateo meets a team of their peers from Toyonaka, Japan. The cities take turns hosting. Players compete on the field, but they also serve as young ambassadors: visiting players live with their San Mateo teammates' families, and when we travel, our players stay with families in Toyonaka.

The team is supported 100% by the community. 

2027 Exchange in Toyonaka 

Our 2027 team travels to Toyonaka, Japan, October 2-10, 2027. Here is the road to Japan:

November 9 and December 2: Introductory Zoom calls for interested players and parents

January 23, January 30 and February 6, 2027: Player tryouts

February 7, 2027: Team announced

Starting April 2027: Monthly Japanese culture classes

August to September 2027: Baseball practices

October 2-10, 2027: The trip to Toyonaka. Play ball!

Apply to be part of the 2027 team [TAKING APPLICATIONS NOW]

Want to be part of the 2027 team? Join one of our introductory Zoom calls and register your player for tryouts:

Player tryout registration 2027 

Alumni and Community can help too. Volunteer to be team chaperone or support the cultural education. Parents of the traveling team are not eligible to be chaperones. 

Chaperone registration 2027

Questions? Email smsistercity@gmail.com.

Baseball Exchange FAQ

Who can try out?

Boys and girls who are 11 or 12 years old (Little League age) and live in San Mateo, play in a San Mateo baseball / softball league, or attend a San Mateo school. 

How are players selected?

Players are chosen based on baseball tryouts, a written application and a personal interview. We look for strong athletes who will also be great ambassadors for San Mateo. Selected players practice on the field and attend monthly classes on Japanese culture, basic Japanese, customs, and San Mateo history.

How long is the trip to Toyonaka?

Usually about 10 days, with roughly a week in Toyonaka. The team may spend a day or two first visiting places like Tokyo or Hiroshima.

Where do players stay?

Players are paired with a teammate and stay with a host family in Toyonaka. If the team spends a day or two sightseeing in places like Tokyo or Hiroshima first, players stay in a hotel with their coaches and chaperones.

Can parents come along?

No. Adult coaches, chaperones and Sister City Board members travel with the team.

What documents are needed?

Each player needs a passport that is valid for at least six months after the return date. U.S. citizens don't need a visa for a short visit to Japan. If your player is not a U.S. citizen (for example, a permanent resident), visa rules depend on their passport, so please check with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco early and let us know.

Is there practice?

Absolutely. Practices start after the Spring baseball season in August and run until the team leaves for Japan.  Field practices and/or hitting are 2-3 days a week in San Mateo.  We are targeting tune-up tournaments and scrimmages in September. Players are expected to make the team a priority and attend all practices and culture classes.  

What is the schedule for the culture classes?

Culture classes are held monthly starting in April, usually on Sunday afternoons.

Does everyone get equal playing time?

Not necessarily. Playing time depends on practice attendance, teamwork and skill. But this exchange goes far beyond wins and losses.