FAQ
Thank you for your interest in the San Mateo Sister City Association Baseball Exchange Program. Here is a list of questions and answers from our Information Night.
1. What is the San Mateo Sister City Association Baseball Exchange Program?
San Mateo and Toyonaka, Japan have been sister cities since 1963. Since 1979, we have had a baseball exchange between the cities, meeting every two years in one of the cities to play a series of youth baseball games. This year’s trip marks the 60th Anniversary of San Mateo’s relationship with their friends in Toyonaka, Japan and the fist biennial exchange since 2019.
2. Who is eligible to try out and how many players will be chosen?
Players, both male and female, must be ages 10 - 12 (we use current little league age determination) and must fulfill at least one of the following: a) live in the City of San Mateo, b) play for a baseball/softball league in the City of San Mateo, c) attend a school in San Mateo.
Up to 20 players may be selected to represent our city as Goodwill Ambassadors.
3. When and how long is the trip?
The trip is most often 10 days, with approximately 7 nights in Toyonaka. Details are being finalized, but the team will be departing on September 30th, 202.
4. How much will the trip cost me?
For the past 40 years, expenses (including travel, uniforms and equipment) were fully covered by the fundraising efforts of players, parents, and SMSCA volunteers. Events such as sponsorship letters, Dinner/Auction, Restaurant Dine-Around Sponsorships are a few examples of how past trips have been funded. It is our effort to make this experience available to any San Mateo player who makes the team.
5. Where will my child stay?
Your child will partner with a teammate and stay with a Toyonaka Host family who either has a current or past player on the Toyonaka team, or similar aged children. This is a fantastic way to learn more about the Japanese culture.
Before arrival in Toyonaka, the team may take a day or two to visit other significant or historical areas of Japan, such as Tokyo or Hiroshima, and will stay in a hotel.
6. Can parents/family go on the trip?
In order for the player to wholly benefit from the experience, we insist that parents do not attend. Adult chaperones and long standing members of the Sister City Assoc. from San Mateo will be traveling with the team.
7. Will my player need a passport/visa?
No special visas are needed to enter Japan but a current passport that is valid for at least 6 months following our return (October 10th) is required. If you are even considering trying out for the team, start the process today!
8. Is there practice?
Yes. The final two weeks before the trip, practice will be held at a local field, Monday through Friday. We need commitment from each player to be in attendance so that we can develop as a team. In addition to practice, monthly culture classes will be held (usually on a Sunday afternoon) to learn about the Japanese culture (simple phrases, history, use of chopsticks, etc.).
9. Will all players get equal playing time?
Playing time will be dependent on attendance at practices/classes, being a team player, as well as skills. Much of what we wish to accomplish with this program goes far beyond wins and losses, and though we wish to compete at fullest strength, a player's participation leading up to the trip will be a determining factor.
Hint: Everyone wants to pitch or play short; is that your best chance?
1. What is the San Mateo Sister City Association Baseball Exchange Program?
San Mateo and Toyonaka, Japan have been sister cities since 1963. Since 1979, we have had a baseball exchange between the cities, meeting every two years in one of the cities to play a series of youth baseball games. This year’s trip marks the 60th Anniversary of San Mateo’s relationship with their friends in Toyonaka, Japan and the fist biennial exchange since 2019.
2. Who is eligible to try out and how many players will be chosen?
Players, both male and female, must be ages 10 - 12 (we use current little league age determination) and must fulfill at least one of the following: a) live in the City of San Mateo, b) play for a baseball/softball league in the City of San Mateo, c) attend a school in San Mateo.
Up to 20 players may be selected to represent our city as Goodwill Ambassadors.
3. When and how long is the trip?
The trip is most often 10 days, with approximately 7 nights in Toyonaka. Details are being finalized, but the team will be departing on September 30th, 202.
4. How much will the trip cost me?
For the past 40 years, expenses (including travel, uniforms and equipment) were fully covered by the fundraising efforts of players, parents, and SMSCA volunteers. Events such as sponsorship letters, Dinner/Auction, Restaurant Dine-Around Sponsorships are a few examples of how past trips have been funded. It is our effort to make this experience available to any San Mateo player who makes the team.
5. Where will my child stay?
Your child will partner with a teammate and stay with a Toyonaka Host family who either has a current or past player on the Toyonaka team, or similar aged children. This is a fantastic way to learn more about the Japanese culture.
Before arrival in Toyonaka, the team may take a day or two to visit other significant or historical areas of Japan, such as Tokyo or Hiroshima, and will stay in a hotel.
6. Can parents/family go on the trip?
In order for the player to wholly benefit from the experience, we insist that parents do not attend. Adult chaperones and long standing members of the Sister City Assoc. from San Mateo will be traveling with the team.
7. Will my player need a passport/visa?
No special visas are needed to enter Japan but a current passport that is valid for at least 6 months following our return (October 10th) is required. If you are even considering trying out for the team, start the process today!
8. Is there practice?
Yes. The final two weeks before the trip, practice will be held at a local field, Monday through Friday. We need commitment from each player to be in attendance so that we can develop as a team. In addition to practice, monthly culture classes will be held (usually on a Sunday afternoon) to learn about the Japanese culture (simple phrases, history, use of chopsticks, etc.).
9. Will all players get equal playing time?
Playing time will be dependent on attendance at practices/classes, being a team player, as well as skills. Much of what we wish to accomplish with this program goes far beyond wins and losses, and though we wish to compete at fullest strength, a player's participation leading up to the trip will be a determining factor.
Hint: Everyone wants to pitch or play short; is that your best chance?
