The first baseball game in the Philippines was played in September 1898 weeks after the Battle of Manila, a match between Astor Battery led by George Wetlaufer and a regiment from the American Army.

The sport's introduction aided the American colonial government's assimilation efforts.

Teachers who were brought from the United States to the country had no experience in baseball and even in basic athletics.

The Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation favored indoor baseball over its outdoor counterpart.

Bobby Balcena became the first player of Filipino descent to play in the Major League Baseball in 1956.

As part of a growing national revival, the professional Baseball Philippines league was established in 2007, but lasted for 5 years.