Universal Baseball: One Japanese Man’s Mission to Create an Accessible Pastime for Disabled Children

The Universal Baseball board, fully set up and ready for a game.

Nakamura Tetsurō uses the board to introduce people of all ages and physical abilities to the joys of baseball.

A child intently watches the ball rotate, waiting for the perfect moment to send the bat swinging.

Nakamura adjusts the board’s turntable, the centerpiece of Universal Baseball.

Children cheer the action on the board. Like in standard baseball, hits produce jubilation, and outs disappointment.

Nakamura at the wheel, on his way to another Universal Baseball event. He transports the game to venues all around Japan.