Makin' a pitch for a higher profile

For MLB China, that's a big plus.

"I don't have detailed statistics, but I believe many Chinese who wear MLB caps do not know too much about the Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers ... but they want those caps because they represent fashion," said Qi.

"The people buying the caps and jackets are all potential baseball fans. Initially, they just like the logo. Then maybe they learn about the Yankees, the Dodgers or other teams. They want to know about them. That's when they start to have more contact with baseball and start to become actual fans."

MLB is also attracting the younger generation through promotional activities, baseball carnivals and e-sports competitions.

According to Qi, MLB staged its first e-sports tournament in China this year.

Eight teams competed in the seven-stop tournament, with the final in Shanghai last month.

"Gamers can experience very real baseball matches," Qi said. "Many of them might not know too much about baseball, but through e-sports they learn about the rules and the strategy. The aim is to attract young people and teach them baseball."

This year also marked the return of the China National Baseball League (CNBL). The rebranded professional circuit, comprised of four teams, played a total of 42 games.

Originally established in 2002, the competition was suspended in 2011 and again in 2017 due to a lack of funding and exposure.

With the CNBL's return, MLB has offered its help in growing the competition. Qi said MLB's priority is to use its 100 years of expertise to help grow the domestic league's profile and make it more professional and entertaining.

"The CNBL is doing its best to be more professional," league commissioner Qin Xiaowen said at the end of the season.

"We have to focus on the promotion of baseball culture to let more people enjoy our matches.

"We have to let the younger generation see the potential and the future of baseball in China, and we have to make our fields and facilities meet international standards and make our games more entertaining and enjoyable."