A Summer of Cultural Exchange
Two international athletes, Sho Ono from Japan and Miguel Salazar from Venezuela, joined the Nevada Griffons this summer, bringing a global perspective to the club’s roster.
Ono noted the contrast between the disciplined, practice‑heavy environment of Japanese baseball and the more improvisational style he encountered in the United States, while Salazar adjusted his game plan to fit the American approach to hitting and fielding.
Living with host families added a personal dimension to the experience; the Hawks family learned to cook rice from scratch with Ono, and the Butler family felt a renewed connection to the game through hosting Salazar.
Both players highlighted the warmth of their hosts, describing how shared meals, weekend outings and everyday conversations turned Nevada into a home away from home.
Their stories underscore a broader theme of cultural exchange, where sport serves as a bridge between continents and generations, promising friendships that will endure beyond the final inning.