Transplanted Cherries

This chapter documents the formative years of the Japanese in the United States, as well as the initial pioneers of Nikkei who came to prominence during this time. Though many would travel to the United States with optimism on their minds and baseball in their hearts, all of their optimism could not overshadow the depths of resentment Asians faced upon their arrival to North America. Among the many challenges this first generation (Issei) of immigrants faced, the Immigration Act of 1924 proved to be one of the direst. While depleting the Issei of what little rights they had, the Immigration Act also hastened the need to properly train their offspring, the Nisei, to understand and appreciate the trappings of their generation. Yet the Issei in many ways continued to thrive, and there are many among the first and second generations who continue to love baseball.