When thinking of the X-Men, it's hard not to immediately think about the ongoing trials and tribulations the team has faced, both externally and internally. For example, one day, they may be facing a Sentinel attack on their doorstep, and the other, they have to balance the morality of a decision Professor X made against their knowledge. As a result, lighthearted moments are in short supply, even on the island nation of Krakoa. But when there's time for the heroes to let their hair down, they have the best way to do it: Baseball. In fact, this pastime has been around their ranks for as early as the Chris Claremont era of the series.

In Uncanny X-Men #110 (by Chris Claremont and Tony DeZuniga), the issue started with the current team taking a break from superheroism to play a friendly game of baseball. Like all great stories, moments like these were merely a way to usher in a more serious plotline for the issue. That said, this particular moment stuck as Claremont would have the team return to the game for decades. Now, even on Krakoa, the team has continued to play ball and shown readers the importance of why they do it and why it should be a constant no matter what.

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Why Are the X-Men's Baseball Games Different?

X Men First Baseball Game

While baseball has remained a sport that's easy to understand and airtight in terms of how the rules could be conducted, the X-Men weren't afraid to let particular rules change just to make things more interesting. For example, a major standout of the game was that powers were allowed no matter what. That meant that depending on who was on the team, a home run could be a guarantee every time or an opportunity to create something interesting. For example, even if a batter hits the ball, a telekinetic could manipulate the ball either way. It may cause some frustrations, but it lent itself to equal laughter and lighthearted fun.

There have also been instances where the line between a normal game of baseball and an enhanced version of the game was far more evident. In Uncanny X-Men #201 (by Chris Claremont and Rick Leonardi), a game of baseball led to Colossus hitting the ball while in his armored form which sent the ball high enough to almost hit an airplane. Thankfully, Rogue flew up and caught the ball, making for a fun comedic moment. Allowing powers in the X-Men's baseball games allowed for things that other teams' games with the Avengers couldn't. They could cut loose with little risk by playing with their kind and using their abilities. As a result, readers are then treated to fun and funny moments that allow for a breather from all the chaos. Nevertheless, the fundamentals were established and maintained way back in Uncanny X-Men #110.

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Baseball Is the Perfect Pastime For the X-Men

X-Men X-Terminators Baseball 1

Unlike contact sports like football and sparring, baseball has remained an equalizer in terms of allowing its players to play without the risk of hurting one another. While some feelings could be hurt, what made these games special was that they doubled as team-building exercises. Whether they knew it or not, the X-Men were working together to improve themselves and communicate effectively, and those lessons could likely save their lives in the future. Furthermore, those with concerns could discuss them in a relaxed environment that may make finding a solution easier or off a chance to get counsel from a senior teammate.

No matter the reason, baseball has always been an iconic and perfect pastime for the X-Men, and with each game, their overall team synergy has continued to grow. In the end, some X-Men may not always remain friends and may even betray one another at some point in the future. But for a fleeting moment, baseball allows the team to put aside their difficult lives and work together to succeed in having fun. It reminds them that things don't have to be so series and has allowed white powers a chance to be set free for the sake of the game. Overall, baseball may not be the most expected pastime for the team, but it's one that's just as much a part of the X-Men as the Xs on their belts.