Pesäpallo
Finland's national bat-and-ball sport — vertical pitching and a zigzag base run make it faster than baseball.
👥9 per team🌤outdoor
What is Pesäpallo?
Pesäpallo ("nest ball") is the national sport of Finland. Devised by Lauri Pihkala in the 1920s as an evolution of baseball, it uses vertical pitching (the ball is dropped straight up) and a zigzag base run around home, first, second and third. Fielders play a more prominent role and matches are contested over two innings.
Quick facts
Category
Ball Sports
Type
Team sport
Players
9 per team
Where played
outdoor
Country of origin
🇫🇮 Finland
Estimated origin
1920s Finland (Lauri Pihkala)
Olympic
No
Popularity
regional
Sources & provenance
Last verified 2026-08-20.verified