Rogge: MLB Players needed for Olympics 2016 bid
On Saturday MLB.com interviewed IOC president Jacques Rogge at the bronze medal game of the Baseball tournament in Beijing between Team USA and Japan. He said, that the MLB needs to consider allowing Major League players at the Olympic Games.
“To be on the Olympic program is an issue where you need universality as much as possible. You need to have a sport with a following, you need to have the best players and you need to be in strict compliance with WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). And these are the qualifications that have to be met.”
On the chances of Baseball and Softball to get reinstated in 2009 at the IOC congress: “We will consider the possibility for baseball to come back as softball also is considered next year in October. Baseball and softball will have to compete with five other sports. There is no hierarchy. That’s something that will be decided by our committee after reviewing all of the factors.”
