Eight thousand Olympic Torch Bearers will carry the flame on an eight thousand mile journey throughout Britain next year before the torch finally comes to rest in Olympic Park — and Manchester Softball League Head Harry Somers and Norman Wells, Honorary President of the Liverpool Trojans Baseball Club, have been selected by a special Sport England panel to be among them.

Long and winding road

LOCOG, the London Games organisers, recently announced the route that the torch will follow between May 19 and July 27, when it will pass through 1,018 cities, towns and villages. On the last day of the 70-day relay it will travel down the River Thames to Olympic Park for the Opening Ceremony.

According to LOCOG, the torch will come within 10 miles of 95% of the population. It will go through every English county and every local authority area in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Harry Somers

Harry Somers has been an active volunteer throughout the 20-year history of the Manchester Softball League (MSL). He has had a significant impact in several volunteer roles, and has been League Head for the last three years, during which time the MSL was awarded the League Glover Cup by the British Softball Federation for progressive development.

Harry has been a popular leader of the rapidly growing 27-team league. In addition to his role as League Head, Harry collates statistics from every game and makes them available online within hours, a service hugely appreciated by MSL players.

Another of Harry’s contributions is the weekly production of the MSL publication “Bases Loaded”, formerly known as the MSL Review. This high-quality publication is used in a variety of ways to celebrate league success, improve players’ game knowledge and most importantly to promote a community feeling within the MSL.

Harry Somers also played a key role in securing funding and overseeing the construction of the first purpose-built softball diamond in the North of England at Parrs Wood School and Sports Centre in Didsbury. The diamond, which has a dirt infield and permanent outfield fence, has played a key role in attracting new players to the MSL, and the GB Slowpitch Team plans to hold training sessions on the field.

Norman Wells

Norman Wells has been an active baseball player, coach and volunteer since 1946 as a founder member of the Liverpool Trojans and he is still involved as a scorer and avid spectator. His leadership, determination and drive helped re-form the Trojans after the club struggled in the late 1950s.

Norman’s vision, and the quality of baseball on Merseyside, led the club to five consecutive national finals and three British championships between 1976 and 1980 and the club continues to compete regularly at national finals.

His enthusiasm and passion for the club sees him still involved as Honorary President and at the age of 90 he scored the opening game of the Trojans’ season in 2011.

This year, Norman’s efforts have been recognised with Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by Sefton Borough Council in October and at the Merseyside Sporting Champions dinner in Liverpool on November 4.

His service to baseball has also been recognised by his peers through the highest accolade in his sport when he was inducted into the inaugural class of the British Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Few volunteers in British baseball and softball have worked as hard or done as much over a long period of time as Harry Somers and Norman Wells, and their selection as Olympic Torch Bearers is a well-earned reward.

Events Awarded, Partnerships Enhanced, Honors Given at Biennial Gathering

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Four busy days of softball business concluded here tonight at the International Softball Federation’s XXV Congress, marking the first time in ten years that the event has taken place in the United States. Delegates from exactly 70 countries were on-hand for meetings covering both on- and off-field activity.

The adjournment of the meeting at the Oklahoma City Marriott was preceded by the awarding of the next ISF Congress (2013). In electronic balloting, Cartagena, Colombia, won a close vote over Prague, Czech Republic.

The day began with a presentation by International World Games Association President Ron Froelich, who talked about the multi-sport event that softball (women’s fast pitch) was a part of in 2009 (Taiwan) and will again be on the programme of in two years (Cali, Colombia). Mr. Froelich is also a member of the International Olympic Committee’s Programme Commission and made remarks during a forum yesterday on softball’s Olympic reinstatement efforts, as one of the eight sports on the shortlist announced this past July by the IOC for the 2013 vote on the 2020 Games Programme.

Following Mr. Froelich’s presentation, the delegates heard from representatives of Special Olympics, with whom the ISF signed a partnership agreement in June. ISF President Don Porter and ISF 1st Vice President Dale McMann then awarded the ISF Medal of Honor – the highest recognition given by the world governing body – to Special Olympics, who was represented by Samantha Powell, a Special Olympics softball athlete from Oklahoma City, in accepting the honor.

Other honorees coming out of this session are the latest class elected by the ISF Hall of Fame Commission and approved by the full Congress. They include:
PLAYERS: Peta Edebone (Australia), Linda Marie Ford (Bahamas), Paul Maisey (Australia), Robert “Chubb” Tangaroa (New Zealand), Ray Tilley (Canada), Gina Weber (New Zealand)

COACHES: Alfred “Ali” Culmer (Bahamas), Bob Harrow (Australia), Ramon Lopez (Venezuela), Hung-Cheng Tseng (Chinese Taipei)

ADMINISTRATORS: Juan Manuel Arambula (Mexico), Franco Caverzan (Venezuela), Guller Eriksen (Denmark)

MERITORIOUS SERVICE: Russell Moffat (New Zealand)

The Congress also gave their support to the continuation of talks with the International Baseball Federation to explore the possibility of a joint Olympic reinstatement bid.

In addition to the next Congress, other host cities chosen for future ISF events were Haarlem, Netherlands (2014 Women’s World Championship), Whitehorse, Yukon (Canada) (2014 Jr. Men’s World Championship), and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada) (2015 Men’s World Championship).

South Africa, the host of next month’s ISF IX Jr. Women’s World Championship (19-and-under, fast pitch), also gave a presentation today, updating the delegates on the progress of the 16-nation tournament that gets underway in 37 days.

The ISF is the world governing body of the sport as recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and SportAccord (formerly the General Association of International Sports Federations). Softball (women’s fast pitch) made its Olympic debut at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. There are 128 affiliated countries in the ISF and millions of participants in the sport worldwide.

However while the Congress said yes, a joint agreement hasn’t been signed yet. So we still have to wait and hope for the best. The IOC will decide about the 2020 Sports in the summer of 2013. in other news, the 2014 Women’s Softball World Championship was awarded to the Netherlands and the 2013 ISF Congress to Colombia (75-73 votes against Prague).

Press Release International Baseball Federation, www.ibaf.org

“We need to regain that status”.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers President Peter O’Malley sent a message to IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari recently to remember that on October 13, 1986 baseball became a medal sport in the Olympics.

“The message by Mr O’Malley made me happy. Olympic Reinstatment is our goal” commented Riccardo Fraccari “And I am convinced that baseball has a better chance if persons like Mr O’Malley support our cause”.

IBAF is campaigning to have baseball returend to the Olympic Games as a medal sport. The IBAF website contains a section dedicated to the Olympic movement and baseball, and can be found through the following link.

Follow the IBAF on Facebook and Twitter

ISF President Says “We’ve Never Given Up On Restoring Dreams”

PLANT CITY, FLORIDA (USA) — Having returned to the world headquarters from last week’s International Olympic Committee Session in South Africa, International Softball Federation President Don Porter today expressed great joy on the sport being back in the running for a spot on the Olympic Games programme.

“Without question we are thrilled to have softball on the IOC’s shortlist for the candidate sports for 2020,” the ISF president said. “That being said, the real victory, of course, would be a decision in our favor come 2013 when the vote is taken on which sport the IOC will add for the Summer Olympics.”

Mr. Porter added that, “We’ve never given up on restoring dreams. Just as the athletes give it their all on the field, we must ensure that we make every effort to return softball to the Games so that a new era of players can get the chance to compete on the biggest stage like others did in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008.”

The ISF president stated that, “Softball brings so much to the Olympic Movement. We know that the IOC wants a sport whose best athletes will compete at the Games. It should go without saying that a sport clear of doping problems is a must. And a sport that is global, relevant, and not financially burdensome to the host organizing committee round out the attributes that have been stated as being of prime importance. We are confident that softball delivers on all of those criteria.”

Mr. Porter noted that an ISF Olympic Legacy Committee had already been formed this year in anticipation of the shortlist announcement, with ISF Secretary General Ms. Low Beng Choo as the chairperson. He said that convincing the IOC that softball should be the one sport that they add in 2013 for the 2020 Games will be a global effort that will require and involve support from not only the worldwide softball community and the ISF’s current 127 member national federations, but others from within the Olympic Family, National Olympic Committees, sports ministries, media, government, and the corporate sector, “who we need to win over.”

Already there are over 23,000 followers at www.facebook.com/BackSoftball, which is set to become the digital headquarters for the Olympic reinstatement campaign.

About the ISF
The ISF is the world governing body of the sport as recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and SportAccord (formerly the General Association of International Sports Federations). Softball (women’s fast pitch) made its Olympic debut at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. There are 127 affiliated countries in the ISF and millions of participants in the sport worldwide.

DURBAN, South Africa—After six hours of Executive Board meetings and leading up to the 123rd International Olympic Committee Session, IOC President Jacques Rogge headed a press conference last night where he announced that eight sports would be put under evaluation for possible inclusion onto the Summer Programme of the 2020 Olympic Games.

Baseball, Karate, roller sports, softball, sports climbing, squash, wakeboard and wushu were among the sports shortlisted, while bowling, dance, netball and surfing were cut from the initial list of 12 sports.

“Obviously, the current IBAF administration is very happy with the announcement of the IOC, but as we have learned from the past, this is only the first step of a very long and hard road,” said International Baseball Federation President Riccardo Fraccari in response to receiving the official news that baseball made the shortlist.

The IOC Executive Board confirmed that its members analyzed baseball, softball and all other prospective sports separately in generating the shortlist, while also confirming that only one of these sports could be added to the 2020 Olympic Programme.

IOC President Rogge indicated in the press conference that the Executive Board did not examine the “potential” for a joint-bid by the international baseball and softball federations.

However, President Rogge pointed out that this does not eliminate the possibility for the International Softball Federation and International Baseball Federation to “merge” their efforts into a single bid at a future time.

According to IBAF President Fraccari, the merger would be the most effective way to wage a campaign.

“It is now important that baseball and softball come up with a joint project as soon as possible to combine efforts and increase the odds of returning onto the Olympic Programme—it is our obligation to consider the best interests of our sports,” stated Fraccari.

President Fraccari also suggested that “together, baseball and softball meet all the requirements for inclusion onto the Olympic Programme.”

The final decision on which sport will be included will be voted upon in September 2013 at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires.

President Fraccari addresses National Federations to consolidate Olympic Reinstatement Campaign

The 119 national members federations, the global baseball community will need to play a strong role in baseball’s reinstatement ambitions

Lausanne, June 22, 2011

On the eve of Olympic Day, the President of the International Baseball Federation, Riccardo Fraccari, issued the following statement to baseball’s national federations:

“The International Baseball Federation is leading the campaign for the return of our sport onto the program of the 2020 Olympic Games. The success of this campaign will need the support of the entire baseball community, especially the strong collaboration of the National Federations. All of our efforts must be well-coordinated to maximize and amplify our message that our sport encourages Olympism and that our values are in line with the Olympic movement.

“It will be on On July 4th of this year that the IOC Executive Board will officially select a small number of sports to begin thoroughly evaluating for possible inclusion onto the 2020 Olympic Programme, and our institution remains optimistic about the initial hurdle. Further ahead at IOC Session in 2013 in Buenos Aires, the Programme will be finalized. During this important period under evaluation, we must clearly demonstrate that the development of baseball would be greatly enhanced and impacted, if it were resubmitted onto the Programme. Additionally, we need to refer to the benefits and growth of our sport due to the fact that it was an Olympic medal sport from 1992-2008. At the same time, we must prove that baseball will add value to the Olympic Games—and not simply commercial value, but with ideals like inclusiveness, tradition, sportsmanship and excellence, to name a few.

“I can confirm that this is not just a campaign of the IBAF; this is a campaign that invites the entire baseball family to participate and become active by engaging the international sports community. But before we act on behalf of Baseball’s Olympic Reinstatement Campaign, I strongly suggest that all of our communications in its name share a common theme, which will help to give an image that our movement is serious, well-directed and well-coordinated. At this moment, ALL OF US can immediately implement the use of the official reinstatement logo on all official communications (newsletters, outgoing e-mails, letterheads, etc.), which will allow us to gain exposure quickly and with no impact on budget figures.

“In the future, we will be organizing press conferences and activities at strategic locations/events to further promote and strengthen the reinstatement campaign. We will need to keep the entire community aware of these events to help publicize and become involved in them. We started out with a successful campaign launch in Taipei that was well covered by the press. We need to continue on this momentum together in order to accelerate this process and gain as much exposure as possible.

“With regard to digital media, the IOC closely watches the activity and checks the number of ‘followers’ of respective International Federations on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Therefore, we also need to refer as many people to IBAF through these channels. The IBAF office is preparing instructions for everybody in this regard, as well.

“Also for your awareness, a page dedicated to the reinstatement campaign is currently being constructed at ibaf.org. This will be a point of reference for our movement and we will be able to link to this site. Upon completion, the IBAF office will forward everybody the exact address of the webpage.”

Taipei City, Chinese Taipei – The Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA), in conjunction with the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and Ministry of Sport have announced the beginning of its Olympic Reinstatement Campaign.

Present at the press conference was Mrs. Tai, Shia-Ling – Minister of Sports, Mr. Thomas W. Tsai – President Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, Mr. Riccardo Fraccari – President IBAF, Mr. Chen, Tai-Cheng – President CTBA, Mr. Tom C.H. Peng -Member at large IBAF and Kao, Chih-Kang Athletes representative and Two-time Olympic baseball participant.

The campaign includes full support at the highest levels, including the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports, the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association and the IBAF. Mrs Tai, the Minister of Sports noted about baseball,

“A sports worthy to be part of the Olympic movement, as a sport that promotes health, builds character and Sportsmanship” said the Minister of Sports.

In conjunction with high-level support, the campaign also features fan level activities, notably banners in all 130-train stations across Chinese Taipei allowing fans of the game and Olympic Baseball the opportunity to sign to indicate support for reinstatement.

IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari had the opportunity to address the press conference, applauding the efforts of Chinese Taipei, and emphasizing the need for continued globally coordinated action, especially with the looming decision of the IOC Executive Board scheduled for July 4th. (The day when the IOC executive board will decide which sports will be a candidate for the 32nd Olympiad in 2020.) President Fraccari also stressed the need to clearly demonstrate that baseball is inclusive and accessible, includes all types of athletes be it males, females, youth, adults, and athletes with disabilities.

The IBAF and President Fraccari will return to Chinese Taipei in July, for the IBAF 12U Baseball World Championship.

IBAF AND ISF MEET TO DISCUSS COLLABORATION ON JOINT PROPOSAL TO REINSTATE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL ONTO THE OLYMPIC PROGRAMME

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – The International Softball Federation (ISF) and the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), which are separate and independent international federations recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as governing their respective sports, announced today that they have agreed to explore the feasibility of collaborating on a single, joint presentation to the IOC seeking to restore softball and baseball onto the programme of the Olympic Games in 2020.

The IOC and the Local Olympic Organizing Committees (LOOCs) have faced increasing financial and organizational pressures in recent years as a result of the growth of the Olympic Games and the accompanying new venues and numbers of athletes that must be accommodated. In a 2005 vote undertaken with a view to controlling the size of future Olympic Games, softball and baseball were dropped from the 2012 Olympic Games programme and subsequently were not reinstated in a 2009 vote for the 2016 programme.

Mindful of the concerns and pressures facing the IOC and the LOOCs, the IBAF and ISF are analyzing the savings and the reduced impact that may be derived from a combined proposal that women’s softball and men’s baseball share a venue and share space in the Olympic Village for the Summer Games in 2020.

Should an agreement be reached to work together, the ISF and the IBAF believe that they would be able to demonstrate compelling reasons why, under such a proposal, their respective sports should be reinstated onto the Olympic programme.

The IBAF and the ISF would work closely with the IOC to assure that any joint proposal would accomplish their goals in a manner that complies with the Olympic Charter.

The ISF and the IBAF will meet again, perhaps as soon as next week’s SportAccord convention in London, to talk further about the possibility of the two federations working together on such a proposal.

About the IBAF
Founded in 1938 and Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland the Olympic Capital, the International Baseball Federation is a non-¬governmental organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering baseball at the world level. The IBAF works to develop and grow the game of baseball globally and is currently composed of 119 National Member Federations.

About the ISF
Headquartered in Plant City, Florida (USA), the ISF is the world governing body of the sport as recognized by the International Olympic Committee and SportAccord (formerly the General Association of International Sports Federations). Softball (women’s fast pitch) made its Olympic debut at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. There are 127 affiliated countries in the ISF and millions of participants in the sport worldwide.

Baseball and the Olympic Games was the theme today as the IBAF’s Olympic Reinstatement Commission (ORC) met for the first time in San Marino. Hosted by the San Marino Olympic Committee’s president Angelo Vicini, the event was also attended by IBAF president Riccardo Fraccari, 1st vice president Kazuhiro Tawa, 3rd vice president Antonio Castro and executive director Roberto Fabbricini.

The purpose of the meeting was to map out the path the IBAF will take in its reinstatement campaign, introduce the membership structure of the commission and discuss the major topics associated with the campaign including the relationship with softball, professional baseball, anti-doping and global baseball development.

Softball – Baseball relations was a key component of the discussion, and included a summary of the latest developments which include the International Softball Federation (ISF) communicating to the IBAF its intention to take part in meetings to discuss the best course of action for the Olympic reinstatement campaign. The path is in part based on the recent developments in Asia where baseball-softball’s joint proposal was submitted to OCA for the inclusion of both sports in 2014 Asian Games.

The positive news truly enhances baseball and softballs position in regards to a possible 2020 inclusion as a medal sport.

The commission composition will look to embrace the global nature of the game by including members from each continent who understand all the facets of the game of baseball, and posses an understanding of ideals of the Olympic movement.

“The main objective of IBAF at this time is to bring baseball back to the Olympic program in 2020. This is essential for IBAF but especially for the Federations. Staying out of the Olympic movement inevitably damages the image of the game but also the business of developing the game. The path back to the Olympic program is now clearer, especially thanks to a developing agreement with softball allowing both baseball and softball greater definition and strength in terms of universality. The involvement of the professional leagues is also a key factor, and their strides to allow best available players to participate in the Olympic Games and generate greater interest in the Olympic competition are a major milestone on the way to reentry. The mistake that was made in the past was to think that baseball is just an American sport. As a matter of fact, we have very strong teams in baseball in Asia and it is growing rapidly in Europe. I am satisfied with the work done here in San Marino, and the path implemented to achieve universal goals starts from a small state thanks to Angelo Vicini, who is a great authority in international baseball.” Stated IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari.

“I think this Commission has taken the path in the right direction. One of the things that we should not forget to bring us closer to the Olympic Games is to involve all nations. For this we have established contacts in the Middle East where you can find a phase of development of the game of baseball” Antonio Castro IBAF 3rd Vice-President:

“Baseball in the Olympics is a major challenge. Starting from this meeting to get prepared for further meetings with the IOC to be held in July. The path will not be an easy path but it seems there are already some positive answers for us. We must think of baseball as a global discipline, avoid conflicts with professional leagues and work with the softball. I am very pleased to know that this path starts from San Marino, I am very pleased that IBAF recognizes to us an important role in the world of baseball.” Angelo Vicini Presidente Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Sammarinese

About the International Baseball Federation (IBAF)
Founded in 1938, the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) is a non-governmental organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering men’s and women’s baseball at the world level. Located in Lausanne, Switzerland – the Olympic Capital – and counting 125 National Member Federations, the IBAF organises the IBAF Men’s and Women’s Baseball World Cup, the AAA (18U) and AA (16U) World Championships, the Olympic Games Baseball Tournament, and it sanctions the World Baseball Classic, among other international baseball tournaments. The IBAF works to develop and grow the game of baseball around the world. For more information, please visit IBAF.org.

Lausanne, Switzerland – The IBAF today introduced key members of President Fraccari’s executive to IOC President Jacque Rogge and IOC Sports Department Director Christophe Dubi at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne. The meeting is the first official meeting between the two organizations since the inauguration of President Fraccari and his Executive at the end of 2009. Accompanying President Fraccari (ITA) for the IBAF included 3rd Vice President Antonio Castro (CUB), Secretary General Israel Roldan (PUR), Treasurer Rene Laforce (BEL) and the Executive Director Roberto Fabbricini (ITA).

The meeting provided the group the opportunity to introduce a number of key issues to the IOC President such as the activities of the organization during the first year of their elected mandate, the structure of the IBAF administration (and how they relate to Olympic movement), and finally the IBAF’s ambition to be reinstated onto the Olympic Programme. Key items introduced include;

• An overview of baseball development and the organizations participating in the growth of the game globally including internationally active youth baseball organizations such as Little League, Pony Baseball & Babe Ruth Baseball in conjunction with professional baseball and their relationship to the recently re-activated IBAF development commission.

• The strengthened relationship with professional baseball, including the United States based Major League Baseball, Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, Korea’s KBO and Chinese Taipei’s CPBL. The confirmed support of professional baseball to the Olympic Ideals and baseballs place as a medal sport in the Olympic Games. In conjunction with this, the proposed plans to overhaul and develop the tournament structure in future IBAF Competitions

• The continued presence of anti-doping in the baseball landscape, including the ‘Zero Positive’ results over the course of the 2010 IBAF tournament schedule despite extensive in-and-out of competition testing. Also of importance, the IBAF anti-doping education program and its role in IBAF non-senior level events to educate the champions of tomorrow.

• The improved presence of baseball in the process of ‘Peace and Sport’ and ‘Development through Sport’. Of particular note, IBAF participation in the recent ‘Peace and Sport’ conference, and the planned development through sport project in Columbia.

• The growing success of Women’s baseball, most notably the recent Women’s Baseball World Cup in Venezuela, including capacity crowds and tournament fan totals over 200,000.

The ‘Olympic Reinstatement’ campaign will be introduced to the global sports community during the upcoming Sport Accord Convention, to be held in London at the beginning of April. The event will also provide a forum for a follow up meeting between the IBAF and the IOC to reinforce the topics presented at today’s meeting.

About the International Baseball Federation (IBAF)
Founded in 1938, the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) is a non-governmental organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering men’s and women’s baseball at the world level. Located in Lausanne, Switzerland – the Olympic Capital – and counting 125 National Member Federations, the IBAF organizes the IBAF Men’s and Women’s Baseball World Cup, the AAA (18U) and AA (16U) World Championships, the Olympic Games Baseball Tournament, and it sanctions the World Baseball Classic, among other international baseball tournaments. The IBAF works to develop and grow the game of baseball around the world. For more information, please visit IBAF.org.

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) with presidents Harvey Schiller and Riccardo Fraccari up in front has made several attempts in the last couple of years to present a joint Olympic reinstatement bid together with Softball. But ISF President Don Porter either didn’t respond altogether or countered with moves like encouraging European Softball Federations to become independent from Baseball, even though this isn’t working on the old continent with tight relationships between the two sports.

It is now nearly one year ago that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) chose to select Golf and Rugby as replacements for Baseball and Softball in the 2016 Olympic programme. However both sports still haven’t given up and hope that the Olympic family changes its mind. But this isn’t going to work when Softball continues to be so stubborn and thinks it is better off without Baseball’s help. If Porter and the ISF continue to go this path, Softball is in danger to die outside of the United States.

Press Release International Softball Federation:

SOFTBALL MOVING FORWARD ON ITS OWN

Olympic Reinstatement Efforts Will Continue as Independent Sport

PLANT CITY, FLORIDA (USA) – “The (International Softball Federation) has always acted as an independent sport, and presently plans to continue that internationally accepted practice.” That statement was part of a letter that Don Porter, the president of the sports’ world governing body, sent recently to International Baseball Federation President Riccardo Fraccari. The communication was intended to make clear softball’s position as it relates to seeking to be re-admitted to the programme of the Summer Olympics.

Mr. Fraccari had written to Mr. Porter stating that a joint baseball-softball bid is the “only way back into the Olympic program.” Last month at a meeting in Venezuela the ISF president received the unanimous support of the Board of Directors to continue plans to re-present softball – both women’s and men’s fast pitch – for consideration for the 2020 Olympic Games. A decision on the sports for that programme will be made in 2013.

Mr. Porter noted in his letter to the IBAF president that, “Softball has been an independently governed sport for many years and its independent and separate proposal was accepted in 1991 by the (International Olympic Committee) when softball was added to the Olympic programme beginning in 1996.”

He further noted that, “Softball, on its own, meets all criteria for inclusion as an Olympic medal sport, a position it has enjoyed through the 2008 Games in Beijing, which completed softball’s fourth Olympiad as a medal sport.”

The ISF ran a “BackSoftball” campaign aimed at getting the sport reinstated for the 2016 Olympics but was not among the two sports on the IOC Executive Board’s shortlist recommended last August for addition to those Games. Softball had first been left off the programme of the 2012 Olympics following a tie vote at the IOC Session in Singapore in July 2005.

Lausanne, CH- 21 April, 2010

PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT
International Baseball Federation President Riccardo Fraccari issued the following statement regarding the death of Juan Antonio Samaranch:

“On behalf of the International Baseball Federation, I am saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Juan Antonio Samaranch. We send our most sincere thoughts and support to his family during this difficult time, and I am sure the greater Olympic community echoes our sympathy and condolences. I had the pleasure to meet and work with Juan on many occasions, and I can say he was a very genuine and charismatic person, whose support for the sport of baseball will always be appreciated and will not be forgotten by me or the International Baseball Federation. “

We already received a press release from last weekend’s first meeting of the executive committee of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) with confirmation on Rome’s ballpark plans and the appointment of Roberto Fabbricini as new executive director. Riccardo Schiroli published a few more notes on FIBS.it.

• The IBAF is going to introduce commissions for development, competition, umpiring, scoring, marketing and media, legal matters and the return to the Olympics. Anna Maria Paini was appointed chairman for scoring, while Augusto Gustavo Rodriguez heads the umpires. The other commissions will be named during the next meeting of the executive committee on June 12th, although IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari already announced that he will lead the Olympics commission.

• Fraccari emphasized that Baseball is not only an American, but global sport. He sees the IBAF like a car with the office being the engine. He was satisfied with the talks with the professional leagues in the past couple of weeks. They are also going to review the relationship with the continental confederations to transform them into true continental offices of the IBAF. In his program before the elections last fall, Fraccari had expressed his will to create continental confederations, which are clearly affiliated to the IBAF (IBAF Europe, IBAF America,…).

• The 2010 Intercontinental Cup will be held in Taiwan according to Honkbalsite.com. The Netherlands already have received an invitation for the tournament, which will be held from October 23rd to 31st. The KNBSB hasn’t decided yet, if they will make the trip. FIBS.it also says that currently the Czech Republic, Japan, Korea, Nicaragua and title holder Cuba have confirmed their participation.

• Taiwan also has submitted its candidacy for the 2011 Baseball World Cup. They already were host in 2001 and 2007. One task of the aforementioned competition commission also will be to assess the current formats of international tournaments and to make sure that for example a Baseball World Cup and the World Baseball Classic aren’t going to be scheduled in the same year.

Photo: © Ratti/FIBS

PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT

Two months have passed since I was elected into IBAF’s Office of the President, and I now deem it appropriate to render an official statement sharing my vision of the sport of baseball and its association with the Olympic Games.

Under the new administration, the IBAF will remain steadfastly committed to baseball’s reinstatement to the Olympic program. Support from the IOC is crucial for the IBAF and the national federations in order to strengthen a number of initiatives in baseball’s emerging nations. Thus, we must work diligently to earn the support of the IOC, if we are to continue to grow and develop our sport around the globe efficiently.

We are well aware of the obstacles that must be overcome to recapture Olympic status; however, I believe we are ready to effectively deal with such issues as Anti-Doping, participation of the best players, female discipline and global scheduling. Baseball will be able to play a leading role in the Olympic Games within the framework of the Olympic movement.

To better address these matters, the IBAF will create a commission wholly dedicated to baseball’s reinstatement onto the Olympic program. As IBAF president, I will directly lead this commission, along with high ranking officials from around the world. The commission will be officially established after the Executive Committee meeting that will take place in Rome on February 20. We will keep the World Baseball Community abreast of the developments that arise from this newly formed commission.

As I mentioned in my statement after the election, we will be met with numerous challenges, but I am convinced that we can overcome our current predicament and achieve our goal of bringing baseball back to Olympics.

Riccardo Fraccari
President
IBAF

by www.baseballeurope.com

The German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB) in Frankfurt is bidding for the Winter Olympics 2018 in Munich. During their last Meeting on January 23rd the Executive Committee of CEB took a picture in front of the bidding poster to show their support.

Excerpts:

Will baseball want to try to regain Olympic status after the snub in Copenhagen?
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That is for the new administration to decide.  My feeling is it is not worth the effort and the cost.  The cost should go into developing the game at the grassroots level.  If the Olympics wanted baseball – baseball would still be in the Games.

The loss of Olympic funding will have an effect on baseball worldwide. In many ways MLB steps in and does far more good development work than it is given credit for. What do you think will happen to those countries that will be the hardest hit by the lack of Olympic support?
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I think it will have some effect but not the huge effect that it will have on other sports.  MLB and some of the other professional leagues don’t get the credit for all they have done in the past to fund the growth of baseball around the world on the development side.
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The federations benefited more from those monies than from the spend of the local governments, so the focus should be on working to develop cost-efficient programmes in key areas, working with the professional leagues, and to go from there.
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Baseball is a multi-billion dollar industry and is a game for all that will continue to grow, and I believe that a good part of that growth will come from emerging countries who now have an interest in the game where they did not before.

Read the complete interview at Sportsfeatures.com

MDN: You tried to get baseball reinstated in the 2016 Games. You weren’t able to persuade the IOC. How frustrating was it?
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HS: It was horrible. Because the rules kept changing on how the sports were going to get picked. (IOC) President Jacques Rogge changed the rules, and he said we’ll leave it up to the executive committee. And once that happened, it was clear the focus of the IOC leadership was to bring in sports like rugby and golf — softball and baseball suffered.
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I would hope that it’s not over for 2016. Now that the Games are going to be in the Americas (Rio de Janeiro), with the strong support from the Latin nations and the Pan-American sports organization, perhaps there’d be some consideration for baseball in 2016 again.

Read the full interview at www.mediapost.com

Several IOC members, including the former WADA chairman Dick Pound criticized the selection process. The Canadian voiced his displeasure in the British newspaper Telegraph:

“The fact is we were not allowed to consider all seven sports. That’s a mistake, it’s not fair to the other five sports, and because we do not know why this was decided it is not a transparent process. The session was asking for guidance not a decision that would be take it or leave it.”

IBAF president Dr. Harvey Schiller, who is near the end of his term at the top of the International Baseball Federation, traveled to Copenhagen last week and together with CEB president Martin Miller, he made a final push to get Baseball back into the Olympic program. But as expected it didn’t lead to something.

On Thursday he posted on his blog at IBAF.org:

Tomorrow, the IOC Congress in Copenhagen will vote on the two sports forwarded to the Congress by the IOC Executive Committee. Once again, only these two sports will be considered for the 2016 program, no others! If either Golf or Rugby fail, there will be no substitutions made by the Congress. Martin Miller and I visited with many IOC members this past week in Copenhagen to support our Baseball efforts. Although we did receive support from many, the current rules will not allow our consideration. In addition, we did reach out to softball, again to no avail. They will remain independent under their current leadership.

In the past days, which also included the stunning first-round rejection of Chicago’s bid to become host of the 2016 Olympics, Dr. Schiller sounded more and more frustrated due to the lack of support for the Baseball campaign and the current apparent anti-American mind-set by the IOC.

Another excerpt of a blog post by Dr. Schiller:

One only has to review the events of these past years to understand the power of IOC President Rogge to appease the demands of NOC’s and sport federations to reduce the USOC share of TV and sponsor revenues . US President Obama received the strongest welcome of any world leader in Olympic history. The city of Copenhagen came to a complete halt to allow his motorcade to move to the convention hall.Chicago drops out on first round of voting. Obama is selected for Nobel Peace Prize, an award every IOC President has sought! New York City is considered the world’s home. Their bid is defeated by Madrid in 2005. The national pastime of America, Baseball, is removed as an Olympic sport despite it’s presence in 12 previuos Olympic Games! Softball, another popular sport among American girls and women, is thrown out as well. The present USOC leadership is given a vote of no confidence by all their sport bodies primarily based on their poor relations with the international sports community. Golf and Rugby Sevens are promoted by the IOC President and added to the 2016 program. No US city will probably be considered as a host til 2024 or later. As young folks say: “Hello!”

STATEMENT FROM IBAF PRESIDENT DR. HARVEY SCHILLER FOLLOWING THE SELECTION OF RIO AS THE HOST CITY FOR THE 2016 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES

“We want to congratulate Rio and the IOC on today’s selection.  As the ‘National Pastime’ of so many Latin American countries, the upside from a grassroots, brand and marketing perspective to have baseball in the 2016 games grows exponentially now, and we will remain steadfast in our belief, despite the IOC’s announcement in August, that baseball should now be strongly reconsidered for re-admission to the programme in 2016.  Baseball is growing quickly in Brazil and there is no sport that could bring more attention, marketing assistance and consistent exposure over the next seven years as a partner to the Olympic Games. We are hopeful that the efforts of the IBAF, along with our partners at MLB and COPABE, and the support we have gotten from the Organization of American States, will be revisited in the coming days. Baseball has done all that was asked, and will do whatever is necessary to both be included and be the best Olympic partner of any sport.”

An excerpt:

As Tom Hanks’ character Jimmy Dugan said in the film A League of The Own, there is “no crying in baseball.” So just over a week after the International Olympic Committee snubbed the sport’s comeback attempt for reinstatement for the 2016 Games, it will come as no surprise that the global interest and achievements of baseball have continued on unabated, showing more clearly that the IOC is missing a great game – both literally and figuratively.

Read the full article on BaseballDigest.com

August 17, 2009
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Dear Colleague,
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As you know, last Thursday we received the disappointing news that the IOC Executive Committee had chosen not to put forward baseball as one of the two sports for a general vote for the 2016 Olympics.  Although the announcement was not what we had hoped for, it certainly does not detract from the great progress the sport of baseball is making globally, nor does it minimize the great collective effort by all involved to present the best possible case for baseball’s re-instatement for the Olympics. The fact remains, now more than ever, that baseball is a vibrant, growing sport played and enjoyed by millions and is reflective of all the Olympics are supposed to stand for, whether included in the programme or not.
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First, we owe a word of thanks to all those who went above and beyond to assist us in the process leading into Thursday.  That includes all the Federations, who not only enlisted the help of their IOC members but who also rallied so much local support for us on our Facebook and website efforts, along with the many people who wrote letters to key IOC members, ranging from college coaches and administrators to government and sport officials from around the world.  The support we received was unprecedented and we are confident in the long run that it will benefit the growth of baseball, so long as we keep the momentum going.  We would also be remiss in not acknowledging and thanking those at the highest level of the sport, Major League Baseball and the NPB, for all their assistance as well. The game would be nowhere without their efforts, and the support of Commissioner Selig, President Dupuy and Players Association Executive Director Fehr, as well as all the MLB owners and staff, is greatly appreciated. Lastly, there are our staff and Executive Committee, who also did everything possible until the final minutes to rally support. Thank you all for your efforts, they did not go unnoticed.
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With regard to “what went wrong” in the Olympic process, it is probably not healthy or productive to spend much time looking back.  We effectively addressed all the questions the IOC had with regard to reinstatement.  We had unprecedented support from Major League Baseball, the Players Association and the Japanese League with regard to scheduling concessions and player availability, and even submitted a list of statements from top players to the IOC in the last week with regard to player commitment.  The one thing MLB could not do was stop the season for the 2016 Olympics, especially without knowing which city was being selected as host.  It is not a concession asked of soccer or tennis or other sports, and we did everything possible to provide the best alternative plan that would include using top players for the five day tournament. It is important to note that NOT ONE professional or top amateur player, when asked, said he would not participate in 2016 if his country qualified and he was selected.  Not one.
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We were also disappointed to see, even with all the concessions made, that a number of members of the IOC Executive Committee who said they would support baseball chose not to support the sport when the vote was taken.  Of the countries where we thought we would have had 100% support…Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, Germany and Mexico especially…we never received more than two votes per round, meaning for some reason unknown to us, even those countries where the sport is strong, officials still didn’t think that baseball should be part of the Olympic programme, despite all that we had done.   It was clear from the start of the process that several senior IOC officials were in favor of rugby and golf and many comments made on and off the record supported that fact, so perhaps that is why we did not get the votes we were anticipating and had been promised last week.
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Many have also asked about re-submitting a bid for 2020.  At this point we do not think that would be prudent for a number of reasons, the biggest of which is that baseball has now been rejected twice by the senior members of the IOC, which is a clear message that despite any changes we make, we are not part of their plan. Also contrary to what we were originally told, the two sports that made it to the vote in Copenhagen, golf and rugby, have been informed they will be part of the programme in 2020.  This was yet another clear message that the IOC has no interest in baseball. It makes much more sense to spend all our time, money and effort in continued development of the game around the world, as opposed to making futile attempts to work with a group that has no interest in partnering with baseball.
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That being said, baseball is a sport that is full of infinite possibilities and resilience.  Therefore, it is best that we look forward to what can be a very bright future.
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In just this coming month, we will continue to see championship play on many levels, from youth championships like Little League and Pony League to the much-anticipated World Cup, as well as the World Series and the Japanese Championship later in the fall.  The announcement of professional baseball returning to Australia and Israel, along with the continued growth and promotion of baseball in Italy and the Netherlands at a top level will continue to give us a growing presence in Europe, and we are very encouraged by development in emerging nations like Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and China among many others. The plans to continue to expand the World Baseball Classic are also ongoing, and there remains strong interest from several sites to host the 2010 Women’s World Cup and continue to develop baseball for girls and young women.  All of that is very positive and shows us that we are very much on the right track in growing the game with our partners.
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Do we have challenges?  Yes. We are aware that some Federations may lose some funding as a result of not being on the Olympic programme, and we remain concerned about the split that softball continues to push with federations in several countries.  However we feel that by working together and using economies of scale, identifying new partners and showing what a great social unifier the sport can be, all these problems can be overcome.  Baseball after all, is perhaps the sport that teaches teamwork and overcoming adversity better than any other.  That is what helps make it such a great game.
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In closing I want to personally thank you for your support of our efforts in my two years as President.  I am very proud of not just the effort we made, but the way we made the effort.  We did not waste money on high priced teams of consultants or advertising campaigns that were proved by other sports to be pointless and a distraction from the mission of growing the sport. Instead we concentrated on telling the stories, building consensus, aligning long term support and exposing the game to as wide an audience as possible, and those efforts, with or without the Olympics, have created a much more solid base for year round effective growth of baseball than ever existed before.
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As always, any comments, questions or thoughts are welcomed.  I hope to see you soon.
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Best regards,
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Dr. Harvey W. Schiller
President
International Baseball Federation

“Baseball is a resilient sport that is growing around the world and will continue to grow.  Unlike many sports, it’s year round presence was not just tied to the four year cycle of the Olympics, so although Olympic baseball was important, it was not essential for growth.  Don’t forget we were not in for 2012 already so our plans did not have to be altered that much.  It does also not change any priorities with support for the World Cup or any other international events, as the Olympics were seven years away and the sport will have achieved many, many new milestones in that period.  We are always looking to future growth, are excited about where the game is going for both boys and girls, and we will continue on the positive path the sport is on,” Harvey Schiller, President, IBAF

Baseball GB: Baseball and Softball’s Olympic hopes are dashed

Sports Illustrated: Baseball’s out of the Olympics, but its global expansion charges on

Statement by Major League Baseball

Seamheads.com: IOC keeps Schiller’s Team on the Bench; No Baseball in 2016 Games

Baseball America: Baseball strikes out in Olympic Bid

Baseball Softball UK: Baseball and Softball fail in Olympic Reinstatement Bid

Miami Herald: Baseball is better off without the Olympics

New York Times: IOC Decision draws Cheers and Complaints from Athletes

USA Today: Japan Baseball disappointed over 2016 Vote

Associated Press: Struck Out: Softball, Baseball no go in 2016 Games

Toronto Star: Golfers get tee times at 2016 Games

Telegraph: Olympics 2016: Where now for sports discarded by IOC

Now, what do the readers of Mister-Baseball think about the decision of the IOC? Let us know in the comment section.

Don Porter, President of the International Softball Federation (ISF)

“We will continue to pursue our Olympic dream”

Berlin, (Germany); 13th August 2009: The president of the International Softball Federation, Don Porter, issued the following statement today following the decision by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board that did not include softball among the two sports that will be recommended to the IOC Session in October for a vote on sports to be added to the 2016 Olympic Games Programme:

“The ISF and wider softball family is certainly disappointed by today’s decision by the IOC Executive Board not to recommend softball for reinstatement onto the Olympic Games Programme in 2016.

“However, we respect the IOC’s decision and I tip my cap to golf and rugby for getting recommended and offer my sentiments to the other four sports that were not successful today.

“The ISF has worked tirelessly for more than four years since we were voted off the 2012 Olympic Programme and we have made tremendous advances in that time.

“Softball has more players, a long list of member federations, a more solid and appropriate organizational framework, and development programs that are producing phenomenal results on every continent.

“Our anti-doping record is second to none and our culture and aspirations blend perfectly with the values that the IOC seeks to promote.

“For softball, reinstatement to the Olympic Games would have been the catalyst for further sustainable global growth, demonstrating the power of the Games.

“Softball players continue to dream of Olympic gold, the ultimate prize in our sport, and we will carry on our campaign for Olympic reinstatement to prove to the IOC that our sport fits with Olympic values and ambitions and deserves a place on merit on the Games Programme.”

IBAF Statement Regarding IOC’s Announcement on Re-instatement To The Olympic Programme For 2016

(LAUSANNE, Switzerland) – The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) today issued the following statement after the announcement earlier today in Berlin on which two sports would be put forth for a vote in October in Copenhagen for re-instatement for the 2016 Olympics.

“The IBAF would like to congratulate golf and rugby on their selection today.  Both will be welcome additions to the Olympic programme and should add great excitement to which ever city is selected to host the Olympic Games in 2016. We also want to wish nothing but the best to karate, roller sports, softball and squash, which were also not selected today.  All of the seven sports under consideration have proven through the selection process that they are worthy of Olympic Games inclusion.

Today is certainly a disappointing day for the billions of fans and participants around the globe who love the game of baseball, especially for the many young people from emerging countries who are now just learning the game and will not get the opportunity to realize the Olympic dream that so many before them have had.  We effectively addressed all the International Olympic Committee’s questions with regard to re-instatement and are confident that we had made the best presentation possible.

The game of baseball has grown stronger around the world, and overall baseball is seen and played by more boys and girls and men and women, both disabled and able-bodied, than ever before. Baseball will always emulate the Olympic ideals, and we predict that the IOC will be asking baseball back to the games for 2020, as we will continue to be the best partner for global sport possible.

On behalf of all our federations, we want to thank President Rogge and the IOC for the opportunity to be re-instated to the Olympic programme, and we wish all the best going forward.”

About the International Baseball Federation (IBAF)
Founded in 1938, the International Baseball Federation is a non-governmental organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering men’s and women’s baseball at the world level.  Located in Lausanne, Switzerland – the Olympic Capital – and counting 125 National Member Federations, the IBAF organises the IBAF Men’s and Women’s Baseball World Cup, the AAA (18U) and AA (16U) World Championships, the Olympic Games Baseball Tournament, and it sanctions the World Baseball Classic, among other international baseball tournaments.  The IBAF works to develop and grow the game of baseball around the world.  For more information, please visit www.ibaf.org.

USA BASEBALL STATEMENT ON IOC RECOMMENDATION OF SPORTS TO BE ADDED TO THE 2016 OLYMPIC PROGRAM

(DURHAM, N.C.) – USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler issued the following statement after the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) announcement Thursday in Berlin that golf and rugby sevens would be put forth for a vote in October in Copenhagen for addition to the Olympic Program in 2016:

“As disappointing as this decision by the IOC is, it is interesting to note the significant global growth our sport has experienced since we first heard of this possible outcome (from Singapore in 2005).  International participation at all levels of baseball continues to grow, and the success of the World Baseball Classic is undeniable proof that ours is a sport with worldwide appeal.  We are looking forward to contributing to, and being a part of that growth for years to come.”

Baseball, karate, roller sports, softball, and squash were also up for recommendation.

About USA Baseball
USA Baseball is the National Governing Body of amateur baseball in the United States and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).  The organization selects and trains the World Baseball Classic Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball National Team (Collegiate); the USA Baseball 18U, 16U and 14U National Teams; and the USA Baseball Women’s National Team, all of which participate in various international competitions each year.  USA Baseball also presents the Golden Spikes Award annually to top player in college baseball.  For more information, please visit www.usabaseball.com and www.goldenspikesaward.com.

According to the twitter feed of www.insidethegame.com, there were four rounds of voting. Roller Sports was the first of the seven sports to get eliminated in round one. Rugby got the necessary nine votes in the second round, where Squash was eliminated. Baseball followed in round three. Golf finally made it in round four with nine votes, Karate and Softball received three, respective two votes in this phase. Interestingly Golf nearly didn’t make the cut in round one and two with just one vote. Baseball had two votes in each of the first two rounds and one in the third. Never had a real chance.

Check back to Mister-Baseball.com, as we will have reactions from the IBAF and the ISF.

Source: Inside the Games

A Message from IBAF President Dr. Harvey Schiller

Dr. Schiller provides an overview of the numerous steps baseball has taken to merit its inclusion in future Olympic Games.

August 11, 2009
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Dear Colleague,
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As you are probably aware, this Thursday in Berlin, Germany the IOC Executive Committee will announce which two of the seven sports will be put forward for a vote for inclusion for the 2016 Olympics. That vote will take place in Copenhagen in October, but all indications are that these two sports will be the only ones considered for 2016, so we are doing everything possible to make sure all the members of the Executive Committee are well aware of all the positive advancements baseball has made since its removal from the Olympic Programme for 2012.
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We have been in constant contact with all members of the IOC Executive Committee, updating them on the continued good news about the sport from around the world. That recent news includes the announcement that Eurosport 2 will televise the September World Cup, as well as Japan’s triumph in the Asian Championships and the announcement of professional baseball returning to Australia along with plans to start a professional league in Israel in the next few years. It also includes all the positive activity on the grassroots level, which will culminate with the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania later this month. Representatives from around the world are currently going through the final stages of qualifying for this year’s event, which will be one of the few youth sports events televised around the world.
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At this point we are confident that we have effectively addressed all the issues presented to us as reasons why baseball was removed from the programme. The sport is fully WADA compliant; we are working closely with all four 2016 potential host cities to make sure the facilities are in place well in advance of the games and that the sport is thriving; we have presented a very effective five day, eight team tournament for both men and women which will include some of the game’s biggest stars participating and have secured and presented statements to that effect to the IOC; we have documented the continued global coverage of the sport and have shown the extensive advances we are all making in youth participation, and have presented a comprehensive plan to show how baseball will work with the IOC to create a seven year joint marketing programme which will increase awareness for the Olympics and baseball together. We do not feel any sport could provide a more in-depth partnership than what we have presented, and are confident we have done all we can to this point.
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Regardless of Thursday’s outcome, we remain steadfast in using this experience in a positive manner to continue to grow the game on a global basis. The leaders of the sport have shown the ability to work together for the good of all interested in playing and following the game, and baseball will continue to grow around the world, especially in all the emerging nations where it is just now beginning to take hold. It is a very exciting time for the game, and we have no reason to think that will change regardless of Thursday’s announcement.
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I will be in Berlin Thursday with some other senior IBAF officials, and we will release a statement either way following the announcement. As always, if you have any thoughts or ideas that we have not covered that you think can help, please let us know what they are.
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Once again thank you for your time and dedication to helping make baseball a sport for all.
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Best Regards,

Dr. Harvey W. Schiller

President

International Baseball Federation

An Excerpt:

But with baseball doing so well as a global sport…it is one of the few sports outside of soccer that can be called the “National Pastime” in nations ranging from the United States and Japan to Korea, Cuba and the Dominican Republic…why is Olympic inclusion even important?  After all, the continued growth of the World Baseball Classic along with millions of dollars invested in development of the sport around the world really should put baseball on a global stage regardless of the Olympics, shouldn’t it?
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While all that is true, the answer is that the Olympics remains a very important piece in the growth of baseball in many developing countries, since those sport federations get at least part of their funding from government dollars, many of which are provided to sports in the Olympic program. So while it may not be as big a deal for the growth in countries where the sport is popular, or even in some emerging nations like Italy or the Netherlands or even India, where baseball is gaining interest, the development of baseball for children can and may be slowed if baseball is left out of the picture on Thursday.

Read the full article “Thursday is D (as in Decision) Day for Baseball” on BaseballDigest.com

In recent days there was speculation that Rugby and Golf are favored, but nobody knows if it is true. Also Baseball was asked to submit more information on their women’s Baseball proposal for 2016. Apparently last week Baseball again tried to make a joint bid with Softball, but the International Softball Federation rejected it again. IBAF president Dr. Harvey Schiller has updated his blog on www.ibaf.org, trying to clear up a few things. Check it out.

The national Olympic committee of the USA has an article about this week’s decision on their website, including this nice quote from Washington National Ryan Zimmerman:

“It would be quite a dream to play in the Olympics,” Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said. “I’ve talked to other players who would be thrilled to play. Obviously, there would be details to work out. I would be honored to play for the U.S. and do everything I could to help my country win a gold medal. To have a gold medal placed around my neck and hear the national anthem … wow, it would be very cool.”

Brings board total to 19 members

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — At the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual Board of Directors meeting July 25, Dr. Harvey W. Schiller was elected to the board, bringing the total number of directors to 19 for the non-profit educational institution.

“With the election of Dr. Harvey Schiller, the board has added a leader with great character and experience, whose passion for the game is reflected in his grand body of work,” said Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the board of directors. “His energy, vision and diverse experiences will add new perspectives to our leadership team.”

Dr. Schiller is chairman and chief executive officer of the GlobalOptions Group, Inc., an international, publicly-traded risk mitigation and management company based in New York. He also serves as president of the International Baseball Federation, the global governing body for the sport of baseball. Previously, Dr. Schiller served as chairman and CEO of Yankees/Nets; president of Turner Sports, Inc.; executive director and secretary general of the United States Olympic Committee and commissioner of the Southeastern Conference.

Before joining the United States Olympic Committee, Dr. Schiller served for more than 25 years in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of brigadier general. During his time with the Air Force, Dr. Schiller was a combat pilot during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of several military awards, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals.

Dr. Schiller has been the recipient of many other awards and honors, including honorary doctorates from The Citadel and Northern Michigan University. He also received the prestigious Olympic Order, the highest-decorated honor presented to an individual by the International Olympic Committee, for his work in the planning and awarding of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games to the city of Atlanta.

Dr. Schiller holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Michigan as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in chemistry from Michigan. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from The Citadel.

In addition to Board Chairman Jane Forbes Clark, whose grandfather, Stephen C. Clark, founded the Hall of Fame, the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors includes Vice Chairman Joe Morgan, along with five other Hall of Fame players: Phil Niekro, Robin Roberts, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson and Tom Seaver. Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan H. “Bud” Selig, MLB President and Chief Operating Officer Bob DuPuy, Major League owners Bill DeWitt Jr. (St. Louis), David Glass (Kansas City), Jerry Reinsdorf (Chicago White Sox) and George Steinbrenner (New York Yankees), former American League President and Hall of Fame executive Lee MacPhail, former MLB President Paul Beeston, Minor League owner Bill Gladstone (Tri-City Valley Cats), Clark Estates, Inc. President Kevin Moore and former Hall of Fame Chairman Ed Stack round out the list of Directors.

Located on Main Street in the heart of picturesque Cooperstown, N.Y., the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the country’s major tourist destinations and is surely the best-known sports shrine in the world. Opening its doors for the first time on June 12, 1939, the Hall of Fame has stood as the definitive repository of the game’s treasures and as a symbol of the most profound individual honor bestowed on an athlete. It is every fan’s “Field of Dreams” with its stories, legends and magic to be passed on from generation to generation.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an independent, not-for-profit educational institution, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the historical development of baseball and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to our national pastime.

MEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BROADCASTS TO 60 COUNTRIES

Eurosport 2, Maori TV, and Rogers Sportsnet to deliver medal games

Plant City, Florida (USA); 29th July 2009: Another facet of the BackSoftball blueprint is being highlighted as international networks have come onboard to carry telecasts of the medal games from the International Softball Federation’s XII Men’s World Championship that has just been played in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada).

The announcement comes just one week after the conclusion of the World Cup of Softball 4 tournament from which the ESPN family of networks televised seven games to 146 countries and since the two medal games of the softball competition at the World Games in Taiwan were broadcast on TV as well.

Eurosport 2 will show the Men’s World Championship’s gold medal game to 46 countries throughout Europe plus twelve more in the Asia/Pacific region.  In addition, the game will be simulcast on mobile devices.  Maori Television in New Zealand will carry both the bronze and gold medal games.  Rogers Sportsnet will also be showing both medal games throughout Canada.

All three of these networks’ telecasts will be on a tape-delay basis and scheduling is being done to provide multiple airings, with the first airing to take place today when Rogers shows the bronze medal game between Canada and New Zealand.

“As part of our BackSoftball campaign blueprint we have said that we would work to achieve greater television coverage for our sport around the world,” said ISF President Don Porter.  “Through the cooperation and dedication of these networks that will be highlighting our marquee men’s event, plus the others that have just recently shown women’s competitions, we are significantly accomplishing exactly that.

“We appreciate their support, which is allowing well over 50 million people around the world to be exposed to our sport, in at least eleven different languages.”

Mathieu Lozar, Head of Eurosport 2 programming, said, “We are delighted to broadcast the Men’s Softball World Championship gold medal game on Eurosport 2 and Eurosport Asia-Pacific this year.  Softball joins a growing list of exciting team sports, such as lacrosse, basketball, and volleyball, on Eurosport 2, and coverage of this final demonstrates our commitment to bringing European viewers the best in sporting action.”

“Rogers Sportsnet is thrilled to add the ISF XII Men’s World Championships to our lineup,” said Dave Akande, Vice-President, Content, Rogers Sportsnet.  “It affords us the opportunity to offer international softball to our audience.”

“We are proud to be broadcasters of this year’s World Softball Championship held in Saskatoon, Canada,” said Maori Television Head of Programming Eruera Morgan.  “Softball has been an integral part of our sports schedule for the last two years and to have this year’s world championships on our screen will definitely magnify our coverage of the sport.

“We have supported softball like no other broadcaster in the world has, because of our continuous success rate and high Maori participation in the sport at all levels.”

Maori Television is also having a one-hour documentary produced for them to air about the New Zealand Black Sox.  That country’s national team had gone to Saskatoon as the defending ISF men’s world champions.

Softball was first featured in the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and last year’s competition in Beijing was very successful with a total attendance close to 180,000 and a continuation of the sport’s excellent record of no positive doping tests at any of the four Summer Olympics that the sport has been a part of.

A final decision on which sports will be added to the current roster of 26 at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be made at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen in October this year.  The ISF has included a proposal for men’s fast pitch softball to be included in the Games as well.

Baseball in the 2016 Olympic Games

The push being made to reinstate the game of baseball and softball in the 2016 Olympic Games.

(Co-sponsored by the delegations of the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, the United States, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela)

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

HAVING SEEN the decision taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on July 8, 2005, not to include baseball and softball in the Games of the XXX Olympiad to be held in London from July 27 to August 12, 2012;

CONSIDERING:

That baseball is indigenous to the Americas and is now played by millions of amateurs and thousands of professionals throughout the world, and is enjoyed by many millions more as spectators;

That baseball is one of the most popular team sports in the Americas, with a particularly avid following in Canada, Colombia, Cuba, the United States, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, as well as in other Member States and Permanent Observers of the Organization of American States (OAS);

That as a sport played by men and women, softball has been contributing to the promotion of gender equality for a very long time;

That baseball, as a cultural expression of the Americas, serves to promote mutual understanding and mutual respect among our peoples and with peoples from other regions of the world where it is played;

RECOGNIZING:

That active youth baseball leagues exist in almost every member state, and that these leagues involve international play and training that fosters closer ties among our nations;

That baseball and softball have more fans and players than many of the sports that continue to be considered Olympic sports;

That the International Baseball Federation has given ample assurances that baseball has done everything asked of it by the Olympic movement – such as strengthening anti-doping measures and allowing for the participation of better players in the Olympics – in order to comply with the requirements set to reinstate baseball as an Olympic sport;

NOTING that OAS member states have hosted the Olympic Games on eleven occasions in the modern era, that Canada will host the Winter Olympic Games in 2010, and that Chicago and Rio de Janeiro are candidates to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games; and

CONVINCED that the sports of baseball and softball would further enhance the popularity of the Olympic Games and the promotion of the Olympic spirit and ideals in our member states,

RESOLVES:
1. To urge the International Olympic Committee to reinstate baseball and softball to the Olympic program in 2016.
2. To encourage the National Olympic Committees of our member states to support the reinstatement of baseball and softball to the Olympic program in 2016.
3. To instruct the Secretary General to transmit this resolution to the International Olympic Committee no later than July 30, 2009.

13 July, 2009

Dear Colleague,
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As baseball around the world reaches the midway point of the summer, we wanted to take a few minutes and update you all the positive news on the sport going on throughout the world.
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First, the Major League Baseball All-Star game will take place this coming Tuesday in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with players from eight countries participating.  This is in addition to the players from 12 countries and five continents who were selected to the “Future Stars” game on Sunday (won by the World Stars over the U.S. stars), giving the sport the most diverse international face at the highest professional level in its history.  Even more important is that these stars, many of whom have now played in international competition on various levels including the Olympics, are more committed to national support through baseball than ever before. From a media standpoint, this week of festivities will be seen in over 230 countries, once again one of the largest stages for any sport in the world.
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However baseball’s global reach does not stop with the All-Star game.  This week a group of United States Collegiate All-Stars, more of the future stars of the game, will take on a team of Japanese Collegiate All-Stars in Japan, renewing a rivalry that is over 30 years old.  In Israel, the Maccabiah Games are underway with baseball as one of the center pieces for the first time, and in the Netherlands the World Port Tournament is concluding with the Netherlands, Cuba, Japan and Chinese Taipei vying for another prestigious and highly competitive title.
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This past week at the G8 Summit, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi joined  the Italian Baseball Federation in unveiling the official trophy for the Baseball World Cup, which will be held across Europe this September, once again showing the growing importance of baseball in Europe amongst world leaders.  Back in the United States,  two Indian players made their professional debut in the minor league organization of the Pittsburgh Pirates, bringing to 38 the number of countries now represented in the professional leagues in North America, a total of national representations that is almost unparalleled in professional sport. We were also very pleased with the announcement that the Australian professional league will begin again in 2010, giving those players and fans in Oceania a terrific opportunity to further grow baseball there.
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On the women’s side, our new Women’s Baseball Committee, chaired by Dr. Donna Lopiano, will have its second meeting this week via teleconference, with new developments in the growth of baseball for girls and women of all ages expected to be announced in the coming month.
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Finally, there is the grassroots, where youth leagues in emerging nations, high school play in Japan and other parts of Asia and across South and Central America continue to see record enrollment amongst both young boys and girls.  Also in China, we received news that the Olympic softball facility will be converted to a baseball facility in the near future, giving the sport a permanent home for development following the success of the Beijing Olympics.
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On the Olympic front, we are eagerly looking ahead to the August announcement in Berlin of which two sports the IOC will put forward for re-instatement.  With 2016 seven years away, our focus has been getting commitments from the future stars of the game, those who will actually represent their countries in 2016, along with messages of support from the games’ current stars. We have received written endorsements from Olympic organizations in Asia, Oceania,  Central and South America as well as Africa, and will continue to spread all our positive news of global growth on every level as the summer goes along.
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This is a very exciting time for baseball on a global level, perhaps the most exciting time in the sports history in terms of growth, media attention and quality of play and training around the world.  In our recent presentation to the IOC, the leaders of the sport again showed that we have effectively addressed all the issues put forth as to why baseball was removed from the Olympic programme for 2012, and how we can work together to grow baseball and the Olympic movement together on a global basis for the next seven years and beyond.
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On behalf of all our 127 federations, our volunteers, staff, and most importantly all that play, watch and follow baseball around the world, thank you again for your time, and as always if there is anything we can do to assist you, please let us know.
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Regards,
Dr. Harvey W. Schiller
President, International Baseball Federation

An excerpt:

heinnews: Quite a few steps were taken by the IBAF to convince the IOC that changes were taking place regarding baseball at the Olympics. One of them was having MLB players available to play and another was an anti-doping commitment. How important were those steps?
Schiller: Although we presented a whole series of points – everything from supporting the venues to marketing – the two main points were the commitment to anti-doping and the steps that have been taken at every level – the federation, Major League Baseball, all the professional leagues – and second the commitment by Major League Baseball to allow the star players to participate so that each of the representative countries that have or would have players in Major League Baseball – because some countries like Cuba presently do not and some others may only have one or two – that from each of those rosters would have in addition to all of the other professionals the so-called stars of the game. And those would be selected by the manager of the team. So hypothetically for example if Puerto Rico was participating in the tournament they would players like Delgado and Rodriguez and Beltran and others. We’re committed to doing that and have the support of the union and Major League Baseball.
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heinnews: The other issue you mentioned was the anti-doping measures. One minor problem is that MLB does not have the same punishment standards as the IOC. How much of a sticking point is that?
Schiller: The federation is completely compliant with the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) rules and for all international competitions Major League Baseball, the Japanese professional league and others are also compliant. We did 300 in and out of competition tests with the World Baseball Classic. The only part that may or may not apply is because we have suspended players from international play but no one from any sport – whether it’s soccer or professional cycling or anything else – has the ability to suspend people from their profession when they’re outside of that. There will always be opportunities for people to work. We don’t live in a socialistic world. And we don’t live in a communistic world where we can dictate professionally through occupation whether a player can play or not according to the same rules. As long as they abide by our rules. So, a player who tests positive at the Classic you will not see that player in an international competition. The best thing about it is that Major League Baseball is testing. They are providing sanctions and education. And they are cleaning up their sport. That’s the best part.

Read the full interview at www.heinnews.com

SaveOlympicBaseball.org website launches internationally; seeking baseball’s return to the Summer Olympic Games

(DAKOTA CITY, NEBRASKA; U.S.A. – JULY.08.2009)

www.SaveOlympicBaseball.org is a website that was formed on June 1, 2009, with the official international launch date of the website taking place today; July 8, 2009.  SaveOlympicBaseball.org is an organisational website promoting the sport of baseball’s hopeful return to the Summer Olympic Games.  SaveOlympicBaseball.org was created in an effort to help, aid, and assist in the facilitation of the world-wide grassroots campaign that the baseball world is conducting that advocates the reinstatement of their sport to the Olympic programme.  SaveOlympicBaseball.org is a nonprofit worldwide organisation and an ever-growing source of information for the sport of baseball’s quest to be reinstated as a sport in the Summer Olympic Games.

SaveOlympicBaseball.org locates its head office in Dakota City, Nebraska U.S.A.; and is currently operating satellite offices in Melbourne, Australia; Vienna, Austria; Gent, Belgium; Brno, Czech Republic; Paris, France; Almaty; Kazakhstan; and Moscow, Russia.  SaveOlympicBaseball.org is headed up by Managing Director; Bob Protexter, an international baseball veteran with more than two decades of service to the sport having traveled to over twenty countries world-wide spanning from Latin America to Europe to the Far East.  Protexter’s Olympic experiences include working as a Russian translator at the Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games in 2002.  Protexter is also the Founder and President of Russian International Baseball and is the Owner and Operator of Total Baseball Development.

Baseball’s Olympic Predicament:
In 2005 baseball was voted out of the Olympic Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).  Baseball was the first sport to be voted out of the Olympic Games since 1936.  In 2008 baseball was played for the last time in the Olympic Games in Beijing, China.  Baseball was originally voted into the Olympic Games as a medal sport in 1986 by the IOC.  In 1992 baseball was first played in the Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.  In 2009 baseball is seeking reinstatement and inclusion, once again, into the Olympic sports programme by lobbying and appealing to the IOC.  If baseball is voted back into the Olympics by the IOC this year then the sport will once again begin competing in the Olympics in 2016.

Decision Makers:
The IOC Executive Board, founded in 1921, consists of the IOC President Count Jacques Rogge, four Vice-Presidents, and ten additional members to equal fifteen members total.  Rogge overseas the Executive Board as they manage the affairs of the IOC, assume the ultimate responsibility for the administration of the IOC, and conduct the procedure for acceptance and selection of candidatures for the organisation of the Olympic Games.  Rogge was born in Gent, Belgium, and is an Orthopaedic surgeon, but spent years as a sportsman himself in Yachting competitions in the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968, Munich in 1972, and Montreal in 1976, while also competing as a rugby player on the national Belgian team.  The Executive Board last met in Lausanne, Switzerland on June 15 and 16 where the four candidate host cities for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games gave technical briefings to ninety-three of the one hundred seven members of the International Olympic Committee.  Those cities are Chicago (USA), Tokyo (Japan), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Madrid (Spain).  As well the seven sports seeking to join the Olympic programme displayed their vision for inclusion in the Olympic Games in a series of individual presentations.  Only two Olympic programme slots are available, and those two chosen sports will next appear at the 2016 Games.  The IOC Executive Board will meet next in Berlin, Germany on August 13 and 14.  At that time the Executive Board primary focuses will be which two of the seven candidate sports will be recommended for acceptance in the Olympic sports programme.  The IOC Session, scheduled in conjunction with the Olympic Congress, will be in Copenhagen, Denmark on October 1 and 2 where the final voting process will take place, and a final decision will be made for those two sports.

Why baseball in the Olympics is important:
In 1986 baseball was voted into the Olympic Games by the IOC.  In that year there were sixty countries listed as having ‘National Baseball Federations’ with memberships in the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) – (www.ibaf.org).  The IBAF was founded in 1938 and is a non-governmental organisation recognised by the IOC as administering men’s and women’s baseball at the world level.  An individual country’s ‘National Baseball Federation’ is that nation’s official governing body for the sport, and is responsible for growing, advancing, and developing that country’s baseball.  Following this positive IOC vote in 1986 for baseball in the Olympic Games, the sport of baseball started immediately to grow and prosper in many, many countries. Now in 2009 the IBAF lists more than one hundred twenty-five countries as having ‘National Baseball Federations’.  The Olympic Movement is directly responsible for this explosion and increased popularity of baseball across the globe.  Countries all over the world have started new baseball programs from very humble beginnings in the last twenty years. Now in 2009 that progress is severely threatened unless baseball is reinstated back into the Olympic Games.  Many countries rely simply on Olympic recognition to merely sustain and maintain their baseball programs.  Many baseball burgeoning countries are now in perilous danger of losing their programs without this Olympic recognition.

The work of the International Baseball Federation (www.ibaf.org):
The IBAF is working diligently day and night on returning baseball back into the Olympic Games as part of what they call a ‘New Dynamic Direction’ for the sport.  ‘Mission Critical’ is another term deemed by the IBAF for their project of inclusion for the sport of baseball once again to the Olympic programme.  The group presentation of the IBAF to the IOC Executive Board in June was a success, and their work continues.  As well the IBAF has repeatedly encouraged people in all parts of the globe to write letters and make calls to IOC members in support of baseball.  The IBAF also frequently states that it is very important for people to constantly update IOC members about the new developments of baseball around the world, especially on the grassroots level.

Additional efforts of the International Baseball Federation (www.ibaf.org):
The IBAF is covering every detail with things such as creating a partnership with Pitch In For Baseball (www.pitchinforbaseball.org) to provide equipment for youth groups around the world.  Pitch In For Baseball is a nonprofit organization that provides one of the world’s leading equipment donation services, and has collected and redistributed baseball equipment and uniforms to underserved children in more than 50 countries.  Their mission is to help kids and make friends all over the world by sharing the great game of baseball. The IBAF has even gone to the lengths of sending copies of the book ‘A Glove of Their Own’ (www.agloveoftheirown.com) to key members of the International Olympic Committee.  ‘A Glove of Their Own’ is an award winning book that illustrates and tells a story of sandlot kids who inspire an adult to share in their baseball and life experiences.  Bob Salomon, one of the book’s creators along with authors Debbie Moldovan, Keri Conkling, and Lisa Funari-Willever share in the book’s message of generosity by donating proceeds from each book sold to various nonprofit organizations.  The IBAF likes the principles of the book as an example of how baseball can again be a social unifier and teach values bigger than the game itself.  That is one of the key foundations of the IBAF’s pitch to be reinstated to the Olympic programme in 2016; that it is a game for all.  IBAF President Dr. Harvey Schiller states that: “Baseball is a game that teaches teamwork, how to overcome adversity and discipline, and was the game that broke the color barrier in sport, and we thought that this book was a perfect way to help explain how those simple ideals are conveyed through the sport.  The lessons in the book can be understood by anyone and adapted to any of the lessons we learn in life, and really captures why baseball is so much a game for all,”

SaveOlympicBaseball.org is answering the call for the request of world-wide participation by having the primary purpose of showing people around the world how they can partake in the global grassroots campaign that is seeking baseball’s inclusion, once again, into the Olympic programme.  SaveOlympicBaseball.org fulfills this purpose by providing public listings of contact names and mailing addresses of International Olympic Committee members enabling supporters to directly voice their enthusiasm through letters supporting baseball’s return to the Summer Olympic Games.

SaveOlympicBaseball.org encourages teams, coaches, administrators, parents, and fans world-wide to write letters and postcards supporting Olympic baseball, and then to send those letters and postcards to members of the IOC Executive Board and to the IOC members themselves as well.  Thank you for writing letters in support of baseball in the Olympics.  Your voice matters.

Excerpt:

Monteiro is reaching out first to the Brazilians to get the development program off the ground then intends to move on to all the other countries in the group, using the Games as the vehicle.
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Monteiro said: “Both federations have the desire to create a plan under the IBAF or MLB umbrella and thus start a protocol development program for the Portuguese-speaking countries including Africa.
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“I have been in contact with the Brazilian sports minister and the Brazilian baseball federation and there is a great deal of interest in setting this up. I have even offered to be a link between South America and Europe.”

Read the full article on www.sportsfeatures.com

An excerpt:

Maury Brown for the Business of Sports Network: You, as well as Bob DuPuy, Donald Fehr, John Ostermeyer and others made your case for the reinstatement of baseball into the 2016 Olympics. How would you describe presentation to the IOC?
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Dr. Harvey Schiller: It went very well and was very well received. The sport has addressed every issue as to why the game was removed from the program, and also presented a very extensive plan where for the next seven years we will work on marketing partnerships with the IOC to grow, both baseball and the Olympic programme.
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If baseball is not included it will be the world’s largest sport not in the Olympics.
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Bizball: As part of the presentation, the group has said it will offer a five-day, eight team tournament which will allow maximum participation of the top players from the countries that qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. The qualifier for 2016 would be held during the 2015 off-season. The reference was “top players” but not “MLB players”. With the Olympics occurring in the middle of the major league season, how difficult will it be to get premiere players from the league to participate in the Olympics?
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Schiller: I think that’s semantics. Don Fehr and Bob DuPuy both addressed the issue; top players include MLB players, of course. The real issue is the interest in American players. Remember, in Beijing, Team Japan was also professional players; Korea was all professional players; Team Cuba was all professional players, and Team USA had players off the 40 man roster. Japan could have asked for players playing in MLB and chose not to for nationalistic reasons, and may do so again. The five day plan allows for maximum flexibility for a sampling of top players, depending on who qualifies, and I think the way the world is now it is very difficult to predict who those eight teams will be. Many forget that the US, with an All-Star pitcher at the time in Roger Clemens, lost to Mexico and did not qualify for the Athens games.
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We also know baseball is a game of team chemistry, and it will be up to the federation and the manger to decide who best makes up that team. Will it be All-Stars or the right mix? Too hard to say. However, we do know this: there is more interest in players playing international games for their countries now than ever before, and a five day tournament – where MLB has already said they will not play on Gold Medal day and many teams could have another off day – gives players the best chance to play if they so desire.

Read the full interview on www.bizofbaseball.com

STATEMENT FROM DR. HARVEY SCHILLER, PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL BASEBALL FEDERATION, REGARDING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DONALD FEHR:

“There are few people who are more responsible for the growth of international baseball than Don Fehr.  His work in expanding the global opportunities for all players, as well as his support of one of the most extensive anti-doping programmes in sport, are two big reasons why baseball is thriving in these tough economic times and is a strong candidate for readmission to the Olympic programme in 2016.  Don’s positive imprint on the game is indelible, and we are glad he will continue to be involved into the fall and will stay a friend and ardent supporter of baseball’s growth well into the future.”

BACKSOFTBALL TEAM ‘QUIETLY CONFIDENT’ AFTER COMPELLING PRESENTATION TO IOC

Don Porter: “Softball shares all the IOC’s principles – they’re part of our DNA”

Lausanne, (Switzerland) 15th June 2009: International Softball Federation President Don Porter is ‘quietly confident’ after a compelling presentation by the BackSoftball team to the International Olympic Committee Executive Board this afternoon to try to convince them that the sport deserves to be reinstated onto the Olympic Programme.

The BackSoftball team spoke of softball’s ‘Olympic Odyssey’ since they were voted off the Olympic Programme in Singapore in 2005, highlighting the huge impact the sport is having across the globe including providing team sports opportunities for youth and women, particularly in Africa and the Middle East where female sports are not encouraged.

The team explained to the IOC how softball is hugely inclusive, costing little to play and simple to learn, and how the Olympic Games is the pinnacle for all softball players with an exemplary anti-doping record at the highest level.

The IOC were told of the progress the ISF has made in recent years, including the opening of three regional training centers with another to come in Beijing; how Japan broadcaster NHK enjoyed peak viewing figures of 51 million during Japan’s victory in the 2008 Olympic gold medal game against the USA, a result which underlined the growing competitiveness of the sport.

The ISF also underlined that Olympic Programme status would be the catalyst for more sustainable global growth and although the focus was on women’s fast pitch, the ISF also offered the possibility of including a world class men’s fast pitch Olympic competition as well as a full wheelchair competition for the Paralympic Games in 2016.

ISF President Don Porter said, “The presentation went very well and we’re quietly confident.  The culture and aspirations of the International Softball Federation and those of the IOC are indivisible. We share a common culture … and the same DNA.  Softball shares ALL of the IOC’s principles.  They are part of OUR DNA, not just adopted for special occasions such as today.

“We have players who continue to dream of Olympic Gold, the ultimate prize in softball.  We have more players, more member federations, a more solid and appropriate organizational framework, and development programmes that are producing results on every continent.

“Softball will be enriched by its inclusion in the Olympic Games and my pledge as president of the ISF is that our sport will enrich the Olympic Movement.”

Ms. Gergana Handjiyska, an Athlete Ambassador from Bulgaria, told the IOC Executive Board, “I guess you could say that I am typical of the new breed of national softball administrators in the twenty first century.  We bring modern-day skills, attitudes, and influences to our work and the promotion of our sport.

“Our federation is growing fast.  Our schools programme has led to tens of thousands of youth playing softball and they are advancing through to our established teams.  And what is happening in Bulgaria is also happening around the world.”

The BackSoftball team consisted of Mr. Porter, BackSoftball Co-Chair and member of the IOC Women in Sport Commission Ms. Donna de Varona; Malaysia’s Ms. Low Beng Choo, ISF Deputy Secretary General; South Africa’s Ms. Lynn Alexander, international athlete and coach; Ms. Danielle Stewart, Australian Olympic bronze medalist at Beijing 2008; and Ms. Handjiyska, Bulgarian Softball Federation secretary general, coach and player.

Softball was first featured in the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and last year’s competition in Beijing was hugely successful with a total attendance close to 180,000 and a continuation of the sport’s excellent record of no positive doping tests at any of the Olympics since the sport’s debut on the world’s stage 12 years earlier.

A final decision on which sports will be added to the current roster of 26 at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be made at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen in October this year.

BASEBALL MAKES EFFECTIVE PITCH FOR 2016 OLYMPIC REINSTATEMENT WITH FIVE DAY PLAN, COMMITMENT TO USE BEST PLAYERS

Year-round co-marketing plan, grassroots growth and leadership position in anti-doping, potential women’s event all included in presentation

(Lausanne, Switzerland) –The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and leaders from baseball around the world today presented their outline for baseball’s re-instatement to the Olympic programme in 2016. The presentation, which included IBAF President Dr. Harvey Schiller, Secretary General John Ostermeyer, Major League Baseball President and Chief Operating Officer Bob DuPuy, Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Donald Fehr, IBAF Anti-Doping Manager Jean-Pierre Moser and professional player Sidney de Jong of the Netherlands, outlined the best possible partnership between baseball and the Olympic programme.  Sandra Monteiro, president of the Portuguese Baseball Federation, and Ricardo Fraccari, president of the Italian Baseball Federation, are also in Lausanne this week to assist in the effort.

“We feel that we have not just addressed the issues that were presented as to why baseball was removed for 2012, but have also outlined the most effective way in which the Olympic programme can work with baseball’s year-round global marketing capabilities over the next seven years to maximize Olympic exposure,” said IBAF President Dr. Harvey Schiller. “From a game-ending rule, to after-use of venues, to using the best players and generating media coverage, baseball has shown it will do whatever it takes, from the grassroots to the professional level, to be not just a partner, but the best partner, for the Olympic movement.”

The presentation included the following key points:

• Baseball will offer a five-day, eight team tournament which will allow maximum participation of the top players from the countries that qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. The qualifier for 2016 would be held during the 2015 off-season.
• Major League Baseball in North America will not broadcast any games directly against the Olympic baseball schedule in 2016, giving the Olympic tournament the widest possible media attention.  MLB will not play any games on the final day where the medals will be determined.
• All four potential host cities for 2016 have established baseball stadia and programmes in place.
• MLB will work with the IOC to create a year-round marketing partnership designed to increase awareness not just for baseball, but for the Olympic programme overall.
• Baseball will continue to take a leadership position amongst all sports in anti-doping, and will continue to expand it’s in and out of competition testing programmes.
• A continued year-round commitment to grow the game globally at the grassroots level for young boys and girls, especially focused on emerging nations and across Europe.
• The commitment from young elite players from around the globe who may be eligible in 2016, including de Jong and top American 16 year old prospect Bryce Harper, to participate in 2016 should their respective countries qualify.

The following are excerpts from today’s transcript:

BOB DUPUY:

“Baseball will make a commitment over the next seven years to use all of our assets:  television, including our new network which is in more than 50 million homes, and our jewel events, which are broadcast to 225 countries in 13 languages, the world’s best sports digital platform, grassroots campaigns and support of special events such as Olympic day to grow awareness of all of the core values that we share and can promote together. We will work with the IOC to find opportunities in sponsorship and licensing where our year round global reach and popularity and our growing cadre of international stars can assist in growing Olympic marketing opportunities.”

DONALD FEHR:

“The MLBPA has and will continue to work closely with the IBAF, Major League Baseball, the Japanese and other professional leagues, and, of course, players the world over to come up with the best scenario so that more top players will be able to participate, and  fulfill the dream of representing their countries in the Olympic Games.  We will make sure that happens, and the 2016 Olympics will have the best representation of players ever to participate in any Olympics.

I am confident that MLB and the MLBPA, along with the NPB, the Korean League and Players Associations in Asia will make available to the qualifying countries a to-be-determined number of top players, with the rest of the roster coming from the best athletes available from the professional ranks.   The teams will have a sampling of the best individuals in the sport, and the best-ever representative national teams.

Young players in the game today, who are much more familiar with international competition than were players of earlier generations, have already begun to ask about participation in 2016, and to express their intent to do so.  In fact, you have a statement from the highest rated young player in America, who has just been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, expressing his commitment to the 2016 Games.”

Baseball was one of seven sports to present to the IOC Monday.  It is expected that a recommendation for inclusion of two of the seven sports will be made by the IOC Executive Board during the World Track and Field Championships in Berlin, Germany the week of 15 August.  Those sports will then be presented to the IOC membership for a vote at the Olympic Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark 2-5 October.  Baseball has been a part of the Olympic programme since 1992.

About the International Baseball Federation (IBAF)
Founded in 1938, the International Baseball Federation is a non-governmental organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering men’s and women’s baseball at the world level.  Located in Lausanne, Switzerland – the Olympic Capital – and counting 125 National Member Federations, the IBAF organizes the IBAF Men’s and Women’s Baseball World Cup, the AAA (18U) and AA (16U) World Championships, the Olympic Games Baseball Tournament, and it sanctions the World Baseball Classic, among other international baseball tournaments.  The IBAF works to develop and grow the game of baseball around the world. For more information, please visit www.ibaf.org.

ISF PRESIDENT: “SOFTBALL SET TO BENEFIT THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT IN 21st CENTURY”

Don Porter: “A vote for softball is a vote for the Olympic values that the IOC promotes across the world”
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Lausanne, (Switzerland) 14th June 2009: International Softball Federation President Don Porter has urged the International Olympic Committee to reinstate softball to the Olympic Programme to help meet Olympic challenges in the 21st century.
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Mr. Porter is part of the delegation that includes Olympic softball athletes Michele Smith (Team USA, gold medals in 2000 & 1996), Jessica Mendoza (Team USA, 2004 – gold, 2008 – silver), Danielle Stewart (Australia, 2008 bronze medal), and Rubilena Rojas (Venezuela, 2008), as softball makes its presentation to the IOC Executive Board here in Lausanne tomorrow (Monday).
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The IOC has stressed on a number of occasions that its priorities include the engagement of young people within the Olympic movement, increasing the role of women in sports participation & administration, and doping-free sport.
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Mr. Porter declared that softball can complement and even enhance the Olympic values that the IOC seeks to promote in every respect and was eager to underline the benefits softball’s return to the Olympic Programme would bring.
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Mr. Porter said, “A vote for softball is a vote for the Olympic values that the IOC promotes across the world.  The ISF has made tremendous progress in the last few years, pushing forward our vision of a clean, inclusive, and accessible sport that enriches the lives of tens of millions of people around the world.
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“Like the Olympic Movement itself, softball enriches and changes lives, providing an opportunity to enjoy sport for women and young people in areas of the world where it is not always possible.  Cheap and simple to play, softball promotes the Olympic values that are so important in today’s world, underscored by its exemplary anti-doping record at the highest level.
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“Softball captures the imagination of women and that is perhaps why it has become so popular with women in Muslim countries, for instance, where team sports are not often permissible.  And in developing nations, softball is being taken up by children in huge numbers, providing a genuine alternative to the social problems young people tend to encounter in troubled communities.”
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Australian Olympic bronze medalist Danielle Stewart said that her experience at Fengtai Softball Field in Beijing last August underlined what softball means to the millions of players around the world.
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Ms. Stewart said, “Participating in the Olympic Games has been the pinnacle for softball players around the world and the standard of competition has increased so much, as we saw with Japan’s victory last summer in Beijing.  Softball is a positive influence in society on so many levels, but at the elite level the Olympics is the ultimate dream.”
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The BackSoftball team in Lausanne will make its presentation to the IOC Executive Board tomorrow (Monday), highlighting the progress and development the sport has made in recent years and the opportunities it provides in under-developed and troubled areas of the world.
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Softball was first featured in the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and last year’s competition in Beijing was hugely successful with a total attendance close to 180,000 and a continuation of the sport’s excellent record of no positive doping tests at any of the Olympics since the sport’s debut on the world’s stage 12 years earlier.
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A final decision on which sports will be added to the current roster of 26 at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be made at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen in October this year.

GLOBAL “WORLD SOFTBALL DAY” CELEBRATIONS INCLUDE GAMES IN LAUSANNE

Rubilena Rojas:“This event underlines why the BackSoftball campaign is striking a chord with so many people around the world”
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Lausanne, (Switzerland) 13th June 2009: The BackSoftball Task Force has been celebrating World Softball Day here in Lausanne today by staging the “Let’s PlayBall” softball game for employees and families of sports federations in Lausanne.  There will be more on-field activity here tomorrow as well.
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To promote softball and the spirit of sport the International Softball Federation, who earlier this year opened a European office at the Maison du Sport International in Lausanne, organized the game at the Dorigny Sports Centre by Lake Geneva.
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The event gave seasoned players a chance to have a game and introduced softball to general sports fans, with a particular focus on engaging children by utilizing softer balls and fun practice routines devised to promote the game to the younger audience.
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On-hand at the Dorigny Sports Centre were USA Olympic softball gold medalists Michele Smith (2000 & 1996) and Jessica Mendoza (2004) (silver last year), 2008 Olympic softball bronze medalist Danielle Stewart (Australia), and 2008 softball Olympian Rubilena Rojas (Venezuela), along with members of the BackSoftball Task Force, including two more international softball athletes, Gergana Handjiyska (Bulgaria) and Lynn Alexander (South Africa).
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Rojas, a BackSoftball Athlete Ambassador, said, “This has been a great opportunity to play softball with other sports federations and is a fitting way to celebrate World Softball Day.  Some of the participants had clearly played the game before but there were plenty who have never picked up a bat and the speed with which they picked up the basics exemplified how easy the game is to learn.  This event underlines why the BackSoftball campaign is striking a chord with so many people around the world.”
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Frederic Defroidmont, a real estate consultant from Lausanne, said, “Taking part in the softball game today has been great for us and our families.  It’s one of those sports that’s quick and easy to learn and that makes it attractive to so many different age groups.  I’ve heard a lot about softball establishing offices in Lausanne and that tells me how much the sport is developing in Europe – and its popularity explains why the BackSoftball campaign has touched a chord with so many people.  Good luck softball!”
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This is the fifth consecutive year that World Softball Day is being celebrated, with the date coinciding with the day in 1991 when the announcement was made that softball would be added to the program of the Summer Olympics starting with the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
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The celebrations go far beyond Lausanne though.  In conjunction with World Softball Day 2009, events are taking place around the world, focusing on the BackSoftball campaign, which aims to convince the International Olympic Committee that softball should return to the Olympic Programme in 2016.
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The “Lets PlayBall” event started a weekend of softball in Lausanne with another game to be played tomorrow (June 14) at SportNet2009 where families from Lausanne-based sports federations will come together for a sports day with softball one of the most prominent events on the programme.

Lobbying for baseball’s reinstatement into the Olympic Games has come to its home straight. International federations have put a terrific effort into this mission, and there are still a few more meetings to come that will surely define our sport’s future. Baseball society is well aware of all these extraordinary work that Dr. Harvey Schiller and his team have been doing on the international field.

As Dr. Schiller ensured all of us about the fact that baseball is more than ready to answer any questions and we do meet each and every potential request that could still arise on the IOC side, now it’s our turn. National federations must approach their IOC members and do their best to convince them about a positive voting in Copenhagen this October.

Understanding the importance of this targeted work, Hungarian Federation has already completed its mission number one. So I proudly announce, that Dr. Pal Schmitt one of the two IOC members of Hungary, acting as the Protocol Chief of IOC has already ensured us about his definite support on the occasion of our last meeting on the 3rd of June.

This job has certainly been pushed by both IBAF and CEB leadership during the past years. Our CEB President Mr. Martin Miller has also emphasized this necessity anytime he had the chance. With this release I had a two-fold intention: first to share good news from Hungary, but on the other hand I also intended to encourage all national federations to make good use of the coming months.

Additionally in an article by Simon Ward, which was published on www.ibaf.org, Dr. Schiller says that Baseball has done everything the IOC has asked to do to meet the requirements to return to the Olympic Games. You’ find the piece here.

Letter by Dr. Harvey Schiller:

Dear Friend of Baseball,
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Monday we will present our case for re-instatement to the Olympic programme to the IOC Executive Board.  Joining me in the 20 minute presentation will be John Ostermeyer, Jean-Pierre Moser, Bob DuPuy, the President and COO of Major League Baseball, Don Fehr, the Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association and Sidney de Jong, member of the Dutch National team.  Sandra Monteiro, President of the Portuguese Federation and Riccardo Fraccari, the President of the Italian Federation, will also be in Lausanne to assist us in talking to various IOC members and federations during the early part of next week as well.
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Our presentation will effectively address all of the reasons as to why baseball was removed from the 2012 programme, and will offer a five day tournament plan for both men and women that will include using the best players from professional baseball.  We have spent time working with all four candidate cities to make sure they understand the value baseball can bring to their bid for 2016, and continue to speak to as many IOC members as possible in outlining our plan and the steps we have made to grow the game globally, from the youngest of children to elite competition.  We feel that we have done everything that the IOC has asked us to do to this point, and will continue to re-address and add to those steps over the next few months.
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As always, your support and input is needed and very much appreciated. We have received notes of assistance with IOC members from Italy, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Israel, Japan, China, Korea, Sweden, Latvia, Fiji, Hungary and across Africa recently, and are hoping that type of support and outreach can occur with every IOC member from their federation over the next two months.  The announcement of which sports will be put forward for the vote will occur in August at the World Track and Field Championships, and the final vote will then take place in October in Copenhagen.
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Also, as a reminder, information on events in your country that can be passed along to the media are also critical to get to our staff, so that we can help you tell all the good news stories about baseball to the largest possible audience.
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As always we want to thank you for all your efforts to help us grow baseball on a global scale.  We think we have made great progress and have told a great story, and will update you late next week after the presentation.
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Regards,
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Dr. Harvey W. Schiller
President
International Baseball Federation

Michele Smith – “The Olympic Games has been the pinnacle of competition for softball players across the world.”

Lausanne, (Switzerland); 12th June 2009: An all-star international BackSoftball team that includes Olympians from three continents has arrived here today to make final preparations for a key International Olympic Committee presentation for softball’s return to the Olympic Program in 2016.

USA Olympic softball gold medalists Michele Smith (1996 & 2000) and Jessica Mendoza (2004) (silver in ’08) are joined by 2008 softball Olympians Danielle Stewart (bronze medal, Australia) and Rubilena Rojas (Venezuela).  Two other international softball athletes, both BackSoftball Athlete Ambassadors, are along as well.  They are Gergana Handjiyska, who is also the Bulgarian Softball Federation’s secretary general, and Lynn Alexander, who will also coach her country’s team (South Africa) at the Youth World Cup in Prague in August.

In addition, BackSoftball Task Force Co-Chairs Donna de Varona (two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming) and Dale McMann are here, as are International Softball Federation President Don Porter, ISF Deputy Secretary General Ms. Low Beng Choo (Malaysia) and ISF Director General Toma Malikoff.

The team will now undergo rigorous preparations for Monday’s presentation to the IOC Executive Board, when they plan to convey, among other highlights, the development of softball across the globe including initiatives to promote the sport in under-developed and troubled communities.

Olympian Michele Smith said, “The Olympic Games has been the pinnacle of competition for hundreds of softball players across the world and the competition in Beijing last summer was one of the highlights of the Games – and it was doping-free once again!

“But softball goes far beyond that. The ISF has done so much to promote the sport and it now touches the lives of people young and old across the world, and because it’s easy to learn and inexpensive to play, it’s making a real impact.”

Task Force Co-Chair Donna de Varona said, “The ISF leadership and our global BackSoftball Ambassadors are prepared and excited to pitch softball to the members of the IOC Executive Board.  This is softball’s last and most important official presentation before the decision will be made as to whether or not softball returns to the Olympic program in 2016.  Our team is confident that softball exemplifies the best qualities of the Olympic movement.  It is inclusive, global, adaptable, and lends itself to a multitude of initiatives seeking to teach important sports, health, and peacemaking lessons.

“The fact that the ISF has an office here in Lausanne demonstrates softball’s growing popularity and commitment to those softball players and leaders worldwide who are eager to rejoin the Olympic movement.  I am convinced that the BackSoftball team can fully communicate the tremendous virtues the sport promotes.”

Softball was first featured in the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and last year’s competition in Beijing was hugely successful with a total attendance close to 180,000 and a continuation of the sport’s excellent record of no positive doping tests at any of the Olympics since the sport’s debut on the world’s stage 12 years earlier.

A final decision on which sports will be added to the current roster of 26 at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be made at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen in October this year.

IMPROVED COMPETITION AND GRASSROOTS EFFORTS IN EMERGING NATIONS, CONTINUED STRONG PLAY IN ESTABLISHED COUNTRIES FUEL BASEBALL GROWTH IN ASIA

(LAUSANNE, Switzerland) – The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) released data Thursday, showing the continued expansion of baseball throughout Asia, a geographic area that has long established baseball traditions but is now seeing a surge in interest among the region’s emerging nations as well.

“Asian countries like Chinese Taipei, Japan and Korea have long established baseball as their national sport, and the growth and interest in baseball on all levels continue throughout those countries, even in a down economy,” said IBAF President Dr. Harvey Schiller.

“What is really encouraging is seeing the growth in baseball programs for both boys and girls in countries like China, Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and India.  Exposure to the game of baseball in these countries through broadcasting, clinics and even in new media is steadily raising interest, participation and the level of play to levels never before seen.  It once again shows the continued global nature of baseball as a sport for all with a very bright future.”

Some of the most encouraging signs of growth for baseball in Asia include:

• China’s announcement last week of a ten-year, fully funded grassroots program to further develop the sport among young people, combined with Major League Baseball’s continued extensive grassroots programs for coaches, players and officials in the country.
• A sharp increase in enrollment in programs for girls in Japan and record registration for the country’s third annual Pitch, Hit and Run event, which showcased the individual baseball skills of boys and girls.  Additionally, over 430,000 fans attended the Japanese High School Baseball Championship Playoffs in May.
• Record television ratings and Web site traffic for Korean baseball following its successful run to the finals of the World Baseball Classic.
• The Chinese Taipei government’s announcement earlier this spring to fully fund extended baseball programs for youth and elite teams for boys and girls.
• The emergence of Pakistan and Indonesia on the international baseball landscape, with Indonesia winning the Asian Cup qualifier over Pakistan 3-2 in Thailand two weeks ago.
• Despite tremendous political turmoil, the improved play and participation of Sri Lanka in the Asian Cup qualifier, in which the team defeated traditional threat Thailand.
• The establishment of school programs and coaching certification programs in cities throughout India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and other emerging nations.

The next major international competition in Asia will be the Asian Championships, which will be held in Narita and Sapporo, Japan from 31 July – 4 August.  Competing nations will include Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, China, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Additionally, both the Japanese and Korean professional leagues continue to post solid attendance, television and sponsorship numbers despite the downturn in the global economy, all positive signs for a sport which boasts more than one billion fans and will have its World Cup this September in cities across Europe.

About the International Baseball Federation (IBAF)
Founded in 1938, the International Baseball Federation is a non-governmental organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering men’s and women’s baseball at the world level.  Located in Lausanne, Switzerland – the Olympic Capital – and counting 125 National Member Federations, the IBAF organizes the IBAF Men’s and Women’s Baseball World Cup, the AAA (18U) and AA (16U) World Championships, the Olympic Games Baseball Tournament, and it sanctions the World Baseball Classic, among other international baseball tournaments.  The IBAF works to develop and grow the game of baseball around the world. For more information, please visit www.ibaf.org and www.2009baseballworldcup.com.

An excerpt:

Why is the time right for baseball to return to the Olympics?
Harvey Schiller: Since we just had a great event in Beijing, we don’t think baseball has really left the Olympic Movement, and we continue to emulate all the Olympic ideals in everything we do, from global growth and grassroots work to one of the largest and most comprehensive drug testing programs in sport.
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The game of baseball is growing at the fastest rate ever for both men and women, and in many ways as we move forward together in the future, the benefits will accrue to both baseball and the Olympic Movement.
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Baseball’s global year-round presence makes it the only global sport not on the 2012 program, and with the bid cities for 2016 all baseball-ready, it is a natural fit. All four countries involved in the 2016 have elite programs in place, and have already enjoyed success in baseball.
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Why are the Olympics important for baseball?
HS: There is no sport that has shown that it is all-inclusive, affordable for all and a game that transcends boundaries more than baseball. Baseball and the Olympic Movement can move together into a bright future. Baseball’s emphasis on youth development, global growth and fair competition reflect the Olympic ideals. Remember baseball is the sport that broke the color barrier in team sports over 60 years ago! Baseball can be an addition to Paralympic competitions as it is played by the disabled, blind, and wheelchair-bound throughout the world.

Read the full interview on www.baseballeurope.com