Colombian-born MLB pitcher Julio Alberto Teheran was in the slum areas of Cartagena to launch “Beisbol por la Paz”, a program that aims to prevent juvenile delinquency in Cartagena and Medellin.

Cartagena de las Indias-Colombia On Friday 11/18 the city of Cartagena in Colombia hosted the launch of “Beisbol por la paz”. The 3-year program (in English Baseball for Peace) aims to bring structure and supervision into the lives of marginalized young people from 8 to 16 years old drawn to violence and street gangs in two of the most unsafe cities in Colombia.

The program is led by the Colombian (Federaciòn Colombiana de Beisbol) and the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), in collaboration with Peace and Sport, L’Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport (in English: “The organization for peace through sport”) with the support of Major League Baseball (MLB), Ecopetrol, Kenko, Grupo Internacional de la Paz and Fundauniban.

Psychosocial professionals and sports educators will work hand in hand to teach vulnerable young girls and boys respect for the Rules of the Game, both in baseball and in society. As part of the program, the specific dynamics between baseball players and the intrinsic values of the sport will be used as educational vehicles to spread messages of tolerance, dignity, self-esteem and non-violent confrontation necessary to lead a better life and foster a culture of peace.

Ultimately, the program’s methodology aims to reduce violence and juvenile delinquency, increase youngsters’ resilience and facilitate reconciliation between communities that are victims of armed gangs.

Julio Alberto Teheran launched the program as a Champion for Peace, the name given to a group of over 60 international athletes committed to serve peace in the world through sport, an initiative created by Peace and Sport.

Teheran was born in 1991 and grew up in Cartagena’s slums, he signed his first professional contract in 2008 for the Atlanta Braves as an undrafted free agent. He pitched 6 games in his first season at the Rookie Level and 7 the year after. In 2010 he worked his way up to Double A, where he was voted a League All Star, participated in the Futures All Star Game and tagged as a top prospect. Considered the number 1 prospect of the Atlanta organization, he started 24 games for the Gwinnet Braves of the AAA International League in 2011 and made his debut in the Big Leagues on May 7th.

Talking about “Beisbol por la Paz”, Julio Teheran said: “I am extremely proud and happy to inaugurate this project today. Baseball has brought me so much in life, enabling me to live from my passion, to be recognized by many and to be the person I am today having fully integrated baseball’s values in my daily life. It is a great pleasure to now be able to give back to society and especially to my country through the game.”

Joel Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport, declared: “The presence of such a champion as Julio at the launch of ‘Beisbol por la Paz’ is crucial to the program’s success. He knows how to communicate his passion for baseball to children and show them all that this sport has brought him on a personal level. This is the best source of inspiration you could ever dream of for these kids who need role models and new benchmarks in life.”

Riccardo Fraccari, IBAF President said: “Beyond the sporting values related to the game, IBAF and the game of baseball can also play a role in civic education, socialization and citizenship. We are extremely pleased to contribute to this program that will change the lives of hundreds of young people in vulnerable situations in Colombia.”

Beisbol por la Paz is also supported by baseball legend and Champion for Peace Edgar Renteria.

The program will be implemented in 5 youth centres/clubs in Medellin and Cartagena. Designed as a pilot project, it will be duplicated and transformed into a national program called ‘Beisboleritos’ by the Colombian Baseball Federation with the support of the organization “Grupo Internacional de la Paz” at a later stage.

Peace and Sport and IBAF signed a partnership in 2010 to pioneer activities promoting reconciliation, dialogue and social stability in the most volatile countries through baseball. The “Beisbol por la Paz” program is the first fruit of this partnership.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Softball leaders from throughout the world convene in Oklahoma City this week for the XXV International Softball Federation (ISF) Congress, being held Oct. 27-30 at the Marriott on Northwest Expressway. The Congress is hosted by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America/USA Softball.

“On behalf of ASA/USA Softball, I am excited to welcome our sport’s leaders to Oklahoma City, the Mecca of softball, for the XXV International Softball Federation Congress,” ASA/USA Softball Executive Director Ron Radigonda said. “With the landscape of international softball changing, the Congress could not come at a more pivotal time. I am looking forward to the positive changes that will result from the meetings here in Oklahoma City.”

Delegates began arriving Wednesday and action started earlier today with a meeting of the Finance and Budget Corporate Services Commission. While the Congress will include discussion whether or not softball should form a joint bid with baseball for inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games during the Olympic Legacy Commission Forum on Saturday, other events include meetings of the competition commission, the playing rules commission and the slow pitch task force. Development, equipment standards and marketing will also be discussed with a variety of other topics.

Oklahoma City was chosen over a bid from the Bahamas Softball Federation and the 2011 congress marks the first time the meetings will take place in the United States since Tampa in 2001. In 2009, the congress traveled to Venezuela, in 2007 it was in Philippines, in 2005 Taiwan played host, and 2003 it took place in China.

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.

About ASA
The Amateur Softball Association, founded in 1933, is the National Governing Body of softball in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic Committee. The ASA has become one of the nation’s largest sports organizations and now sanctions competition in every state through a network of 76 local associations. The ASA has grown from a few hundred teams in the early days to over 210,000 teams today, representing a membership of more than three million. For more information on the ASA, visit http://www.asasoftball.com/.

Veteran Producer/Writer Joe Cacaci Announces Plans For “INVISIBLE MEN,” A New Feature Film Based On The Real Life Stories Of The Negro Baseball Leagues

Original film, produced in conjunction with Odyssey Networks, to tell the real story of many of the trailblazing personalities, problems and successes of some of America’s greatest, and most forgotten, athletes and social pioneers

NEW YORK, October 20, 2011 – Award winning producer/writer Joe Cacaci today announced plans for a new original American film “Invisible Men,” the first-ever feature film account of the personalities that made up the Negro Leagues, and their stories before the integration of Major League Baseball. The film will center around a series of fictional characters, but will also bring to life some of the era’s most prominent personalities, ranging from Josh Gibson and Satchel Page to Branch Rickey and Leo Durocher.

“We are at a point in American society where some of the most poignant stories of both sports and integration are being lost to time, and we feel that ‘Invisible Men’ can help fill that void,” Cacaci said. “This is not just a baseball story, it is a story of determination, sacrifice, following your dreams and striving for success in difficult times, all themes which anyone can relate to with the challenges we face today.’

Cacaci will partner with New York-based Odyssey Networks, who most recently produced “Serving Life” for OWN with Forest Whitaker, and “The Shunning” with Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird for Hallmark Channel. Since its founding in 1987, Odyssey, the nation’s largest multi-faith media coalition, has been using television to tell stories of redemption and personal transformation that win critical acclaim and deliver huge audiences. Their “Note” movies, produced for Hallmark, (“The Note” and “Taking a Chance on Love”) are among the highest-rated telecasts in that network’s history. A sequel “Notes From The Heart Healer” will air in 2012.

“Odyssey is delighted to be involved with ‘Invisible Men,’” said Maura Dunbar, EVP/Chief Content Officer for Odyssey, who will serve as Executive Producer, along with sports industry veteran Joe Favorito. “This is very much a film in the Odyssey tradition of television that touches hearts and minds. It tells a vital chapter not just in sports history but in the American story itself. People are hungry for heroes today and they are sure to find them in these forgotten giants of the Negro League.”

The story of “Invisible Men” centers on the fictitious Clarke family… brothers, Leon and Sam, who play in the Negro Leagues, their sister, Mae and their hard working and very hands on parents, Henrietta and Charles. Along with Nat Holmes, a reporter for the Pittsburgh Courier, they are the heart and soul of the movie. Real life characters who figure into the story include many Negro League luminaries, like star players, Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Buck O’Neil, Buck Leonard, Oscar Charlston, Willie Wells, Jimmy Crutchfield and Cool Papa Bell, and the legendary Negro Leagues owner and organizer, Gus Greenlee.

Major League Baseball notables who drop in and out of the story include the long reigning and intransigent commissioner, Judge Keneshaw M. Landis, feisty player-manager, Leo Durocher, Dodgers’ GM, Branch Rickey and the immortal Babe Ruth, who makes a brief but pivotal appearance.

From as far back as the 1860’s and well into the 1940’s, The Negro Leagues caliber of play rivaled that of Major League Baseball, a fact that was inconveniently (for MLB) proven repeatedly in the All Star exhibitions the two organizations often played. Black teams, often white owned, proliferated and organized in to official leagues starting in 1920, when the Negro National League and its governing body, the National Association of Colored Professional Base Ball Clubs was formed, led by legendary player turned league president, Rube Foster.

While the teams and even the leagues themselves changed over the next thirty-eight years, what remained consistent and was particularly noteworthy given the time period, was that most of these teams were black owned. The leagues thrived, both popularly among black and white fans alike, as well as financially. After Jackie Robinson’s hiring by the Dodgers in 1946 and his ascendancy into MLB the following year, both major leagues began signing the best players away from their Negro counterparts, which ultimately rendered the need for a Negro League unnecessary. By 1958, the Leagues, having thus been reduced to minor league caliber, dissolved.

Cacaci, a lifelong baseball fan, conceived of the idea and created the original script. The veteran producer has co-created the CBS prime time series The Trials of Rosie O’Neill, starring Sharon Gless and has been the Executive Producer of two prime time series, SHOWTIME ‘s The Hoop Life and CBS’s The Education of Max Bickford, starring Richard Dreyfuss and Marcia Gay Harden. He has directed two indie features, Stranger in My House, starring Lindsay Crouse, and most recently, Snatched, starring Andrew McCarthy, Jonathan Silverman, Jay Thomas and Ernest Borginine. He is currently in pre- production for his short, Food for Thought, which he will also direct for Joe Mantegna’s Quickbites series. The piece will star Tony Shalhoub.

Joe produced the award winning Boston premiere of David Mamet’s American Buffalo and was Producing Director of NY’s Provincetown Playhouse where he co-produced Mr. Mamet’s OBIE winning play Edmond. He was the founding Artistic Director of East Coast Arts where he produced twenty world premiere plays over seven seasons, including work by Shel Silverstein. He was Producing Director of The Playwrights Kitchen Ensemble in Los Angeles (with founding Artistic Director Dan Lauria), and has directed plays for The NY Shakespeare Festival at The Public Theater (for the late Joseph Papp), The Westport Playhouse, Coconut Grove Theatre and commercially in New York and in Los Angeles, where he directed the world premiere of Victor Bumbalo’s Questa. He also teaches television writing in the graduate program of the Film School at Columbia University.

For more information on the project, visit http://www.invisiblementhemovie.com

Hosts and Dutch Team improve to 5-0 with big Wins over Canada and USA

Panama City, Panama. The final standings of Group 1 might look different than experts may have predicted prior to the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. On Friday evening the Netherlands used seven early runs to prevail against Team USA. A few minutes later Panama used a pair of three-run homeruns to take down Canada, joining the European squad at 5-0 team. In the afternoon Puerto Rico crushed Greece and Japan won the Asian duel against Chinese Taipei.

In Group 2, leader Cuba solidified first place with a not-so-easy win over Italy. Solo homeruns put them on track to edge out the European champion. Venezuela is following in second place with a 4-1 record thanks to a comeback win over Germany. Australia made things interesting for the weekend, as they blew a lead, but still prevailed in extra innings versus the Dominican Republic. Also, Korea celebrated an important victory over Nicaragua.

Photos of the event can be found through ibaf.org or the following link. Video highlights are also available via the following link.

Group 1

Japan 3 – Chinese Taipei 1

Japan has finally won its first game at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. They prevailed in a pitcher’s duel against Chinese Taipei on Friday afternoon at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City. Team Nippon took the lead with a two-run third and never looked back. The game saw just eight hits overall, as both defenses dominated for most parts of the contest. Japan’s starting pitcher Naobumi Mitsuhashi pitched a complete game. Chun Hsiu Chen hit a solo homerun for Chinese Taipei, which remains winless after five games in the tournament.

Puerto Rico 10 – Greece 1

Puerto Rico didn’t miss the afternoon game in Aguadulce and picked up a win over Greece (10-1). The Caribbean team did not need to make much effort in the first half of the game and increasd its advantage in the last three innings where they scored six times. 14 hits, with one homerun by Cesar Crespo, and a bad performance by the European defense, four errors, opened the way to the victory.

Canada 3 – Panama 12

Host Panama used a pair of three-run homeruns to storm 12-3 past Canada in a key Group 1 matchup between previously undefeated teams on Friday evening at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City. Panama joined the Netherlands as the second 5-0 team in the pool and cruises into the second round. The Maple Leafs were able to erase an early 0-3 deficit, but couldn’t come back a second time and have to settle for their first loss.

USA 5 – Netherlands 7

Netherlands is still undefeated after their game against the United States. Seven runs in two offensive innings delivered an important win for the Dutch team which is cruising through the first round with two games to play (5-0). The key of the match was the power of the European bats and a bad performance from the USA starting pitcher.

Group 2

Germany 5 – Venezuela 10

Germany scared Venezuela with five runs on seven hits off starter Jesus Yepez in the first two innings, but then Venezuela cambe back and built their win on a seven-run rally in the top of the fifth inning against starter Philipp Hoffschild, who left with one out, after having allowed a total ten hits. Left-handed curve ball specialist Juan Colmenarez earned the win pitching as a reliever. Johnny Caraballo and Luis Torres pitched the last three innings.

Dominican Republic 9 – Australia 11

Australia blew a 7-1 lead midway through the eighth, but still got away with an 11-9 victory over the Dominican Republic. With the win they improved to 2-3 in the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup and they are now tied in the standings with their opponent from Friday afternoon. The five-hour contest was decided through IBAF Extra-Inning Tiebreaker Rules in the tenth innings. Australia scored four runs mainly thanks to a bases clearing double by Mitch Dening. The Dominican team couldn’t come back a second time and had to settle for the loss. They had tied the game with four runs in the bottom of the ninth.

Italy 1 – Cuba 5

A brave Italian side played seven strong innings against Cuba. But it was not enough. Italy could not score despite getting to Cuban All Star pitcher Freddy Alvarez with good contacts in the early innings. Where pitching didn’t take the Seleccion, it was Yuliesky Gourriel’s turn to show why he is the secret dream of every single scout in the Major League circuit. In the second inning, he delivered three great plays in a row to keep Italy off the scoreboard. The Caribbean line up was able to punish every single mistake made by Italian starter Carlos Richetti. Castillo and Abreu got the first two runs on the on the scoreboard on a couple of solo homers and Cuba didn’t need to look back.

Korea 6 – Nicaragua 4

South Korea defeated 6-4 Nicaragua in Omar Torrijos Stadium and could count on a good performance from the pitching staff and a defense that produced two double plays in key moments of the game. With bases loaded, Nicaragua scored in the first the first run of the game against South Korea, out of two walks and a defensive error by sub-mariner pitcher Jong Huen Park, with an RBI grounder by first baseman José Guido.

Notes

A total of 108 doping tests, 76 in competition and 32 out of competition, are planned for the IBAF Baseball World Cup accordance to the WADA Code and IBAF Anti-Doping Norms. Two players are tested each day in the first round under the supervision of Anit-Doping Commissioners Dr. Gianfranco Beltrami (ITA) and Dr. Gilberto Ante Vidal (CUB)…. Germany’s catcher Kai Gronauer, who is playing Double-A in the New York Mets organization, threw out base runners successfully in six of his seven stolen base attempts against him. He didn’t play on Friday, resting following catching a night game against Italy……Naobumi Mitsuhashi pitched the first complete game of the tournament. The only other pitcher who came close was Korea’s Hyon Taek Oh, who was on the mound for 26 outs in a shutout against Australia on Tuesday….Canada’s starting pitcher on Friday, Scott Richmond, had a 9-14 record with an ERA of 5.26 in 33 MLB appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays between 2008 and 2011.

Standings

Group 1

1) Netherlands 5-0
2) Panama 5-0
3) Canada 4-1
4) USA 3-2
5) Puerto Rico 2-3
6) Japan 1-4
7) Greece 0-5
Chinese Taipei 0-5

Group 2

1) Cuba 5-0
2) Venezuela 4-1
3) Korea 3-2
4) Italy 3-2
5) Dominican Republic 2-3
6) Australia 2-3
7) Nicaragua 1-4
Germany 0-5

Outlook

With Friday action, things are getting interesting at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. Defending champion Team USA is after its second loss now even in danger of dropping out of the second round with big matchups against Panama and Canada coming up. Puerto Rico could take advantage with duels against Japan and Chinese Taipei. Canada could return to the race for first place with a win against the Dutch team. In Group 2 Cuba and Venezuela, which will take on Germany and Australia on Saturday, already look towards the second phase. The race for third and fourth is still wide open with four teams battling it out. A key game will be between Italy and Korea on Saturday evening.

Schedule, Saturday, October 8

14h00 Netherlands – Canada
14h00 Greece – Chinese Taipei
14h00 Australia – Venezuela
14h00 Cuba – Germany
19h30 Panama – USA
19h30 Puerto Rico – Japan
19h30 Korea – Italy
19h30 Dominican Republic – Nicaragua
(local times Panama)

Follow the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup also on Facebook and Twitter.

The International Baseball Federation President, Riccardo Fraccari, in accordance with Chapter IV – art. 39b of the Statutes, officially summons the Congress to an Ordinary Session to be held in Dallas, Texas (USA) on Saturday, December 3, 2011.  The agenda for the said Congress will be sent to the member federations in accordance with Chapter IV—art. 20 of the same statues.

In order to facilitate travel plans, it is strongly advised that arrivals for the delegates take place on Thursday, December 1, as various meetings that require the participation of interested Confederations, NFs, Commissions, etc. will be organized on Friday, December 2. The date of departure has been set for Sunday, December 4.

On a final note, you may already be aware that the IBAF Congress precedes the MLB Winter Meetings (Dec. 5-8) that are also being organized in Dallas, so for those that would like to take advantage of this opportunity, we are currently working with MLB on this and will communicate how to register for these meetings (along with additional Congress details) over the next few days.

The President of the International Baseball Federation, Riccardo Fraccari, issued the following statement leading up to the July 30th IBAF Executive Meeting that will take place in Panama City:

“As has been well publicized in the media after the decision of the Olympic Council of Asia to accept softball onto the Asian Games’ program as a discipline of baseball, there have been some recent developments and discussions with regards to our colleagues from the International Softball Federation (ISF). Of course, this important theme will need to be expanded upon in Panama and at the eventual Congress later this year, although currently, it is safe to say that there is a general consensus among IBAF’s constituents to work with the ISF to solidify the 2020 Olympic Reinstatement Campaign, especially after the OCA announcement. At this point, I would like, however, to bring attention to and underline the IBAF’s commitment to women’s baseball, which seems to have been overshadowed in all of this.

“First off, I would like to clarify that any eventual single candidature between baseball and softball for the 2020 Olympics will not undermine IBAF’s plans to sustain and develop women’s baseball. There is no doubt that women’s baseball will have to play an important role if our sport is to become truly universal. Thankfully, Women’s Baseball within the framework of the IBAF is well-positioned for growth, and as a result, the IBAF remains devoted as ever in developing baseball among female athletes of all ages.

“The IBAF International Events Calendar will be one of the most important agenda items analyzed in Panama City. I can confirm that new projects are being examined, including the realization of a Women’s World Junior Baseball Championship. I do not want to go into too much detail during the conception phases, but it’s worth noting that there have been dialogues about organizing continental championships in order to further stimulate growth and meet the needs of all our athletes. The Toronto 2015 Pan-Am Games Local Organizing Committee is developing a sound proposal for Women’s Baseball to be put onto that program in Toronto, and we will be paying close attention to the decision on this important matter.

“Looking into the 2012 Women’s Baseball World Cup, Baseball Canada has been awarded the rights to host this event, as this competition returns to Edmonton, the city where this event was born back in 2004. Obviously, without looking past this event, I would like to simply point out that there have already been overtures to host the 2014 Women’s Baseball World Cup, so the IBAF will need to take this into consideration as events are mapped out over the long-term.

“Regarding non-IBAF sanctioned Women’s Baseball events, the IBAF commissioned the creation of the Phoenix Cup “Defender” Trophy, which was donated to our colleagues at the Hong Kong Baseball Association in an effort to help build a tradition. This trophy was first put into play this year, and in 2012, the tradition of defending the trophy can begin.

“So this is no doubt an exciting time for women’s baseball and for women in sport in general, and the IBAF is intent on providing as many opportunities as possible to all the athletes in the international sports community and especially within our international baseball family.”

Right-hander first Bruin to win award for nation’s top amateur player

SECAUCUS, N.J. — USA Baseball announced Friday the selection of UCLA’s Trevor Bauer as the recipient of the 2011 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award (GSA). The prestigious award, now in its 34th year of recognizing the nation’s top amateur baseball player, was presented on live television for the first time on MLB Network.

In partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) and MLB Network, USA Baseball announced the GSA winner live on “MLB Tonight”, and the presentation was simulcast on GoldenSpikesAward.com, USABaseball.com, MLB.com and the Arizona Diamondbacks (Dbacks.com), Milwaukee Brewers (Brewers.com) and Seattle Mariners (Mariners.com) club sites.

Danny Hultzen (LHP, Virginia) and Taylor Jungmann (RHP, Texas) were the other finalists for the award. Bauer was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the D-backs, while Hultzen went No. 2 to the Mariners and Jungmann No. 12 to the Brewers. It was the first time in the history of the award that all of the finalists were pitchers.

“Trevor Bauer, Danny Hultzen and Taylor Jungmann each exemplify what USA Baseball looks for in its Golden Spikes Award finalists both on and off the field,” said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball executive director/CEO. “Trevor authored an incredible performance in 2011, and we are honored to present such a deserving player with the award.”

The recipient of Baseball America’s and Louisville Slugger/Collegiate Baseball’s Player of the Year awards, Bauer had a record-breaking season in 2011. The Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year set the conference single-season record for strikeouts with 203, eclipsing the previous record of 202 set in 2001 by that season’s GSA winner Mark Prior (Southern California). Bauer went 13-2 for the Bruins, throwing 10 complete games (tied for first in UCLA single-season record history) over 136 2/3 innings (seventh most in UCLA single-season records history). Bauer was the first GSA finalist from UCLA since Troy Glaus in 1997, and he now stands as his alma mater’s lone GSA winner.

Bauer becomes the fifth pitcher in the last eight years to win the GSA, joining 2011 MLB All-Stars Jered Weaver of the Angels (Long Beach State, 2004), Tim Lincecum of the Giants (Washington, 2006) and David Price of the Rays (Vanderbilt, 2007). Stephen Strasburg (San Diego State) of the Nationals took home the award in 2009.

For the fourth year in a row, fans were able to stay up to date on the award by visiting GoldenSpikesAward.com. The website features content devoted exclusively to the GSA, including news, voting history, past-winner photo galleries, and photographs and video highlights of the 2011 finalists.

Since 1978 USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the country with the GSA. Following the first-ever presentation of the trophy to Bob Horner of Arizona State, the GSA has been awarded each year to the player who exhibits exceptional athletic ability and exemplary sportsmanship.

The 2010 GSA winner was Bryce Harper of Southern Nevada. Past winners of the award include current Major Leaguers such as Strasburg (’09), Buster Posey (’08), Price (’07), Lincecum (’06), Alex Gordon (’05), Weaver (’04), Rickie Weeks (’03), Pat Burrell (’98), J.D. Drew (’97), Mark Kotsay (’95) and Jason Varitek (’94). Former big league stars that have captured the award include Robin Ventura (’88), Jim Abbott (’87), Will Clark (’85), Dave Magadan (’83), Terry Francona (’80), Tim Wallach (’79) and Horner (’78).

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 World Cup Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team; 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 the top amateur baseball player in the country. For more information, please visit USABaseball.com and GoldenSpikesAward.com.

If we want to give baseball the best chance to get back into the Olympics, then one way to help is to really push our message through digital media.

The world of international baseball is made up of millions and millions of people, and we need to demonstrate this to the international sports community.

This is also no doubt a very efficient and modern way for the baseball community to share ideas and remain updated on all the activities of the International Baseball Federation.

Now we need to connect with as many IBAF Facebook “fans” and Twitter “followers” as possible.

Here’s how to get involved!

Facebook: please go to http://www.facebook.com/International.Baseball.Federation and click the “like” button

Twitter: please go to http://twitter.com/#!/IBAF_Baseball and click the “follow” button

Share this message with your local baseball friends and family!

More e-news:

IBAF Increases Online Media Presence for Summer Tournaments

The International Baseball Federation has greatly increased its online media presence, allowing the international game and the federation a greater sense of reach and transparency to fans.

The digital tournament program includes website coverage, live updates through Facebook and Twitter and complete online game coverage with live play-by-play.

For the inaugural IBAF 12U Baseball World Championship that starts today, fans will be able to follow the scores through the official website.  Follow the coverage with Facebook and Twitter for unique insights and events as they happen!

Collegiate and 18U National Teams to square off in inaugural, two-game series, July 1-2 in Triangle-area of N.C.

DURHAM, N.C. — USA Baseball announced Thursday that it will debut the Prospect Classic in July, a two game series featuring its 2011 Collegiate and 18U National Teams. The event is the first of its kind for the federation, and it will offer fans and members of the baseball community a unique opportunity to see the top prospects for upcoming MLB First-Year Player Drafts on the field at the same time.

The series will be held July 1, at 7:05 p.m., at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) in Durham, N.C., and on July 2, at 7:05 p.m., at the USA Baseball National Training Complex (NTC) in Cary, N.C. Tickets are available for purchase at USABaseball.com.

Additionally, each game will air on a one-day delay, July 2-3, on MLB Network. Viewers are encouraged to check mlbnetwork.com for channel number and times. The coverage furthers USA Baseball’s presence on MLB Network, following its increased exposure during the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft and the recent announcement of the Golden Spikes Award moving to a live presentation on MLB Tonight on July 15, at 6:00 p.m. ET.

“Each year our Collegiate and 18U National Team programs field some of the brightest young stars in baseball,” said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO. “The Prospect Classic will provide an unprecedented opportunity to not only watch both teams compete in a series for the first time, but to also see the future top prospects in our sport.

To illustrate the potential talent that will be showcased in the Prospect Classic, the 2010 Collegiate and 18U National Teams combined for 13 selections on the 2011 MLB Draft’s opening night, including eight of the top 20 picks and the No. 1 overall selection, Gerrit Cole. In total, 32 of the 33 draft eligible players from the 2010 clubs were picked this week. In 2009, the Collegiate and 18U teams’ respective starting batteries were Drew Pomeranz/Yasmani Grandal and Jameson Taillon/Bryce Harper, who today are among the top prospects in baseball.

Durham Bulls play-by-play announcer Neil Solondz will lead a MLB Network broadcast team featuring MLB.com’s draft expert Jonathan Mayo and former Minnesota Twins standout and 1996 U.S. Olympian Jacque Jones. A veteran of 10 big league seasons and guest analyst for MLB Network as part of its 2011 Spring Training broadcasts, Jones will serve both as a reporter and an honorary alumni coach for the game.

This summer the Collegiate team will host the Japan University All-Stars in the 38th installment of their international friendship series. The five-game series will run July 3-8, and will conclude in Omaha, Neb. where the two countries will play at the new TD Ameritrade Park on July 8, at 7:00 p.m. CT. The team will be managed by University of Missouri head coach Tim Jamieson who previously served as an assistant coach for the 2005 Collegiate National Team.

“The Prospect Classic adds another unique component to our summer schedule,” said Eric Campbell, general manager of the Collegiate National Team. “The ability to offer our athletes this experience as well as the opportunity to face a tough Japan team and to play at the new facility in Omaha, is something we’re excited about.”

The 18U National Team will compete this fall in Cartagena, Colombia, in the COPABE Pan American AAA/18U Championships. Scott Brosius, a three-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, will make his Team USA debut as manager of the club. In 2010 the 18U team concluded its summer with a 19-2 mark, outscoring its opponents 74-14. It is the defending gold medalist of the Pan Ams, having defeated Cuba, 6-1, for the title in 2009.

“We are thrilled to be part of a series against the Collegiate National Team,” said Brant Ust, general manager of the 18U National Team. “The Prospect Classic will enhance the overall 18U National Team program and will help better prepare us for our defense of gold in Colombia.”

Other prominent alums from the 18U National Team include Joe Mauer (2000), B.J. Upton (2001), Buster Posey (2004), Justin Upton (2004), and Bryce Harper (2009). Collegiate team alumni now in the big leagues include Ryan Howard (2000), Mark Teixeira (2000), Dustin Pedroia (2002), Troy Tulowitzki (2004), and David Price (2005).

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 World Cup Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team; 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 the top amateur baseball player in the country. For more information, please visit USABaseball.com and GoldenSpikesAward.com.

Trevor Bauer, Danny Hultzen and Taylor Jungmann finalists for amateur player of the year award

DURHAM, N.C. — USA Baseball announced Monday the names of the three finalists for the 2011 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award (GSA).  This summer marks the 34th consecutive year that the GSA will be presented to the nation’s premier amateur baseball player.

Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA; Danny Hultzen, LHP/IF/OF, Virginia; and Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Texas, received the most votes last week from the nearly 200-person GSA voting committee.  The three players represent the first-ever class of finalists made up entirely of pitchers.

Fans can continue to stay up to date on the GSA by visiting GoldenSpikesAward.com — powered by MLB.com — which serves as the online home for the award.  The Web site features content devoted exclusively to the GSA, including news, voting history, past winner photo galleries, and photographs and video highlights for the 2011 finalists.

For the first time ever, the GSA will be awarded live on MLB Network..  The presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET on MLB Tonight, Friday, July 15.  The three finalists for the award will be at MLB Network’s studios for the presentation, which will feature interviews, video highlights and the announcement of the winner.  Online footage of the event also will be available via GoldenSpikesAward.com and MLB.com.

“In a year of incredible performances from players across the diamond, our voting committee felt that three pitchers stood out above the rest,” said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler.  “We congratulate Trevor Bauer, Danny Hultzen and Taylor Jungmann, along with their coaching staffs, teammates and their schools’ baseball programs.”

Trevor Bauer, Collegiate Baseball’s National Player of the Year, had a record breaking season in 2011.  The Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year set the conference single-season record for strikeouts with 203, eclipsing the previous record (202) set by 2001 GSA winner Mark Prior (Southern California).  Bauer went 13-2 for the Bruins, throwing 10 complete games (tied for first in UCLA single-season record history) over 136.2 innings pitched (seventh most in UCLA single-season records history).  Bauer is the first GSA finalist from UCLA since Troy Glaus in 1997.

Danny Hultzen became the first-ever three-time All-American for the Virginia Cavaliers in 2011.  The lefty has posted an 11-3 record on the mound with a 1.57 ERA, while striking out 148 batters.  His impressive stats helped him become UVa’s all-time career leader in wins (31) and strikeouts (378).  The two-time ACC Pitcher of the Year is seventh in ACC history in career strikeouts and has been named First-Team All-ACC three consecutive years.  Hultzen has also hit .336 for the season driving in 34 runs, including 10 doubles, two triples and a home run.  Prior to Hultzen, the Cavaliers’ last GSA finalist was Seth Greisinger in 1996.

Taylor Jungmann solidified himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in Texas and Big 12 history with his performance in 2011.  The junior was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and a First Team All-American by Collegiate Baseball/Louisville Slugger.  This season he is 13-1 with a 1.40 ERA, 119 strikeouts, a .168 batting average against and five complete games in 128.1 innings pitched.  Jungmann was also named to both the Big 12 All-First Team and All-Academic First Team.  The is the first Longhorn finalist since Kyle Russell in 2007.

In 2007, USA Baseball instituted a new selection and balloting procedure for the most prestigious award in amateur baseball, and it follows the same model again in 2011.  After working closely with sports information directors and amateur baseball media across the country to determine watch lists and the top-performing athletes, a list of 30 semifinalists was sent to the GSA voting committee last week.  The three players that received the most votes advanced to the finalist round, and beginning Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET, the committee will have the opportunity to vote for the winner.

Fans will once again be able to vote for the 2011 GSA by visiting GoldenSpikesAward.com and selecting their favorite finalist.  Voting for fans and the voting body ends at 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 17.

About the Golden Spikes Award
Since 1978, USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the country with the Golden Spikes Award. Following the first ever presentation of the Award to Bob Horner of Arizona State, the Golden Spikes Award has been presented each year to the player who exhibits exceptional athletic ability and exemplary sportsmanship. The 2010 Golden Spikes Award winner was Bryce Harper of Southern Nevada. Past winners of this prestigious award include current Major League Baseball players such as Stephen Strasburg (’09), Buster Posey (’08), David Price (’07), Tim Lincecum (’06), Alex Gordon (’05), Jered Weaver (’04), Rickie Weeks (’03), Pat Burrell (‘98), J.D. Drew (’97), Mark Kotsay (’95), and Jason Varitek (’94). Former Major League stars that have captured the award include Robin Ventura (’88), Jim Abbott (’87), Will Clark (’85), Dave Magadan (’83), Terry Francona (’80), Tim Wallach (’79), and Bob Horner (’78).  For more information, please visit GoldenSpikesAward.com.

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 World Cup Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team; 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 the top amateur baseball player in the country.  For more information, please visit USABaseball.com and GoldenSpikesAward.com.

Press Release USA Baseball

GoldenSpikesAward.com home to player profiles, fan voting for premier amateur player of the year award

DURHAM, N.C. — USA Baseball announced Tuesday the names of the 30 semifinalists for the 2011 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award (GSA).  This marks the 34th consecutive year that the award has been presented to the nation’s top amateur baseball player.

GoldenSpikesAward.com — powered by MLB.com — will once again be the online home for the award.  The Web site features content devoted exclusively to the GSA, including news, voting history, past winner photo galleries, and photographs and video highlights for the 2011 semifinalists.  Fans can follow online at GoldenSpikesAward.com as the list of 30 players is narrowed to three finalists on Monday, June 6.

For the first time ever, the GSA will be awarded live on MLB Network.  The presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET on MLB Tonight, Friday, July 15.  The three finalists for the award will be at MLB Network’s studios for the presentation, which will feature interviews, video highlights and the announcement of the winner.  Online footage of the event also will be available via GoldenSpikesAward.com and MLB.com.

Trevor Bauer (UCLA), Danny Hultzen (Virginia), Taylor Jungmann (Texas), and Anthony Rendon (Rice) were semifinalists for the 2010 GSA and return to the list for 2011.  Connecticut and Vanderbilt top all schools with two semifinalists each, and in total 28 college and universities are represented on the list.  Among conferences, the SEC leads with five players, while the ACC has four and the Pac-10 and Big East each have three.  Juniors are tops with 22 semifinalists and they are joined by four sophomores and three seniors.  Daniel Alrdich is the only freshman (RS) on the list.

In 2007, USA Baseball instituted a new selection and balloting procedure for the most prestigious award in amateur baseball, and it will follow the same model again in 2011.  After working closely with sports information directors and amateur baseball media across the country to determine watch lists and the top-performing athletes, a committee voted to determine the 30 semifinalists.  A ballot featuring the names and accomplishments of the 30 semifinalists will now be sent to a group of nearly 200 voters which will select the three finalists and eventual winner.  Beginning today fans will also be able to vote on the 2011 GSA by visiting GoldenSpikesAward.com and selecting their favorite amateur player.

“USA Baseball congratulates each of the 30 student-athletes and their respective baseball programs,” said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO.  “With the increased exposure we are bringing to the Golden Spikes Award through the MLB Network this year, there is added excitement surrounding the voting process and live presentation.  We wish all of the semifinalists the best of luck.”

A list of the 30 semifinalists is as follows:

Name, Position, Class, School, Conference
Daniel Aldrich, OF, RS-Freshman, College of Charleston, SoCon
Tyler Anderson, LHP, Junior, Oregon, Pac-10
Matt Barnes, RHP, Junior, Connecticut, Big East
Trevor Bauer, RHP, Junior, UCLA, Pac-10
DJ Baxendale, RHP, Sophomore, Arkansas, SEC
C.J. Cron, C/IF, Junior, Utah, Mountain West
Grayson Garvin, LHP, Junior, Vanderbilt, SEC
Sam Gaviglio, RHP, Junior, Oregon State, Pac-10
Sean Gilmartin, LHP/OF, Junior, Florida State, ACC
Greg Gonzalez, RHP, Senior, Fresno State, WAC
Sonny Gray, RHP, Junior, Vanderbilt, SEC
Danny Hultzen, LHP/IF, Junior, Virginia, ACC
Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Junior, Texas, Big 12
Jason Krizan, OF, Senior, Dallas Baptist, Independent
Jake Lowery, C, Junior, James Madison, CAA
Mikie Mahtook, OF, Junior, Louisiana State, SEC
Brad Miller, IF, Junior, Clemson, ACC
Chris O’Brien, C/IF, Junior, Wichita State, Missouri Valley
Joe Panik, IF, Junior, St. John’s, Big East
Mark Pope, RHP, Junior, Georgia Tech, ACC
Nick Ramirez, IF/LHP, Junior, Cal State Fullerton, Big West
Anthony Rendon, IF, Junior, Rice, C-USA
Victor Roache, OF, Sophomore, Georgia Southern, SoCon
Michael Rocha, RHP, Senior, Oklahoma, Big 12
Michael Roth, LHP/IF, Junior, South Carolina, SEC
George Springer, OF, Junior, Connecticut, Big East
Adam Brett Walker, IF/OF, Sophomore, Jacksonville, Atlantic Sun
Kyle Winkler, RHP, Junior, Texas Christian, Mountain West
Mike Zunino, C, Sophomore, Florida, SEC
Chad Zurcher, IF, RS-Junior, Memphis, C-USA

About the Golden Spikes Award
Since 1978, USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the country with the Golden Spikes Award. Following the first ever presentation of the Award to Bob Horner of Arizona State, the Golden Spikes Award has been presented each year to the player who exhibits exceptional athletic ability and exemplary sportsmanship. The 2010 Golden Spikes Award winner was Bryce Harper of Southern Nevada. Past winners of this prestigious award include current Major League Baseball players such as Stephen Strasburg (’09), Buster Posey (’08), David Price (’07), Tim Lincecum (’06), Alex Gordon (’05), Jered Weaver (’04), Rickie Weeks (’03), Pat Burrell (‘98), J.D. Drew (’97), Mark Kotsay (’95), and Jason Varitek (’94). Former Major League stars that have captured the award include Robin Ventura (’88), Jim Abbott (’87), Will Clark (’85), Dave Magadan (’83), Terry Francona (’80), Tim Wallach (’79), and Bob Horner (’78).  For more information, please visit GoldenSpikesAward.com.

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 World Cup Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team; 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 the top amateur baseball player in the country.  For more information, please visit USABaseball.com and GoldenSpikesAward.com.

Time	Home	Visitor	Field
Dates and Times are subject to change! In case of doubt check with the responsible national federation!
Saturday, May 21 2011
11:00	Arrows Ostrava	Technika Brno	Ostrava
11:00	Skokani Olomouc	AVG Draci Brno	Olomouc
11:00	Kotlářka Praha	NAVISYS Hroši Brno	Kotlářka
12:00	Express Brno	Eagles Praha	MBS

Standings

IBAF Publications Available Online

The 2011 edition of the SportAccord International Convention has come and gone; however, the event allowed the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) to start a tradition of excellence in reference to how international game of baseball is presented to the international sporting community. In conjunction with the internationally themed booth, the event also saw the publication of three important documents designed to chronicle the success, depth and prevalence of the game of baseball around the world. The three documents are the 2011 IBAF Development Book, 2011 IBAF Numbers Book, and the 2011 IBAF Year Book.

The 2011 IBAF Development Book is focused on providing a clear picture of the game of baseball as it is today, in conjunction with outlining the programs and strategies that are in place to develop the sport, both in the short- and long-terms. The publication will be updated every year, in an effort to ensure the IBAF and the international sports community have an accurate account of the programs that are in place globally, and to establish a best practices forum to identify strategies that are most successful to
streamline the development of the game.

The IBAF Numbers Book, a publication first developed in 2009, is a second edition providing statistical data to help understand the momentum and direction of the baseball movement worldwide. Designed to give the relevant facts and figures in an easy to understand format, the publication will be reviewed annually to reflect changes and growth in the game.

The IBAF Yearbook provides insights into the IBAF and the IBAF family of institutions. These include Continental Confederations, National Federations and associated federations. The publication also provides historical information on the IBAF and its tournaments.

The IBAF Development Book, Numbers Book and Yearbook can be found at the following link.

All publications are in both English and Spanish, the official languages of the IBAF.

Tournament Update

The IBAF Tournament season is fast approaching, and it is expected that teams will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

In reference to the IBAF Baseball World Cup, to be held in Panama from October 2nd to October 15th later in the year, there is now an information brochure available through www.ibaf.org. The following link will take you directly to the publication. The official home of IBAF on the web will also feature more information and stories as the tournament approaches, so check back for details.

The following information is available for the 12- and Under tournament,

The inaugural event is to be held in Chinese Taipei, Taipei City from July 8 to 17, 2011. Sixteen Teams are expected to participate in the event, with team announcements coming in the following weeks.

The deadline for submission of the Provisional Team Roster (PTR) is May 24.

The deadline for submission of the Final Team Roster (FTR) is June 28.

The Pre-Competition Technical/Organizational Meeting will be held prior to Start of Competition

Link to Information Sheet and Event Norms

Marketing Update

SSK – IBAF

SSK and IBAF have reached terms for a 2- year extension to the deal that has seen the organization supply IBAF tournaments with superior quality umpiring/officiating equipment over the past decade.

Press Release Penguin Group

Balls are the unsung heroes of sports. Whether playing kickball at recess, golf at a business meeting, or shaking a Magic 8 ball at a sleepover, balls are constant companions that can be enjoyed in every environment.

In THE SECRET HISTORY OF BALLS: The Stories Behind the Things We Love to Catch, Whack, Throw, Kick, Bounce, and Bat (Perigee Trade Paperback; May 3, 2011; $13.95) author (and former professional baseball player) Josh Chetwynd offers insight into over 60 balls that are used around the world. Chetwynd shares the incredible stories, craftsmanship, and trial and error that went into molding these spheres of entertainment.

From basketball to paintball, bocce balls to the water polo, every orb of game or sport that is in use today is highlighted. Chetwynd provides lively stories about their origins, history, and unusual factoids, along with quirky illustrations, such as:

• Size really mattered in the early days of Tennis. In one French town makers of tennis balls believed that the bigger the ball they made reflected on their religious piety.
• At the start of the twentieth century marbles were considered an outlaw game by some in the US.
• A fish eyeball was used as the center of some nineteenth century baseballs
• The race to make better billiard balls led to the invention of plastics
• The Nerf ball was originally created to be part of a board game featuring cavemen

The perfect little handbook for history and trivia lovers, and an opportunity for sports enthusiasts to impress their friends with unusual facts at their next sporting event, THE SECRET HISTORY OF BALLS is part nostalgia, part history lesson, and all fun.

***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Josh Chetwynd is an award-winning journalist who has worked as a staff reporter for USA Today and U.S. News & World Report. A former professional baseball player, he has also broadcasted major League Baseball games in Great Britain on BBC Radio.

THE SECRET HISTORY OF BALLS
The Stories Behind the Things We Love to Catch, Whack, Throw, Kick, Bounce, and Bat
by Josh Chetwynd
Perigee Trade Paperback
On-Sale: May 3, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-399-53674-8
$13.95
Visit us on the web at www.penguin.com

Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children’s trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Berkley Books, Dutton, Frederick Warne, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Grosset & Dunlap, New American Library, Penguin, Philomel, Riverhead Books and Viking, among others. The Penguin Group is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) is pleased to announce its presence at the 2011 SportAccord International Convention. The convention will be held from Monday, April 4th through Friday, April 8th in London, United Kingdom, the host of the 2012 Olympic Games.

The IBAF’s participation will be centered around booth 36 and will feature information and news about the organisation, the global presence of the game of baseball and the development path the game is currently taking under the leadership of IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari and the IBAF Executive Committee.

Specific projects that will be outlined to participants during the event will include:

· exhibiting baseball’s widespread activities around the globe
· the developmental collaboration with youth baseball organizations throughout the world
· the revitalized cooperation with the professional baseball leagues
· highlighting the IBAF events calendar for 2011 and 2012
· emphasizing the social responsibility of sport in the community

The event will be attended by IBAF representatives President Riccardo Fraccari, Executive Director Roberto Fabbricini and 3rd Vice President Dr. Antonio Castro.

Further information will be available through www.ibaf.org, as well as day-to-day coverage of the event.

by www.baseballeurope.com

The Congress of the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB) took place in Brussels (Belgium) on Saturday March 12th.

The Congress was opened by the President of the International Federation (IBAF) Riccardo Fraccari who emphasized the importance of Baseball & Softball working together for a joint bid in front of the ICO for Olympic reinstatement.

Following his speech the President of the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB) Martin Miller together with the President of the European Softball Federation (ESF) Andre van Overbeek presented and signed a CEB/ESF agreement regarding a future cooperation. “We are convinced that the most important shared objective of both sports — to regain a place on the Olympic programme — will be significantly furthered by the approach of a joint bid as one sport for that specific purpose.”

Other guests to the Congress were Jason Holowaty and Pat Doyle (Major League Baseball), Daniel Velte, Beata Katzuba and Patrick Wilson (Little League International), Abraham Key (Pony) and Don Fehr (Major League Baseball Player Association).

The Congress also awarded GERMANY as the Federation of the Year.
Individuals Awards went to:
FAUSTO NARDI (Italy) as the Scorer of the Year.
JENS WAIDER (Germany) as the Umpire of the Year.
ARNOŠT NESŇAL (Czech Republic) as the Coach of the Year.

Next year’s Congress will be hosted by the Federation of the Netherlands (that will be celebrating its 100th anniversary) from March 15-18, 2012.

Congress related Documents on CEB Website

A joint statement issued by the Presidents of the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB) and the European Softball Federation (ESF) has pledged that the two sports will work together on a regional basis in Europe for development and Olympic reinstatement.

The statement came after top officials from the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB) and the European Softball Federation (ESF), including CEB President Martin Miller and ESF President Andre van Overbeek, met during the annual CEB Congress, held on March 10-13 in Brussels, to evaluate the position of the two organisations in relation to each other and the development of baseball and softball in Europe.

Separation

Since the decision to remove both sports from the Olympic programme, made at an International Olympic Committee session in 2005, softball has resisted calls from baseball to work together on Olympic reinstatement and other issues.

The position maintained until recently by the International Softball Federation was that a joint approach on Olympic issues would be detrimental to softball’s chances of reinstatement, since baseball had a number of issues that made Olympic participation problematic that softball did not share.

During the BackSoftball Olympic reinstatement campaign run by the ISF from 2006-2009, the ISF insisted that joint baseball and softball federations — which are a majority in Europe — should separate.

However, this position has softened over the past year and the ISF and International Baseball Federation (IBAF) have recently worked together to preserve the place of both sports in the Asian Games.

This spirit of renewed cooperation is now being reflected in Europe.

Joint Statement

On Friday evening, March 11 a joint statement from the two organisations was read at the CEB Congress. It said:

Our shared conclusion is that after many years of separate development, it will now be far more productive for the two sports and their Continental Federations in Europe to work together to promote and develop baseball and softball, grow participation and broaden the impact of the sports on the European sporting landscape.

Agreement has been reached today for the CEB and ESF to work together, starting with:

– Development – especially youth development and projects to raise the public profile of the sports.

– Facility development, including dual-use facilities where both sports can be played and can cross-fertilise each other.

– Combined events where both sports can be showcased and information on technical aspects such as scorekeeping and statistics can be shared.

– Joint ventures to secure EU funding.

– Joint Congresses, beginning in 2013 (more than half of Europe’s national baseball and softball federations are joint federations, so a Joint Congress is a common-sense approach).

Both organisations will now set up Implementation Teams that will work together to define and deliver joint programs, projects and initiatives.

Although the proposed co-operation between the CEB and ESF is vital for the growth and development of baseball and softball in a European context, where both are generally viewed as minority sports, there is a wider significance to the alliance.

We are convinced that the most important shared objective of both sports — to regain a place on the Olympic programme — will be significantly furthered by the approach of a joint bid as one sport for that specific purpose. There are increasing signs that baseball and softball are working together around the world, locally, nationally and internationally, including at the level of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and the International Softball Federation (ISF).

This is a welcome development that can only be positive for the potential to achieve Olympic reinstatement together. We hope that the agreement we have reached in Europe can contribute to that end.

Today the executive committee and all the different commissions will hold meetings. On Friday more meetings for the commissions will follow. Additionally there will be work-shops for “BeeBall & Talent Development” and “Future EU Sport Funding Program”, a “Sports” seminar on 2011 events and competitions and regional meetings.

Saturday will be kicked off by a meeting between CEB and Little League and workshops for “European Player and Coach Development” and “New Development Program”. In the afternoon the CEB Congress will be held. The agenda reveals no spectacular subjects besides the usual reports, outlooks for 2011, budget talks and the announcement of the award winners. One topic which might be discussed though is the European participation in the IBAF Baseball World Cup in Panama.

10 of 30 semifinalists from 2010 headline list

(DURHAM, N.C.) — USA Baseball announced its preseason Golden Spikes Award Watch List Thursday, marking the organization’s first step toward identifying the top amateur baseball player in the country. Sponsored by Major League Baseball, the Golden Spikes Award will be presented in 2011 for the 34th time.

The watch list features 50 of the nation’s top amateur players, and it will be a “rolling” list to ensure that athletes can play themselves into consideration for the Golden Spikes Award, to be presented live on Monday, July 11, at the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star FanFest in Phoenix, Ariz.

Headlining the 2011 watch list are 10 athletes who finished among the 30 semifinalists for the 2010 Golden Spikes Award. The players include Trevor Bauer (RHP, Junior, UCLA), Cole Green (RHP/OF, Senior, Texas), Paul Hoilman (RHP/IF, Senior, East Tennessee State), Danny Hultzen (LHP/IF, Junior, Virginia), Taylor Jungmann (RHP, Junior, Texas), Zack MacPhee (IF, Junior, Arizona State), Mike McGee (RHP/OF, Senior, Florida State), Anthony Meo (RHP, Junior, Coastal Carolina), Anthony Rendon (IF, Junior, Rice), and John Stilson (RHP/IF, Junior, Texas A&M).

“It is our pleasure to announce the 50 members of the preseason watch list for the 2011 Golden Spikes Award,” said Paul Seiler, Executive Director/CEO of USA Baseball. “Last season provided us with an extremely deep pool of candidates from which to choose, and with one-third of the 2010 semifinalists being named to the 2011 preseason watch list, we look forward to another year of excellent performances.”

Arizona State and Vanderbilt lead all schools with three players named to the watch list. Ten schools are tied for second with two players named. For the second year in a row, the Southeastern Conference tops all conferences with nine watch list players. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Pac-10 Conference each have eight. Juniors make up the majority of the list with 38 players named, up from 35 in 2010. Sophomores and seniors are each represented by six players on the list.

Following the release of a second, 60-player watch list to be named on Tuesday, May 3, USA Baseball officials will announce to the 30 semifinalists for the 2011 Golden Spikes Award on Tuesday, May 31. The list of 30 will then be sent to a voting body consisting of select professional baseball personnel, past USA Baseball National Team coaches and press officers, members of media that closely follow the amateur game, and current USA Baseball staff, representing a group of nearly 200 voters in total.

Fan voting will once again be a part of the Golden Spikes Award in 2011. Tuesday, May 31 marks the day when college baseball fans from across the country will be able to vote for their favorite player for the Golden Spikes Award on GoldenSpikesAward.com. As part of this selection process all voters will be asked to choose five players from the list of 30 names. On Tuesday, June 7, USA Baseball will announce the five finalists, and voting will once again commence that same day.

The 2011 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award will be presented July 11 on an award show via live telecast from Phoenix, Ariz. on GoldenSpikesAward.com, USABaseball.com and MLB.com in conjunction with All-Star FanFest.

Bryce Harper of Southern Nevada was the recipient of the 2010 Golden Spikes Award. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft to the Washington Nationals was the first junior college player since Alex Fernandez (Miami Dade Community College [now Miami Dade College]) in 1990 to win the award.

Other past winners of the Golden Spikes Award include Terry Francona (1980), Will Clark (1985), Robin Ventura (1988), Jason Varitek (1994), J.D. Drew (1997), Mark Prior (2001), Jered Weaver (2004), Tim Lincecum (2006), David Price (2007), Buster Posey (2008), and Stephen Strasburg (2009).

2011 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Important Dates

* Thursday, Feb. 17 – 50-man preseason watch list released, shaped by USA Baseball officials, advisors and college SIDs
* Tuesday, May 3 – 60-man midseason watch list released, shaped by USA Baseball officials, advisors and college SIDs
* Tuesday, May 31 – 30 semifinalists announced, selected by USA Baseball officials; semifinalist voting begins; voters select five
* Friday, June 3 – Deadline to vote for finalists, 5 p.m. ET
* Tuesday, June 7 – Five finalists announced; finalist voting begins; voters to select one
* Friday, June 17 – Deadline to vote for winner, 5 p.m. ET
* Monday, July 11 – Golden Spikes Award presentation at All-Star FanFest in Phoenix

The complete 2011 Preseason Golden Spikes Award Watch List is as follows:

NAME, POSITION, CLASS, SCHOOL, CONFERENCE
Tyler Anderson, LHP, Junior, Oregon, Pac-10
Jeremy Baltz, OF, Sophomore, St. John’s, Big East
Matt Barnes, RHP, Junior, Connecticut, Big East
Trevor Bauer, RHP, Junior, UCLA, Pac-10
Jackie Bradley, Jr., OF, Junior, South Carolina, SEC
Jed Bradley, LHP, Junior, Georgia Tech, ACC
Adam Bryant, IF, Senior, Troy, Sun Belt
Garrett Buechele, IF, Junior, Oklahoma, Big 12
Jason Coats, OF, Junior, Texas Christian, Mountain West
Gerrit Cole, RHP, Junior, UCLA, Pac-10
Zach Cone, OF, Junior, Georgia, SEC
C.J. Cron, C, Junior, Utah, Mountain West
Alex Dickerson, OF, Junior, Indiana, Big Ten
Kenny Diekroeger, IF, Sophomore, Stanford, Pac-10
Jason Esposito, IF, Junior, Vanderbilt, SEC
Sean Gilmartin, LHP, Junior, Florida State, ACC
Sonny Gray, RHP, Junior, Vanderbilt, SEC
Cole Green, RHP/OF, Senior, Texas, Big 12
Paul Hoilman, RHP/IF, Senior, East Tennessee State, Atlantic Sun
Danny Hultzen, LHP/IF, Junior, Virginia, ACC
Brian Johnson, LHP/IF, Sophomore, Florida, SEC
Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Junior, Texas, Big 12
Zack MacPhee, IF, Junior, Arizona State, Pac-10
Mikie Mahtook, OF, Junior, Louisiana State, SEC
Deven Marrero, IF, Sophomore, Arizona State, Pac-10
Harold Martinez, IF, Junior, Miami (Fla.), ACC
Nick Martini, OF, Junior, Kansas State, Big 12
Mike McGee, RHP/OF, Senior, Florida State, ACC
Anthony Meo, RHP, Junior, Coastal Carolina, Big South
Levi Michael, IF, Junior, North Carolina, ACC
Brad Miller, IF, Junior, Clemson, ACC
Peter O’Brien, C, Junior, Bethune-Cookman, MEAC
Ricky Oropesa, IF, Junior, Southern California, Pac-10
Matt Price, RHP, RS Sophomore, South Carolina, SEC
Matt Purke, LHP, Sophomore, Texas Christian, Mountain West
Nick Ramirez, IF/LHP, Junior, Cal State Fullertson, Big West
Noe Ramirez, RHP, Junior, Cal State Fullertson, Big West
Anthony Rendon, IF, Junior, Rice, C-USA
Jordan Ribera, IF, Senior, Fresno State, WAC
John Ruettiger, OF, Junior, Arizona State, Pac-10
Jeff Schaus, OF, Senior, Clemson, ACC
George Springer, OF, Junior, Connecticut, Big East
John Stilson, RHP/IF, Junior, Texas A&M, Big 12
Preston Tucker, IF, Junior, Florida, SEC
Logan Verrett, RHP, Junior, Baylor, Big 12
B.A. Vollmuth, IF, Junior, Southern Mississippi, C-USA
Aaron Westlake, IF/C, Junior, Vanderbilt, SEC
Kolten Wong, IF, Junior, Hawaii, WAC
Ryan Wright, IF, Junior, Louisville, Big East
Tony Zych, RHP, Junior, Louisville, Big East

About the Golden Spikes Award
Since 1978, USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the country with the Golden Spikes Award. Following the first ever presentation of the Award to Bob Horner of Arizona State, the Golden Spikes Award has been presented each year to the player who exhibits exceptional athletic ability and exemplary sportsmanship. The 2009 Golden Spikes Award winner was Stephen Strasburg of San Diego State. Past winners of this prestigious award include current Major League Baseball players such as Stephen Strasburg (’09), Buster Posey (’08), David Price (’07), Tim Lincecum (’06), Alex Gordon (’05), Jered Weaver (’04), Rickie Weeks (’03), Khalil Greene (’02), Jason Jennings (’00), Pat Burrell (‘98), J.D. Drew (’97), Mark Kotsay (’95), and Jason Varitek (’94). Former Major League stars that have captured the award include Robin Ventura (’88), Jim Abbott (’87), Will Clark (’85), Dave Magadan (’83), Terry Francona (’80), Tim Wallach (’79), and Bob Horner (’78). For more information, please visit GoldenSpikesAward.com.

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 World Cup Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team; 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 the top amateur baseball player in the country. For more information, please visit www.USABaseball.com and www.GoldenSpikesAward.com.

New Year and Review 2010 President Fraccari

With January Upon us and the 2011 Tournament schedule rapidly approaching, the IBAF has started the New Year with a review of 2010 and the first full year of President Fraccari and his Executives time in office. The document outlines a number of topics and emphasizes the immense job necessary for the overhaul and improving the relevance of the IBAF as a player in international sports. The full review can be found on IBAF.org at the following link.

Upcoming Events

President Fraccari will travel to New York to extend discussions with Major League Baseball. The discussions are an integral part of the ongoing relationship between the IBAF and professional baseball, and will also form a major discussion point in the upcoming IBAF executive at the end of January.

The IBAF and the IOC will meet on the 26th of January in Lausanne,Switzerland with IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari, Secretary General Israel Roldan, 3rd Vice President Antonio Castro, IBAF Treasurer Rene Laforce and the Executive Director Roberto Fabbricini all expected to attend. The meetings will provide the platform for President Fraccari to introduce his new IBAF and highlight the already accomplished restructuring of the organization, the improved relationship with global professional baseball and furture goals of the organization and how they relate to the Olympic movement.

The IBAF Executive will meet for the first trimester of 2011 in Havana, Cuba, the home of IBAF 3rd Vice President Antonio Castro. The meeting will set the stage for an introduction of the 2011 agenda that will include an IBAF presence at Sport Accord International Convention, London in early April, 2011 as well as the 16 and Under IBAF World Youth Championship in Mexico and 12 and Under to be held in Chinese Taipei later in the year.

The Executive is also expected to discuss the possibility of 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. Bids have been lodged from Panama and Venezuela with the tournament possibly to be held later in the year. The tournament has been discussed at length in previous executives and will be decided upon in Havana. A full report will be available at the completion of the meetings.

Past Events

The South Asia Region, a region within the Baseball Federation of Asia and containing Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Pakistan recently held sub region elections for the SAARC Baseball Federation. Mr Javed Shaukat of Pakistan was elected President with Mr Shah Khawar elected as Secretary General. The region is a very promising developmental region for the game of baseball, especially considering the nations involved have a demonstrated ability with bat and ball sports and an intense desire to develop the game of baseball.

Tournaments

‘Asia Insurance Phoenix Cup 2011′ Hong Kong International Women’s Baseball Tournament

The International Women’s baseball scene will commence in 2011 with the annual Hong Kong International Women’s Baseball Tournament, expected to include 7 teams with players from the around the globe, the tournament will be held from the 21st of January to the 24th of January. Updates will be found on IBAF.org

IBAF Media

Lausanne - The IBAF Website will undergo an overhaul in the first part of 2011 to improve the ability of the IBAF to utilize the tool as an information repository for the organization and as a hub for the global game of baseball. The overhaul also includes the hiring of a full time IBAF webmaster to allow the organization a dedicated web management system.

Brooks Hoping to Sign Pro Contract for 2011 Season

Who: Tiffany Brooks, women’s baseball pro-hopeful for 2011. Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP) and 1B.

• First and only female member of the Hollywood Legends Barnstorming Baseball Club
• First American female to sign a men’s pro baseball contract since 2003 and make the team’s opening day roster
• Two-time silver medalist in women’s international baseball (Phoenix Cup, Hong Kong, China)
• One of only two women to ever compete in the Arizona Winter League (independent pro developmental/instructional league).

What: Brooks will join 95 male players on four teams in the CWL. The CWL is in its second year of operations and has successfully signed over 50% of its participants to professional contracts. Numerous scouts and managers will be present from MLB, the Frontier League, the American Association, and the newly-formed Pecos League.

Where: Brooks lives in Spokane, Washington but will compete in Palm Springs, CA, home of the California Winter League.

When: Brooks will arrive in Palm Springs January 15 and report to camp on January 18. She will compete until completion of the league on February 19.

Websites:
California Winter League Website
Hollywood Legends Website

More than a year has passed since the election, thus, I feel it is necessary to summarize the work carried out and the main initiatives realized during this period and also to express my thoughts on the decisions we are planning to take in the future.

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The first 12 months under our administration have been devoted mainly to:

1. Clarifying the organizational situation of our Federation
2. Uncovering the economic situation to determine the starting point from which to hold ourselves accountable to our members federations
3. Reorganizing the direction of the Federation to improve its operations
4. Implementing immediate drastic spending cuts
5. Maintaining a high number of contacts with the aim of securing financial contributions for the IBAF.
6. Evaluating and mapping out the return to the Olympic Program.
7. Organizing and following the course of the tournaments that have already been previously scheduled and allocated (AAA Championship in Canada and Women’s Baseball World Cup in Venezuela.).

As reported in the last IBAF Congress held in Lausanne in December 2009, the first point to be addressed by the new Executive Committee was the reorganization of the IBAF staff duties and responsibilities. The IBAF had at that time 10 employees in Lausanne and 5 in New York; the staff now has been reduced to 7 employees, one part-time, with each employee having been assigned concrete and specific functions, which had been absent in previous years. This reorganization is to ensure an effective and efficient organizational structure that is tailored to the needs of our members.

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From an economic point of view, drastic spending cuts were made, thus eliminating the unnecessary expenditures, while monitoring each existing and new expense carefully. Nevertheless, we managed to hold three meetings of the Executive Committee, thanks to the cooperation and economic aid offered by the National Federations of Italy, Puerto Rico and Chinese Taipei, all of which hosted the said meetings, thereby offsetting the associated organizational expenses of these important encounters.

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The number of meetings of the Executive Committee during this first year has been a clear demonstration of the need to involve all members in the reconstruction and reorganization of our Federation. Transparency in management and participation of members of the Executive Committee in decision-making is something I want to particularly maintain and encourage.

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At the last meeting, held in Taichung (Chinese Taipei), various members of the respective IBAF Commissions were appointed, but this was done only after completing a process of identifying candidates (without taking into account the country of origin) that were available and competent to undertake the responsibilities that would be entrusted to each of them.

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We addressed the tasks of “communication” and “visibility” by completely updating the IBAF website, which has still not yet completed due to the great amount of work involved in this project and the lack of personnel that was able to be dedicated to this end. I feel it necessary to note that one reason, certainly not secondary, that prevented the complete realization of this medium was, and still is, the lack of cooperation offered by our National Member Federations, many of which do not respond to our requests to provide us with their pertinent data and information.

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The limited cooperation received by IBAF from the National Federations reflects not only the lack of organization of our Federation, but also the customary lack of practice for National Federations to participate in the life of the IBAF, which I think is the most serious and worrying issue that we have to confront together and change. We need to make our institution more responsive to the needs of the National Federations through development programs that will involve them directly. This is a challenge that we must win because the IBAF will be strong only if its members are strong, and we will need to commit financial and human resources to accomplish this.

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Looking to the future and at the things to be done, we know all too well that every plan, project or initiative faces the harsh reality of the need for resources. We cannot pretend not to know the very serious economic situation in which the IBAF now finds itself. Not only should we be concerned with the resources that have been squandered in recent years, but also the lack of revenue currently being generated, which stems from lack of contribution funds from the IOC due to our sport’s exclusion from the Olympic Games. To get a better sense of this, we need to look no further than the last IBAF financial audit that was carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The PWC report shows that the revenue of the IBAF went from about $ 11,770,000 in 2008 to approximately $ 3,487,000 in 2009, all the while expenses having remained virtually unchanged.

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I thought long and hard about our financial situation, discussing and meeting repeatedly with all organizations of professional baseball (NPB, KBO, CPBL & MLB). From these meetings came a proposal for an agreement with MLB on a few tournaments, which will not only provide the resources needed to IBAF, but also promotes the economic position of federations taking part in these tournaments, as well as providing substantial assistance and a great development opportunity for our global baseball movement—all this without compromising our autonomy.

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Despite the lack of economic resources, we managed to have the first installment of baseball equipment shipped to an initial block of countries in an effort to promote much needed baseball development across the various continents, and subsequent shipments to other countries will soon follow.

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In addition, a comprehensive development program is currently being studied and will be further discussed once the precise resources available for this project have been calculated. The scope of this program will expand beyond the donation of equipment, including technical assistance and training of coaches, players, umpires, scorers and technical commissioners, as well as staging clinics and training courses for the planning/design, construction and maintenance of baseball fields.

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In the very near future, we will have to turn our attention toward the revision of our statutes and regulations, in order to render our continental confederations more efficient and modern. As has been repeatedly pointed out, these organizations will increasingly become the “engine” of development and become the true continental bodies of the IBAF. To move toward the accomplishment of this endeavor, we expect to have help and strong support from all of you.

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In 2011, we will celebrate and organize our Congress. During this occasion, all of us together will be able to analyze the work carried out, and for this reason, we would like to organize this meeting in a different way, giving more room for moments of open debate and discussion, so that each of you can have the opportunity to put forth your ideas and thoughts, thereby enriching not only our meetings, but also our very own Executive Committee and the institution we are all here to represent, the IBAF. It is fairly evident that the work and tasks that awaits us will not be easily dealt with, but with the teamwork, transparency and collegiality that we have exhibited within the Executive Committee, I do believe we will be able to find solutions to the many problems we face.

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Another major issue to be addressed is that of returning to the Olympic program. We urgently need to define a concrete and definitive strategy to be adopted. There is no time to waste since 2013 is fast approaching us, and it is in this year that the IOC will vote to establish the sports on the Olympic Program for 2020. Again, this is critical work and asks a commitment from each of you to contact as many IOC members as possible in your respective continents, of course, always maintaining the objectives and vision of our global project.

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Before concluding, I would say that although the IBAF looks to the future, we should not forget the recent past, which has proven utterly disastrous for this Federation, and in this regard, we have examined (and we are continuing to investigate) the responsibilities of the former Secretary General/Executive Director, Mr. John Ostermeyer, whose management, especially from the economic point of view, must constitute one of the most severe episodes ever experienced in the history of this Federation, which has led the IBAF to the brink of bankruptcy, as noted by the PWC audit. Despite the difficulties in carrying out this investigation, I confirm to you that we are making every effort to assign the responsibility accordingly. Furthermore, we are taking measures to ensure that something like this shall never be repeated.

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I shall conclude this message by asking for your understanding during the difficult times in which we are living, and once again, I ask for your cooperation and unity, so we can return to being a strong sport run by a strong Federation.

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In my name personally, and on behalf of the entire IBAF Executive Committee and staff, I would like to wish all of you a successful 2011

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Riccardo Fraccari
President, IBAF

• January 14-16: Baseball and Softball Clinic DBV Academy in Paderborn, Germany
• January 21-23: Baseball Clinic in Varazdin, Croatia
• January 21-23: Coach Convention in Bologna, Italy
• February 2-7: Caribbean Series in Mayaguez/Puerto Rico
• February 4-6: Congress European Softball Federation
• February 5: Finals in Australian Baseball League
• February 13: Spring Training starts in Major League Baseball
• February 26: Opening Day Spanish Division de Honor
• March 1-13: Spring Training Games at St. Petersburg International for Dutch National Team
• March 10-13: Congress Confederation of European Baseball in Brussels, Belgium
• March 27: Opening Day French Elite League
• March 30: Opening Day Major League Baseball
• April 2: Opening Day German Baseball-Bundesliga
• April 7: Opening Day Dutch Hoofdklasse
• April 9: Opening Day Czech Extraleague
• April 14: Opening Day Italian Baseball League
• April 23&24: Copa del Rey in Spain
• May 30 – June 4: European Cup Qualifiers in Attnang-Puchheim, Austria, Athens, Greece, Heidenheim, Germany and Montpellier, France
• June 1-5: European Cups in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Parma, Italy
• June 23 – July 3: World Port Tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands with Cuba, the Netherlands, Germany and other teams
• June 26 – July 13: Italy playing Series of Games against All-Star Team
• June 27 – July 2: European Championship Juveniles in Brest, Belarus
• July 4-10: European Championship Juniors in Gijon, Spain
• July 14-17: Challenge de France
• July 18-23: European Championship Cadets in Brno, Trebic, Czech Republic (sites not yet confirmed)
• July 18-23: European Championship Cadets Qualifiers in Pineuilh, France and Belgrade, Serbia
• July 22-30: Little League European Championship in Kutno, Poland
• July 25-30: Qualifiers European Championship Seniors in Barcelona, Spain, Antwerp, Belgium, Tel Aviv, Israel, Krymsk, Russia and Zagreb, Croatia
• July 31 – August 6: European Women’s Softball Championship in Ronchi dei Legionari, Italy
• August 3-26: MLB European Academy in Tirrenia, Italy
• August 8-13: European Softball Championship Cadet Girls in Deurne, Belgium
• August 15-20: Softball European Cup Women A-Pool in Caserta, Italy
• August 15-20: Softball European Cupwinners Cup Women A-Pool in Castions di Strada, Udine, Italy
• September 24&25: European Champions Cup Final Four in Brno, Czech Republic

The International Baseball Federation’s push to grow the game of baseball globally is starting to find momentum as development programs commence.

Following the recent Global Youth Summit initiated by President Fraccari and his executive in Taichung, Chinese Taipei the IBAF has announced a series of equipment packages are to be sent to countries in need of baseball assistance. Nations included in the first round of shipments include Bulgaria, Pakistan, Romania, Mongolia, India, Nigeria, Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, Georgia, Thailand, Cameroon, Lithuania, Serbia, and Thailand.

“It is exciting to see the energy in these nations and their desire to improve. There is no doubt that these nations will grow into tomorrow’s champions at the elite level, and we are happy to play a role in that,” stated President Fraccari.
The packages include Balls, Helmets, Catchers Gear, Baseball Cleats, Batting Tees, Gloves, and Bats. The IBAF plans to extend the program in 2011 to include starter kits to further develop the game at the grass roots level.

The project is a part of a wider plan that will form a crucial part of President Fraccari’s 2nd year in office, set to include a closer relationship with all global baseball stakeholders including professional baseball such as MLB, NPB, KBO and CPBL, as well as youth baseball stakeholders such as Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball and Pony League.

The development plan will expand beyond equipment distributions and also focus on baseball comprehension, with the implementation of Umpire, Scoring and Coaching Clinics, which will be aimed at reinforcing and strengthening the sport’s foundation through these important support structures.

Development through Sport will also be a major focus, with President Fraccari and 3rd Vice President Antonio Castro recently attending the “Peace and Sport” conference in Monaco. The IBAF is investigating opportunities with the organization to allow the game of baseball to play a bigger role in developing communities around the globe.

The availability of baseball equipment is one of the factors retarding the development of the game in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Secretary General, Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association, NBSA, Mr Kehinde Laniyan at the formal handing over ceremony of equipment donated by Marubeni Baseball Club of Japan on Tuesday in Abuja. He added that most players and teams owners could not get equipment to buy in the market.

The donation which is a personal effort by Mr Funayama Shinichiro, the Project Coordinator with Marubeni Engineering Company of Nigeria also involved. The donation included bats, balls, gloves, and chest and leg protectors.

Mr Laniyan thanked the donor for his good gesture and further urged for extended partnership in areas of training, sponsorship and participation in international championships while calling on sports donors, sponsors and government agencies to give support to baseball.

Mr Funayama Shinichiro in his remarks stated that he was led to the donation of equipment when he noticed a total lack of equipment in a baseball team practicing in Nyanyan, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. He said the equipment was fairly used by his club in Japan and hopes it will help in the development of the game in Nigeria.

The Chairman, NBSA FCT Chapter, Hajia Ladi Suleiman, commended Marubeni Baseball club of Japan for the good gesture and for recognizing the game in Nigeria, while the Secretary of the FCT Chapter Mrs Mariam Biu added that the gesture will go a long way in the grassroots development of baseball.

On October 9&10 and October 11&12 Major League Baseball in cooperation with IBAF, CEB, FIBS and KNBSB held two field maintenance clinics in Tirrenia, Italy and Rotterdam, Netherlands. A total of 56 participants – 30 in Tirrenia and 26 in Rotterdam – from Italy, Holland, Germany, Norway, the UK and Spain made the trip to the two-day clinics.

With all the new fields and stadiums which helped make the 2009 World Cup of Baseball such a success, as well as the number of fields and stadiums which have hosted baseball events in Europe for years, Major League Baseball’s goal with the clinics was to help educate the individuals who maintain these fields on how to keep them to the highest standard possible with the resources available to them. Major League Baseball is thrilled with how well the Clinics went.

Murray Cook, along with the sponsors from Musco (Rick Sneed and Chris Limpach), Diamondpro (Tom Burns and Rene Asprion), and Covermaster (Bob Curry), put on a great program of topics. Participants learned how to properly measure the field dimensions, ideal sand/clay/silt ratios for infield materials, and how to efficiently maintain a mound, just to name a few. Major League Baseball hopes to host more Field Maintenance Clinics in the future, and will keep everyone updated with any news.

Picture Gallery on FIBS.it

with information by Major League Baseball International

Photo: © FIBS

Schedule Rotterdam (PDF-File)
Schedule Tirrenia (PDF-File)

For additional information contact Megan McNamara at megan.mcnamara@mlbi.co.uk

THE INAUGURAL

EUROPEAN FIELD MAINTENANCE CLINICS

HOSTED BY

LED BY MLB FIELD AND BALLPARK CONSULTANT MURRAY COOK

After the success of the 2009 Baseball World Cup in Europe, Major League Baseball in conjunction with CEB, IBAF, FIBS and KNBSB will be presenting two European Field Maintenance Clinics this October, to help federations and clubs well as improve maintenance and operations.

Taking place on 9th and 10th October at Centro di Preparazione Olimpica in Tirrenia, Italy, followed by 11th and 12th October at Neptunus Family Stadium in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the two clinics will be led by Major League Baseball’s Field and Ballpark Consultant Murray Cook. The clinics will comprise of hands-on field experience as well as classroom instruction, and topics covered will include:

• A discussion of ballpark dimensions and standards with Murray Cook
• Baseball field lighting standards and maintenance, presented by Rick Sneed of Musco Lighting
• Infield maintenance, presented by Tom Burns of TXI Diamond Pro – former head groundskeeper for the Texas Rangers
• Mound and home plate maintenance with Murray Cook
• Protecting your field with proper covers, tarps and padding, with Bob Curry of Covermaster

The clinics are supported by presenting sponsors Musco Field Lighting and TXI Diamond Pro, as well as partner Covermaster.

For further information or registration, contact Megan McNamara at megan.mcnamara@mlbi.co.uk

Full Press Release (PDF-File)

Tom Nagel, president of Baseball for the Blind in France, reports. This story goes from the World Series, to the mourning for the death of Alfredo Meli, who introduced the game in Italy, to the perspectives of the sport in the author’s home country

The 35th World Series of Beep Baseball for the visually impaired was held in Rochester, Minnesota, August 2 through 7, 2010. Fifteen teams from across the United States and an all-star team from Chinese Taipei participated. The World Series is sponsored by the National Beep Baseball Association

The Beep Baseball world was saddened to learn that Alfredo Meli, President and founder of baseball for the blind in Italy, passed away on July 31. A great baseball player in his own right, he played from 1965 to 1976 for the Bologna Fortitudo, was coach and general manager. His number (11) was retired in 2003. He founded Italian baseball for the blind in 1994 and there are now seven teams participating in the Italian League.

Under American rules for beep baseball each team has six sight-impaired fielders who play defense, wear masks and who are eligible to bat. More players can substitute as strategy dictates. A team can have a designated hitter and fielder in the starting lineup. Each team also has up to two sighted spotters who help position the defense and a sighted pitcher and catcher.

There is a Head Umpire behind the plate and usually at least one field umpire to rule on defensive actions and an umpire on each base. To start play the Head Umpire asks, “Ready spotters?” and the pitcher “Ready?” Then he signals the controller “Bases?”, and the controller tests each base to verify they are functioning correctly. He then tells the spectators “Quiet Please” so that the players can hear the action; he announces the number of outs and “Play Ball.” The pitcher then has 30 seconds to throw the first pitch.

On some teams, the catcher positions his glove to mark the batter’s spot for the pitcher. When the pitcher begins his motion he announces to the batter “Ready” and then “Pitch” as he releases the ball. There are many styles, strategies and speeds of pitching the ball to the plate 20 feet (or 6.1 meters) from the batter.

The Head Umpire announces “Strike” if the batter misses the ball, or “Foul Ball” if the ball goes out of bounds or does not reach fair territory. A ball must travel at least 40 feet (or 12.2 meters). It must be within fair territory when it passes the base although it can veer out of bounds and still be considered in play. Another possible call is “Foul Tip”, which is always a foul ball. A batter can decide not to swing at the pitch. The first time this is a “pass ball”, after that it is always a strike. A batter is out on the fourth strike.

Here is a strong fly ball hit down the third baseline. The base operator turns on one of the bases immediately upon contact. The runner charges aggressively to the base 100 feet (or 30.5 meters) down first or third and 10 feet (or 3.5 meters) out of bounds. A fast base runner can get to the base in less than 5.5 seconds! Runners usually tackle the base like in rugby. This takes practice. Try running with a mask!

On a fair ball, one of the spotters announces the number of one of the six defensive field areas. Only one of the two spotters can announce one number one time. Defenders can take position anywhere in fair territory. Defenders can talk to each other to help locate the ball. “Left”, Right”, “Over” are frequently heard as quick indicators of what the ball has done as it passes a short or intermediate fielder. When a defender has control of the ball and says “Ball” or “Up” the field umpire signals out. The base umpire signals safe when the runner touches the base. The Head Umpire then decides if the point counts or if the runner is out.

Defenders use their full body to first block the ball, and then to seize the ball and show control to the field umpire. Pitching and hitting are the result of long and frequent practices, often using dead balls and not a beeping one. A smooth and predictable swing with a slight upper cut to put air on the ball is best in Beep Baseball. The best “strike zone” is the one that assures the ball hits the bat!
It is almost impossible for a batter to hear the ball coming, so it is a question of desire, repetition and positioning. A line drive that hits the pitcher is considered a “no pitch” or a “dead ball” and is replayed.

After a defensive error you might hear “the sun got in his eyes” or “he was squinting” from the players or the crowd. Defensive strategy requires reflexes, teamwork and communication between the defenders to stop and to locate the ball. A tight-knit defense is a skilled team.

The final of the World Series was an exciting six-inning cliff hanger. The West Coast Dawgs prevailed over the Taiwan Homerun in the last inning by one point (12 – 11) to win this year’s Series. Next year’s World Series will be in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This game is easy to understand, even if it is more difficult than it looks. There is exciting action and suspense on every play. It requires practice, courage and determination. Even those who don’t understand baseball find beep ball captivating and thrilling to watch.

Those who have played beep baseball for many years have noticed the confidence and self-assurance veteran players demonstrate at home, with others and at work. The transformation is profound.

European Championship 2010, Day 10, August 1:

Italy – Netherlands 8-4

NED 100 000 030  4 9 2
ITA 300 002 03X  8 8 0

Box score

Italy has won the first European Championship since 1997 after defeating the Netherlands 8-4 in the final on Sunday in Stuttgart, Germany. The Dutch team had won the last five titles in a row and was considered as heavy favorite to repeat this feat.

The Netherlands had the better start into the game, when leadoff hitter Eugene Kingsale sent a pitch of Tiago Da Silva over the left field fence. They even had the chance to score more, but couldn’t take advantage of a bases loaded, no-out situation. Italy answered right away, putting three runs on the board in the bottom of the frame on a two-run double by Giuseppe Mazzanti and a sac fly by Laidel Chapelli.

The score stood at 3-1 until the sixth, when Mazzanti and Jairo Ramos Gizzi greeted the new pitcher Leon Boyd with back-to-back homeruns to make it 5-1. The Dutch team threatened to come back in the eighth. They loaded the bases and scored three runs on a RBI single by Bryan Engelhardt, a passed ball and a RBI double down the left field line to cut the deficit to a run. But it was not enough, as three Italian insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth by Ramos Gizzi, Chapelli and Juan Angrisano sealed the victory.

On the mound Justin Cicatello (W 1-0) deservingly received the win after shutting down the Dutch offense with five scoreless one-hit, one-walk innings of relief before tiring in the eighth. Diegomar Markwell (L 1-1) settled in after the tough beginning and conceded three hits, three runs (2 ER) and three bb in five innings.

Photo: © Drobny

International Baseball Federation President Riccardo Fraccari issued the following statement regarding the passing away of George Steinbrenner:

“On behalf of the International Baseball Federation, I am saddened to learn of the passing of George Steinbrenner. We send our most sincere thoughts to his friends and family during this difficult time.

During Mr. Steinbrenner’s life, he helped the New York Yankees organization arrive at the forefront of the international baseball community. His entrepreneur vision and competitive spirit allowed the Yankees to become one of the preeminent organizations in the world of sports. The impact he leaves on our sport of baseball, and its culture, will remain for years to come. ”

	Time	Home	Visitor	Result
Tuesday, June 29 2010
	17:00	Hoboken Pioneers	Port of Antwerp Greys	03:00
Wednesday, June 30 2010
	17:00	Port of Antwerp Greys	Hoboken Pioneers	06:09

Standings

Time	Home	Visitor	Field
Dates and Times are subject to change! In case of doubt check with the responsible national federation!
Saturday, July 03 2010
13:30	Port of Antwerp Greys	Brasschaat Braves	Royal Greys
13:30	The Merchtem Cats	Hoboken Pioneers	The Merchtem Cats
13:30	K. Mortsel Stars	K. Deurne Spartans	K. Mortsel Stars
Sunday, July 04 2010
13:30	Hoboken Pioneers	The Merchtem Cats	K. Mortsel Stars
13:30	Brasschaat Braves	Port of Antwerp Greys	Brasschaat Braves
13:30	K. Deurne Spartans	K. Mortsel Stars	K. Deurne Spartans

“In the coming six years, we aim to create an Asian baseball league between China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea, most of whom have long been strong baseball league players on the world stage.”

ShanghaiDaily.com: Chinese pro league to launch, Asia league planned

TAIPEI, Chinese Taipei — IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari today announced the signing of a supplier agreement with Brett Brothers Baseball Equipment Company. The 3-year deal includes bats and cash and will bolster IBAF in its effort to develop the game globally.

‘This is a significant deal and shows the game of baseball is global, with companies located all around the world capable and willing to partner with IBAF to better develop the game,” Fraccari said at the press conference held at the United Hotel next to city hall in downtown Taipei.

President Fraccari also received many questions relating to an Olympic reinstatement, IBAF’s relationship with the International Softball Federation and the future outlook of the IBAF. “Our views are the same; we remain committed to returning baseball and softball to the Olympic program. We have a plan, and we are confident we will make our case heard to the International Olympic Committee, “stated Fraccari.

The cooperation of MLB was also brought into question; however, President Fraccari declined to make public any specific details regarding current talks going on with MLB, instead stating “we will know more in June and July.”

Fraccari travels back to Rome, but will be headed to New York in the coming weeks to engage further discussions with MLB. Prior to this, Fraccari will meet with IOC members in Lausanne.

German speaking readers from Mister-Baseball now can win an iPad Wi-Fi 16 GB at PadMania.de. They have three ways to participate in the contest: Become a fan of PadMania at Facebook, follow PadMania_de on Twitter and post the contest link there or set a link to PadMania.de on your blog or website. Check it out. The contest is open until May 23rd.

Press Release International Softball Federation

PLANT CITY, FLORIDA (USA) — A page launched today on Twitter is the International Softball Federation’s latest outreach to stay connected with the sport’s fans as well as media members and other key audiences, such as its 128 member federations and other national & international sporting bodies.

The ISF can be followed @ISFsoftball on Twitter, which is consistent with the world governing body’s website address (www.ISFsoftball.org) and its official – and very popular – YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ISFsoftball). Plans are already being made for daily tweets next month from Caracas, Venezuela, during the XII Women’s World Championship.

“We’ve been very impressed and pleased with the response that our YouTube channel and our Facebook pages have gotten, so establishing a presence on Twitter is just the next logical step,” said ISF President Don Porter.

The YouTube channel continues to get new subscribers signing up regularly and recently passed the 57 thousand plateau in terms of video views. There is an ISF page on Facebook where fans from many countries continue to engage on a regular basis. And, the Facebook page that had been set up for BackSoftball, the Olympic reinstatement campaign, still gets new users “Becoming A Fan,” to where there are currently close to 13,800 people attached to that page.

“We certainly know that softball is truly a global sport,” Mr. Porter added. “These numbers reinforce that and we expect the same type of response with this Twitter launch.”

The direct URL is http://www.twitter.com/ISFsoftball.

It follows the path of the similar iPhone app, which brought us live Baseball onto the phone last summer. Now you can experience the same features, but in a revamped design, also on the iPad. You can follow live pitch-by-pitch of MLB games, including location, speed and type. Additionally you receive instant box scores, extensive statistics and player profiles. In updated versions in the future you also will be able to access all the content from MLB.com.

But now to the real exciting stuff. You also are able to listen to the radio feeds from all the games, where you can switch between home and away commentary. Additionally you can watch video highlights from the games. If you are also an MLB.tv subscriber you are even able to see live games on your iPad. If you’re still not sold, just check out the videos of the MLB iPad App we’ve found here.

The MLB At Bat 2010 App doesn’t come cheap and can be bought for $14,99 at the iTunes store.

TBO.com: Plant City girl, 12, pitches second perfect Little League game

by www.baseballeurope.com

The 2nd Jim Evans European Classic (JEEC) concluded Saturday, April 10 in Prague at the Krč Eagles baseball park. 27 participants from 8 different countries participated in a weeklong umpire-training course given by Jim Evans, a 28-year veteran Major League Baseball umpire. Assisting Jim were his long-time associate Dick Nelson, an umpire supervisor for over 40 years, and Dick Runchey, Regional Advisor of the NCAA Umpire Program and former Director of Umpires for the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). Runchey is also the current Chairman of the Amateur Baseball Umpires Association (ABUA). Assisting on the field with demonstrations were 5 European umpires from the Czech Republic, France, Scotland and Finland.

The Krč Eagles facility was one of the opening round venues of the 2009 Baseball World Cup and proved to be an ideal location for the JEEC. The weather the whole week was spring-like and enjoyable. The Czech Baseball Association (CBA) hosted the event with assistance from the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB), and Honig’s, which is a small shop the entire week with brisk sales every day.

The participants studied in the classroom every morning and spent each afternoon on the field reviewing the morning lessons and afterward running drills putting the new information into practice. Classroom work covered rules interpretations, positioning and mechanics, and various situations with both field and plate umpire skills being trained. The students’ skill levels varied from new umpires to CEB tournament tested umpires.

The 5-day clinic was intensive and as many topics as possible were covered during the week. At the end of the week there was a vast improvement in the students’ abilities as the lessons started taking hold. Jim is a top-class educator and always took a moment or two to lighten the mood with some “war stories” of crazy plays and situations he experienced during his long career.

Plans are already in the works for a JEEC in Italy in late March in 2011 and Switzerland has shown interest in hosting the event in 2012.

For more information on future JEEC events contact Thomas Haywood at thaywood@blueyonder.co.uk or Tony Jones at tony.jones@baseball.fi

Information can also be obtained from the website: www.jimevanseurope.com

Update 4/14 (Translation of press release, which you can find below):

The Tenerife Marlins Puerto Cruz released a press statement on Thursday that they are welcoming all projects that help the development of Baseball in the world and especially in the Canary Islands. They have done this for the past eleven years. But at the same time they say on record that there is no link or relationship with Fabrizio Ludovisi. They are not informed, nor do they have any interest in projects that are not along the guidelines of the Marlins Puerto Cruz organization. They have made this statement because the Marlins front office and its staff refuse to be involved (directly or indirectly) in shares of people who have no type of connection to their organization.

Press Release Tenerife Marlins:

COMUNICADO

“LOS MARLINS DE TENERIFE  ven con muy buenos ojos todos aquellos proyectos que signifiquen el desarrollo del béisbol en cualquier parte del mundo y especialmente en Canarias…De hecho, por eso tenemos once años de limpia y sobresaliente trayectoria dentro y fuera del terreno de juego.  Pero al mismo tiempo, debemos dejar constancia que actualmente y desde hace un buen tiempo, no existe ningún tipo de nexo y/o relación con Fabrizio Ludovisi. Y obviamente no estamos informados, ni tenemos ningún tipo de interés en situaciones que no lleven una organización acorde con las líneas directrices de los Marlins de Puerto de La Cruz, Tenerife, Canarias. Hacemos esta manifestación porque la Directiva Marlins y su Cuerpo Técnico rechazan por completo el estar involucrados (directa o indirectamente) en acciones de personas que no tienen ningún tipo de nexo con nuestra organización.

ESPN.com: Yoshida signs with Chico Outlaws
Official Press Release Chico Outlaws

Please review the information at
http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=68939
This is former LL umpire/coach who is wanted for sexual abuse of children.
He fled the US and probably is in Europe (possibly in Germany).
With all baseball activities starting now throughout Europe, please keep this information in mind and forward where you feel is appropriate.
Just in case he comes around baseball fields.

The Congress of the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB) has filled the missing spots in the Executive.

The Congress, that took place in Stuttgart (Germany) on Saturday March 6th, elected as the First Vice President Petr Ditrich (Czech Republic), as the Third Vice President Nick Manning (Ireland) and as the third Member at large Reiner Husty (Austria).

CEB delegates had been received Friday night by the Local Authorities of Bad Cannstatt, one of the 23 districts of Stuttgart and the home of the main field of the 2010 European Championship.

The Congress was opened by the President of the International Federation (IBAF) Riccardo Fraccari (former CEB Vice President), who attended the Congress together with Executive Director Roberto Fabbricini.

Fraccari began his speech saying that he felt “Strange being introduced as a guest, since I still feel one of the group”.

Then he presented is vision of the new IBAF: “Our first goal is still the reinstatement in the program of the Olympic Games. With all due respect to female baseball, I believe the only chance we have is a joint strategy with the International Softball Federation“.

In Fraccari’s view the future won’t see Continental Confederations but Continental offices of IBAF: “One of the problems of baseball is fragmentation. We need to have one strategy and we need to present ourselves as a single entity”.

CEB President Martin Miller commented: “It is important for Europe to have an European sitting on the presidential chair of the International Federation”.

Other guests to the Congress were Jason Holowaty and Pat Doyle (Major League Baseball), Beata Katsuba and Tom Mallets (Little League International) and Don Fehr (Major League Baseball Player Association).

The Congress approved unanimously the 2010 budget.

It was more difficult (3 votes against, 10 countries abstained) to approve the fee each of the member countries will have to pay starting 2011. Each country will be charged € 350.

“Still we expect some volunteer contribution from the larger Federations” said Treasurer René Laforce (Belgium).

The Congress also awarded Sweden as the Federation of the Year.

Individuals will be awarded during the 2010 European Championship. The Awards will go to:
Linda Steiger (The Netherlands) as the Scorer of the Year.
Dana Beszynsky (Austria) as the Umpire of the Year.
Mauro Mazzotti (Italy) as the Manager of the Year.

The 2011 Congress will be hosted by the Federation of Belgium (that will be celebrating the 75th anniversary) in the City of Brussels.

For more information go to the CEB Congress section of www.baseballeurope.com

A New Executive Director and Land for a Stadium in Rome Headline the Executive

LAUSANNE, SWIZTERLAND—The Mayor of Rome Gianni Alemanno announced during the inaugural International Baseball Federation (IBAF) Executive meeting of newly elected President Riccardo Fraccari that the city of Rome will donate a parcel of land slated for the construction of a new baseball stadium in Rome.

“I was enthusiastic when I had the chance to cooperate with IBAF during the World Cup” said Alemanno “And I am enthusiastic now, since I can announce that the Government of this City has officially committed to the building of this new facility. Rome doesn’t have a baseball stadium that can host international events and as a Mayor, I felt I had to fill this deficiency”.

The stadium will be built in Tor Vergata: “It’s not downtown Rome” said Alemanno “But it’s an area where huge development is in progress. The second University of Rome is based there and the new sports arena projected by Architect Calatrava will be soon completed”.

Rome and IBAF share the same Olympic dream: “As you know” said Gianni Alemanno “Rome runs to host the 2020 Games”.

IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari answered that he will be “Supporter number one” of the project. Fraccari introduced to the Mayor his Executive (“really representing the whole world”) and Major League Baseball representative Dan Bonanno.

“I think” Fraccari stated, “That there can be an important cooperation between the city of Rome, IBAF and MLB. I expect the synergy effect to be really strong”.

Before leaving, Mayor Alemanno stressed that the new facility will be important for Rome to host major events, but also to help the development of the game in the Eternal City: “I am positive baseball has a great potential in Rome”.

The Executive Committee also announced the Former director of Olympic Teams of the Italian Olympic Committee, Roberto Fabbricini as the new Executive Director of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF).

Fabbricini, formerly the Secretary General for FIDAL (the Italian Federation for Track and Field sports) was named in the position before the 1972 Munich Olympics and maintained it until the 2008 Beijing Games.

LAUSANNE, SWIZTERLAND – Newly elected International Baseball Federation (IBAF) President Riccardo Fraccari has completed a professional baseball tour including the Far East and New York to further develop and tighten the IBAF’s rapport with professional baseball organizations.  Fraccari views professional baseball as an integral part in the global expansion of baseball.

“Baseball is a global game, with professional baseball located in many different places.  Asia is one of our strongest regions, and we look forward to forging long term relationships in conjunction with our relationship with MLB to develop our mutually beneficial strategic goals,” said Fraccari on arriving back in Italy.

The whirlwind journey involved an engagement with the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) Commissioner, You, Young-goo, followed by meetings and discussions with the Chinese Professional Baseball League Commissioner Chao, Shou-po in Chinese Taipei. The final leg of the hectic Asian schedule involved meetings with Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) commissioner, Ryozo Kato in Okinawa.

“We agreed to keep in touch to discuss further. It is good to expand baseball horizons together; we discussed matters frankly” Commissioner Kato said.

After the meetings with Asian Professional baseball, Fraccari flew to New York for meetings with MLB’s brass including MLB President, Bob DuPay, Executive Vice President Tim Brosnan and Senior Vice President Paul Archey.

“The meeting with MLB was positive, and I feel that international baseball is entering a unique stage with exciting opportunities,” stated Fraccari upon leaving the meeting with MLB

Fraccari also made a stop in Hong Kong for the opening day of a women’s baseball tournament, The Phoenix Cup, which is one of the premier events in Women’s baseball.

The meetings are a prelude to Fraccari’s first meeting of his executive, which will come together in Rome on the 20th of February 2010.