Letter by Dr. Harvey Schiller, president of the IBAF on behalf of continuing positive advancements of Baseball around the world
Dear Colleague,
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As the 2009 World Baseball Classic begins in San Juan, Mexico City, Toronto and Tokyo these next few days, I wanted to again take a brief second to update you on the continued positive advancements baseball is making in the lives of so many around the world. You will see the Classic on television in over 220 countries around the globe over the next few weeks, and although these games will be played with some of the world’s top athletes, the real impact will eventually be felt at all levels, as the event will contribute over $15 million USD to develop the sport for men and women, boys and girls worldwide.
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With our recent announcement of the Green Initiatives for the 2009 Baseball World Cup, the IBAF is now compliant with Olympic movement standards, and in the case of WADA testing, even surpasses the required number of tests. With regard to WADA testing, in 2007 there were 16,971 tests in baseball (including pro leagues), the highest number in the sport’s history. It is a great example of how baseball is a leader in finding answers to the issue of doping in sports.
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On the field, we continue to see examples of baseball as a social unifier. Just in the last few weeks, new developments included:
- The Taiwanese government announcing it will promote baseball by providing more incentives to interested companies and public enterprises to invest in the sport and grow the exposure of baseball in Taiwan as a sport for all.
- One of Australia’s top club teams, the Ku-ring-gai Stealers, hosting a fund-raiser to raise $10,000 for the victims of the Australian Bush fires.
- Thirteen young people awarded scholarships by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) based on their outstanding performance at the State Baseball Championship held at Amar Sing College. The SAI selected 13 players, including four female ballplayers.
- The “Baseball in Ghana” announcement to bring a team to Los Angeles in June for a baseball clinic and game with the Encino, California, Little League. There are over 6,000 children in Ghana now playing baseball, both girls and boys.
- The Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball announcing plans to open an Academy for Spanish Prospects in Tenerife, Spain to assist the growth of baseball in the region.
- Cambodia’s National Baseball Team hosting a squad from neighboring Vietnam in a series from March 10-14 in the Kompong Chhnang province town of Baribor.
- The Netherlands Baseball and Softball Federation being named the most successful sport federation in the country, for the first time.
- Over 60 coaches from three different countries – Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia – attending a coaching clinic this past week in Croatia.
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Those are just some of the recent examples of the progress the sport continues to make. It remains a game for all. We will be very busy this month assisting with the WBC, followed by the Sport Accord meeting in Denver, Colorado, in addition to the start of the baseball season in many regions around the world. It is a very exciting time for all.
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As always if there is anything we can do to assist you in any way, please let us know.
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Thank you for your time and your commitment to the Olympic program.
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Regards,
Dr. Harvey W. Schiller
President, International Baseball Federation