IBAF President addresses Baseball in front of IOC Decision

by IBAF, www.ibaf.org

A Message from IBAF President Dr. Harvey Schiller

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

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

Dr. Harvey W. Schiller

President

International Baseball Federation