Press Release International Baseball Federation (IBAF), www.ibaf.org
Baseball and the Olympic Games was the theme today as the IBAF’s Olympic Reinstatement Commission (ORC) met for the first time in San Marino. Hosted by the San Marino Olympic Committee’s president Angelo Vicini, the event was also attended by IBAF president Riccardo Fraccari, 1st vice president Kazuhiro Tawa, 3rd vice president Antonio Castro and executive director Roberto Fabbricini.
The purpose of the meeting was to map out the path the IBAF will take in its reinstatement campaign, introduce the membership structure of the commission and discuss the major topics associated with the campaign including the relationship with softball, professional baseball, anti-doping and global baseball development.
Softball – Baseball relations was a key component of the discussion, and included a summary of the latest developments which include the International Softball Federation (ISF) communicating to the IBAF its intention to take part in meetings to discuss the best course of action for the Olympic reinstatement campaign. The path is in part based on the recent developments in Asia where baseball-softball’s joint proposal was submitted to OCA for the inclusion of both sports in 2014 Asian Games.
The positive news truly enhances baseball and softballs position in regards to a possible 2020 inclusion as a medal sport.
The commission composition will look to embrace the global nature of the game by including members from each continent who understand all the facets of the game of baseball, and posses an understanding of ideals of the Olympic movement.
“The main objective of IBAF at this time is to bring baseball back to the Olympic program in 2020. This is essential for IBAF but especially for the Federations. Staying out of the Olympic movement inevitably damages the image of the game but also the business of developing the game. The path back to the Olympic program is now clearer, especially thanks to a developing agreement with softball allowing both baseball and softball greater definition and strength in terms of universality. The involvement of the professional leagues is also a key factor, and their strides to allow best available players to participate in the Olympic Games and generate greater interest in the Olympic competition are a major milestone on the way to reentry. The mistake that was made in the past was to think that baseball is just an American sport. As a matter of fact, we have very strong teams in baseball in Asia and it is growing rapidly in Europe. I am satisfied with the work done here in San Marino, and the path implemented to achieve universal goals starts from a small state thanks to Angelo Vicini, who is a great authority in international baseball.” Stated IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari.
“I think this Commission has taken the path in the right direction. One of the things that we should not forget to bring us closer to the Olympic Games is to involve all nations. For this we have established contacts in the Middle East where you can find a phase of development of the game of baseball” Antonio Castro IBAF 3rd Vice-President:
“Baseball in the Olympics is a major challenge. Starting from this meeting to get prepared for further meetings with the IOC to be held in July. The path will not be an easy path but it seems there are already some positive answers for us. We must think of baseball as a global discipline, avoid conflicts with professional leagues and work with the softball. I am very pleased to know that this path starts from San Marino, I am very pleased that IBAF recognizes to us an important role in the world of baseball.” Angelo Vicini Presidente Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Sammarinese
About the International Baseball Federation (IBAF)
Founded in 1938, the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) is a non-governmental organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering men’s and women’s baseball at the world level. Located in Lausanne, Switzerland – the Olympic Capital – and counting 125 National Member Federations, the IBAF organises the IBAF Men’s and Women’s Baseball World Cup, the AAA (18U) and AA (16U) World Championships, the Olympic Games Baseball Tournament, and it sanctions the World Baseball Classic, among other international baseball tournaments. The IBAF works to develop and grow the game of baseball around the world. For more information, please visit IBAF.org.