IBAF President looks forward after a successful World Cup

International Baseball Federation President Dr Harvey Schiller has written to national baseball federations around the world to sum up the state of the game following Olympic rejection but a successful World Cup in Europe:

First of all, I want to congratulate all those who were involved in staging our just-completed World Cup. From our board to the federation heads, IBAF staff, government officials and volunteers, it was a monumental task, and from most accounts was a big success, especially given the logistics of staging such an event across Europe. There certainly were some lessons learned for the future, but I can safely say that overall the impact that was made locally and the impression made on key government and baseball officials was very positive. It was a true team effort, and once again showed that the sport is growing globally, with the best yet to come. From overflow crowds in some of the venues, to worldwide TV coverage and record web traffic, the Baseball World Cup was a great step forward for the organisation and the sport.”

What Next?

“So now that the World Cup has been completed, the question that has come up is ‘What’s next?’

First, this week we will be going to Copenhagen for the announcement of the Olympic candidate city for 2016, and we will continue to lobby for the slightest chance of re-instatement. As you know, IOC President Jacques Rogge has emphatically stated that there will be no changes to the selection of rugby and golf as the two sports that will be presented for the vote on October 6. However, we feel strongly that the impression the World Cup made, along with some of the comments we have seen and read from others in the Olympic movement, warrant our presence and effort there. Whether that changes anything remains to be seen, but we will keep pushing ahead.

Continuing Growth

Olympic inclusion for baseball is important, but not critical overall for the growth of our great sport, as it is for so many others. Even without a positive vote in August, baseball has continued its growth path. The Little League World Series and other youth events at the end of the summer saw record turnouts and participation from young people around the world. Major League Baseball announced just last week the next steps in the growth of baseball in China, and we have gotten some great feedback about the commitment to grow the game from federations in places like Indonesia, Nigeria and the Bahamas.

Just a look at some of the World Cup results show the amazing progress that is going on even at the elite level. The World Cup’s leading hitter was Paco Figueroa of Spain, while the All-World Cup team included players from six different nations.

We are also making strides on the women’s side, and hope to have an announcement very shortly about a host nation for the 2010 World Cup. All very positive and very encouraging, and we are hopeful that our collective efforts will be noticed by officials and new partners around the world who realise that great value the game of baseball brings.

IBAF Congress

We will also be holding our Congress in early December in Lausanne. Many federations have already voiced their opinion as to what the structure of the organisation should be like going forward, and all should continue to do so. We have made many changes in the global governance of the sport in the last few years and have seen a great many positives as a result. However, much more needs to be done to keep the organisation growing and financially viable, and that effort has to come from all involved, not just from a few.

Also, at that meeting the new President and Board will also be selected. As most of you know, I have chosen not to run for another term, but would like to stay involved with the sport in whatever way those who are in charge see fit.

Once again, congratulations and thank you to all involved in the staging of the World Cup. As always, your thoughts, comments and suggestions are welcome and we will continue to update you on the news as time goes forward.”