WBC Field Set For 2009

The 16 teams vying for the coveted title at the second edition of the World Baseball Classic in the spring of 2009 has been announced by Major League Baseball.

Defending champion Japan heads a strong group of teams that reached the second round in the inaugural tournament and were rewarded with an automatic berth in next year’s competition. Cuba, Dominican Republic, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela round out the group.

Countries that were sent invitations to the 2009 World Baseball Classic includes Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Italy, Netherlands, Panama, and South Africa.

Due to the growth of the game internationally – with more and more countries competing at a higher level – tournament organizers are seriously considering increasing the number of teams from 16 to 24 countries with qualifying rounds before the main competition.

Similar to the 2006 tournament all four of the first-round contests will be played outside the United States, which will again play host to the second round, semi-finals, and the championship game. The game venues are expected to be announced sometime in March.

Photo Courtesy of IBAF