Ten of the twelve teams from the 2012 IBAF 18U Baseball World Cup are back for this year’s edition. Defending champion USA will be back as will runner-up Canada in what looks to be an even stronger field this year. The event will take place in Taichung, Chinese Taipei from August 30 to September 8.

The two teams that will not make the return trip to Asia are the Netherlands and Panama. Replacing them will be Cuba and Mexico.

• Pool A: Canada (2), Chinese Taipei (3), Japan (6), Venezuela (8), Czech Republic (12), Mexico (invited)
• Pool B: USA (1), Colombia (4), Korea (5), Australia (9), Italy (10), Cuba (invited)

(Numbers next to countries are their standings from the 2012 18U Baseball World Cup in Seoul)

The addition of Cuba makes the tournament even more competitive this year. The island nation has won 11 of the 25 tournaments and has placed in the top three 17 times.

Intercontinental Stadium in Taichung will be the main stadium for the tournament. It has hosted many international events including the 2013 World Baseball Classic earlier this year.

12U Baseball World Cup to be played from July 18 to 28, 2013 in Taipei City

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) announces that 16 teams will compete from July 18 to 28, 2013 in the II IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup in Tapei City, Chinese Taipei. This are the participating countries, split into two groups:

• Group A: Chinese Taipei, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Hong Kong
• Group B: USA, Venezuela, Brazil, Korea, Panama, Nigeria, Russia, Pakistan

It is the first time in event history that the United States, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Panama, Nigeria, Russia and Pakistan are competing in an IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup.

Teams are scheduled to arrive on July 16. During the first round from July 18 to 25 (rest day on July 23) a round robin will be played with the top four teams of each pool advancing to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinals (A1 vs B4, B1 vs A4, A2 vs B3, B2 vs A3) andsemifinals are scheduled for July 26 and 27 with the Gold Medal Game and the Bronze Medal Game to be played on July 28.

Chinese Taipei won the inaugural edition of the IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup in 2011, which also was played in Taipei City. Team CT defeated Cuba in a thrilling championship game, claiming the title. Venezuela, Mexico and Japan completed the top five. Brazil, Korea, Italy, Philippines, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Lithuania also participated. RESULTS OF I IBAF 12U BASEBALL WORLD CUP

Games at the II IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup will be played at Tien Mou Stadium and at Youth Park in Taipei City. The use of the curveball will be permitted at this tournament after a decision by the Executive Board earlier this year. However IBAF will remain committed to protect the health of young athletes through the rules of pitch count limitations and other restrictions.

The IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup embraces fully the notions of cultural diversity, the environment, drug awareness both socially and in sports, and working as a team. Rules for the event have been specially created by the IBAF Tournaments Commission, The Committee, composed of members from around the International baseball world and familiar with elite youth competition, conducted a lengthy study of the structures surrounding the 12 years and under game that is played in all of the continents.

More information about the II IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup in Taipei City will be published through www.ibaf.org in the coming weeks and months.

Press Release IBAF.org

Press Release Pakistan Federation Baseball

The Baseball Federation of Asia (BFA) has appointed Mr. Khawar Shah as Executive Director of Baseball Development in the West Asia region by recognizing the value and indispensable function of Mr. Khawar Shah and Pakistan’s leading role in the West Asia Region for the development of Baseball in this region.

The position appointed is part of the Executive Committee of the Baseball Federation of Asia and requires that the appointee is present at all Executive Committee Meetings of the Baseball Federation of Asia.

Former MLB Umpire and current MLB Umpire Supervisor Larry Young among instructors

From July 10 to 14, 2013 the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) will hold an Umpire Camp in Barcelona, Spain. It will be hosted at the “Carlos Perez de Rozas” Baseball Field. Registration for the IBAF Umpire Camp 2013 is open until April 27.

Similar to last year’s IBAF Umpire Camp in Tirrenia, Italy, the camp is organized with the aim of providing all Umpires with the opportunity to learn and further develop proper mechanics and what is needed to work a game at a top international level.

The list of instructors is headlined by Larry Young (USA), a former Umpire in Major League Baseball and current MLB Umpire supervisor. He also was in charge of all Umpires at the recent 2013 World Baseball Classic. Other instructors will be Gustavo Rodriguez (USA, chair of IBAF Umpire Commission), Marco Screti (ITA, member of IBAF Umpire Commission) and Michael Ulloa (ESP, Umpire at the WBC and WBC Qualifiers).

Registration fee for the IBAF Umpire Camp will be 300 Euros, which will also include accommodation in a double room at GRAN HOTEL REY DON JAIME in Castelldefels/Barcelona. As mentioned above registration closes on April 27. Interested Umpires are asked to fill out the form and submit it via email to Anna Di Luca (anna.diluca@ibaf.org) at the IBAF Office.

Umpires that successfully complete the training program will be certified as IBAF Umpires.

The certification allows an opportunity to work future IBAF events. However, it does not guarantee an IBAF assignment.

Press Release IBAF.org

Over 20-Year Veteran of International Baseball Finally at the Helm in Asia

Tokyo.  Tom Peng of Chinese Taipei was elected unopposed at the BFA Congress held in Tokyo on Saturday, April 13 2013, previous day of the IBAF Congress.

In his inaugural address, Peng assured “Just like the way I have worked for my construction company, I will treat this project with the highest professionalism and commitment and build the BFA on strong, useful and steady foundation.”  “No racism, no cultural difference but only one language: the baseball language!” said Peng.

Yoshinobu Suzuki (Japan), Ms. Shen Wei (China) and Kim Jung-Up (Korea) were elected unopposed unopposed as Vice Presidents and Lin Hua-Wei (Chinese Taipei) was named Secretary General.

In the ballot, 3 members at large were confirmed: Alan Mak (Hong Kong), Vutichai  Udomkarnjananan (Thailand) and Tom Navasero (Philippines).

In addition to these executive positions, the new President Peng nominated Kazuhiro Tawa (Japan) as Senior Advisor to BFA and plans to ask Khawar Shah (Pakistan) to play an executive role to develop baseball in West Asia.

Outgoing BFA President Seung-Kyoo Kang presented Presidential Award to 5 people for their contribution to the development of baseball in Asia: Yukichi Maeda (photo -Japan), Allan Mak Nin Fung (Hong Kong), Shaukat Javed (Pakistan), Kunifumi Itakura (Japan, nominated by Philippines) and Heo Koo-Young (Korea).  VP Suzuki awarded a plaque to President Kang in appreciation of his contribution during his term in the office.

Out of 24 countries/regions in BFA, 18 National Federations were represented at the BFA Congress, namely: Brunei, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Uzbekistan.

Press Release IBAF.org

Marks Milestone toward Olympic Games Inclusion

New Olympic Campaign Logo, Theme, Social Media Platforms “PlayBall2020.com” and Vision to Give Every Boy & Girl Chance to Play Ball also Launched.

Join the PlayBall2020 Lineup on Facebook and show your support!

Press Release from World Baseball Softball Confederation

TOKYO – Baseball and softball players, supporters, and fans worldwide – from professional leagues to local clubs and junior teams – have come out ‘Swinging For The Fences’ and pitching for the Olympic Games, following the launch of a global campaign to get baseball and softball back into the Games

The campaign was launched in Tokyo, one of the global power centres for the two sports. It followed an historic vote by international baseball and softball federation leaders and delegates worldwide  – from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, including China, India, Iraq, Russia, Brunei, Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, Fiji, South Africa and many other nations – to ratify a landmark constitution that unites the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and International Softball Federation (ISF) as a single new international sporting federation, known as the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).

NEW WORLD BASEBALL SOFTBALL BODY BORN

The birth of the world’s newest international sporting federation is a milestone in the campaign to rejoin the Olympic Games sports program after being delisted in 2005.

“This is an historic day”, said IBAF president and WBSC co-president, Riccardo Fraccari. “We have brought a new level of worldwide unity and determination to our quest to return to the Games.  The 65 million currently playing baseball and softball around the world now have a single federation to rally behind.”

President Fraccari said the international baseball community was “honoured and humbled” to have the opportunity to rejoin the Olympic Games in 2020,  and thanked the IOC for guidance and trust provided in forming the new federation, which he said would “provide greater support and resources for the athletes and help to develop the sports”.

Fraccari continued: “We are on a great journey to return our global sport to the Olympic stage. We’ve been listening and learning from the Olympic Family and the IOC to understand what it takes to be included as a sport at the Olympic Games.”

“This is in the best interests of the athletes and putting the welfare of the athletes and the future of sport first, and inspiring young athletes to stand on the highest podium that an athlete can aspire to—the Olympic Games,” he said.

“We have reached a milestone in our journey to put baseball and softball back in the Olympic Games, and today I am proud to announce that the full membership of the International Baseball Federation voted to ratify the new Constitution of the World Baseball Softball Confederation.”

WBSC SHARED VISION TO REACH YOUTH

The WBSC also outlined its unique vision for the campaign. “Our vision is to give every boy and girl in the world a chance to play baseball and softball and to inspire them to take up the sport through the Olympic Games,” said ISF President and WBSC co-President, Don Porter.

“Baseball-softball is a game that anyone, anywhere can play.  There are no barriers to participation.  If you’ve got a bat and ball you can play, regardless of age, gender, social, cultural or economic stature.

“Baseball and softball help to empower women and provide pathways for women and young girls to experience and participate in sport in all cultures,” said Porter.

NEW CAMPAIGN SLOGAN, WEBSITE AND LOGO

The WBSC also revealed the theme for its Olympic Games campaign, “Swing for the Fences,” heralding a global call-to-action for baseball and softball players, supporters and teams to rally behind the Olympic Games bid.

A new website for the campaign was revealed: PlayBall2020.com. Social media platforms to engage and enable baseball and softball communities worldwide were also unveiled to highlight the massive following the sports have and to share the passion to rejoin the Olympic Games.

The WBSC’s new logo for the campaign was also unveiled. It symbolizes the unique appeal that has made baseball and softball among the world’s most watched, followed and commercially successful sporting brands and experiences.

The new federation and Olympic Games inclusion campaign, has the support of players worldwide, and was launched by two of Japans softball stars, Yukiko Ueno, who pitched the Japanese team to the Gold Medal at the Beijing Olympic Games, and Nana Okamura, a new rising star who pitched Japan to victory in U16 ISF Softball World Cup and became the youngest player ever on Japan’s national team.

ATHLETE AND PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE SUPPORT OF 2020 OLYMPIC CAMPAIGN

The WBSC’s Olympic Games campaign is also supported by professional baseball and softball leagues around the word, including Nippon Professional Baseball, Major League Baseball in the United States, Korean Baseball Organization, the Chinese Professional Baseball Leagues, and numerous league partners in Latin America, Australia and Europe, who are united in their desire to participate in the Olympic Games.

“I am sure that all of my counterparts in the professional leagues share our enthusiasm for Olympic baseball and softball,“ said Nippon Professional Baseball Commissioner and former Japan US Ambassador, Ryozo Kato, who said in an emotional address to the Congress, telling delegates that baseball had helped Japan to recover and grow after the devastation of the second world war, and was a catalyst for peace, uniting nations and people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Worldwide respected Japan baseball legend, Sadaharu Oh, also made a strong personal appeal for support to get baseball back into the Olympic Games, while the President of the Japanese Olympic Committee and IOC member, Tsunekazu Takeda, said he would like to see the excitement and joy of baseball experienced by people all over the world, especially among young people.

Press Release IBAF

Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico move into Top 10

IBAF Men’s Baseball World Rankings

With the conclusion of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, which saw the Dominican Republic winning the title in the championship game over Puerto Rico, the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) has updated its Men’s Baseball World Rankings.

With the update the results from the 2013 World Baseball Classic are replacing the results from the 2009 World Baseball Classic in the Men’s Baseball World Rankings.

New WBC and IBAF World Champion Dominican Republic made the biggest leap, going from 13 to 7, as the team of manager Tony Pena replaced 55.02 points from 2009 with 300.00 points for winning the title. The Dominican Republic has not been in the top 10 of the year-end rankings since its introduction in 2008.

World Baseball Classic runner up Puerto Rico also moved into the top 10 of the Men’s Baseball Ranking, climbing from 12 to 8 (2009: 82.98 points for WBC; 2013: 240.00 points for WBC).

At the top of the standings Cuba, USA and Japan maintained their positions. However Cuba and the United States both will lose 250 points during the 2013 season, as tournament results from the 2009 cycle (IBAF Baseball World Cup, IBAF 16U Baseball World Championship) will be taken off in the fall.

Chinese Taipei, which already led all teams in points for 2012, moved from 5 to 4 thanks to their qualification for the second round at the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Surprise semi-finalist The Netherlands climbed from 7 to 5, their best position in the Men’s Baseball Rankings since their year-end 5th position in 2011.

Canada remains in 6th, followed by the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Korea and Venezuela, which round out the top 10. With Cuba, USA, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, COPABE/IBAF America is represented with five countries in the top 10 of the Men’s Baseball Rankings.

Korea suffered the biggest drop, losing 184.98 points due to their ninth-place finish at the 2013 WBC. In 2009 Korea had reached the championship game, which they had lost to Japan. Australia moved down from 10 to 13.

Italy fell from 9 to 11, even though they improved their point total by reaching the second round for the first time in tournament history. However the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico did even better and passed them in the rankings, causing Italy to drop.

Top 20 of IBAF Men’s Baseball World Rankings:

1. Cuba 772.98 – 2012 rank 1

2. USA 719.27 - 2012 rank 2

3. Japan 544.42 - 2012 rank 3

4. Chinese Taipei 541.79 - 2012 rank 5

5. Netherlands 497.76 - 2012 rank 7

6. Canada 492.02 - 2012 rank 6

7. Dominican Republic 449.18 - 2012 rank 13

8. Puerto Rico 361.25 - 2012 rank 12

9. South Korea 333.22 - 2012 rank 4

10. Venezuela 318.13 - 2012 rank 8

11. Italy 235.80 - 2012 rank 9

12. Mexico 187.95 - 2012 rank 11

13. Australia 183.95 - 2012 rank 10

14. Panama 128.97 - 2012 rank 14

15. Nicaragua 125.01 - 2012 rank 15

16. Spain 122.53 - 2012 rank 16

17. Germany 96.83 - 2012 rank 17

18. Brazil 96.21 - 2012 rank 20

19. Colombia 86.25 - 2012 rank 19

20. China 80.50  - 2012 rank 18

Complete IBAF Men’s Baseball World Rankings

A multiplier is used in awarding points, based on the prestige of the tournament and the quality of the teams involved. The table below reflects the changes in the international baseball schedule recently approved by the IBAF. Below are the multipliers that will be used beginning in 2012.

World Baseball Classic            6x  (Winner receives 50 points, multiplied by 6 for a total of 300 points)

Premier 12                                  6x

WBC Qualifiers                          *    (Pool winner receives 50 points, 2nd – 40 pts, 3rd – 30 pts, 4th – 15 pts)

21U and 18U                              2x

15U and 12U                              1x

Continental Championships, Continental Qualifiers, and all other IBAF-sponsored events will receive a multiplier based on the number of top-10 teams from the previous year-end rankings that are entered in the tournament. (See below)

1.00× - Continental Championships/Qualifying Tournaments, where 3 or more competing teams are in the previous year-end top 10

0.75× - Continental Championships/Qualifying Tournaments, where 2 competing teams are in the previous year-end top 10

0.50× - Continental Championships/Qualifying Tournaments, where 1 competing team is in the previous year-end top 10

0.25× - Continental Championships/Qualifying Tournaments, where no competing teams are in the previous year-end top 10

The Thunder Series and Samurai Japan competitions in 2012 were duly sanctioned by the IBAF as per the directive of IBAF Executive, as such, 25 points were awarded per win. Note: only those sanctioned competitions that are solely between NFs “National Teams” will have IBAF rankings implications (that is to say, Cuba vs CPBL will remain only “exhibition” games with no impact on rankings). More information can be found here.

The Executive Committee of the International Baseball Federation had its first meeting of 2013 in Cartagena in cooperation with the Colombian Baseball Federation. During the meeting the IBAF welcomed two new members in Curacao and Saipan.

Another key aspect to the meeting was to discuss the merger status with softball and review the constitution that will govern the new combined body, The World Baseball Softball Confederation.

A report on the merger and the combined bid for the 2020 Olympics was discussed.

Also on the agenda was the announcement of the host for the upcoming 18U Baseball World Cup. The event, to take place in late August and early September, will be held in Taichung (Taiwan). It was also announced that in the 14-team event that there will be no collisions at home plate.

In last years tournament, USA player Willie Abreu tried to run over Canadian catcher Christopher Saw. It was a big collision in which Abreu was thrown out of the game. Shaw did hold on to the ball for the out. You can see the play on the Baseball de World YouTube channel here. The play happens around the 2 minute mark.

With the historic vote from the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and International Softball Federation (ISF) approving the formation of a new unified international federation to govern both baseball and softball together, the leaders have announced that a new name has been chosen. The combined group will now be called the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

By combining both sports under one umbrella they will be able to increase the visibility for both sports and continue to deliver a consistent message. The quick agreement also seems to show their willingness to work together which is a huge step in the right direction as both sports try to get back in the good graces of the Olympic Commission.

The WBSC is looking to have its sports included in the 2020 Olympics. The site of the Olympic Games is still up in the air as the three finalists are Tokyo, Istanbul, and Madrid. The host city will be selected in September 2013. At the same time the IOC will vote on whether to include an additional sport from baseball, softball, karate, roller sports, sport climbing, squash, wakeboarding, wushu, and beach soccer.

12 Teams to compete in Tournament in Summer of 2013

Taipei City is going to host the II IBAF 12U Baseball World Championship in the summer of 2013. The success of the tournament, held for the first time in 2011, was the key factor to select Taipei for the second consecutive time. Deputy Mayor Timothy Ting and IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari jointly announced the decision on Saturday.

The 12U Baseball World Championship in 2013 is going to be played with 12 teams. Taipei City is an important partner of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), having hosted many IBAF events in the past. 12U is the prime category for youth baseball, as it is the foundation of baseball growth and development.

In July of 2011 Chinese Taipei won the inaugural edition of the 12U Baseball World Championship, defeating Cuba in the Gold Medal Game in front of a sellout crowd of 9,235 in attendance at Tien-Mou Stadium in Taipei City. Venezuela finished in third place, in front of Mexico, Japan and Brazil.

More information about the II IBAF 12U Baseball World Championship will be published in the coming months at www.ibaf.org.

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One week before the start of the 2011 IBAF 16U Baseball World Championship in Lagos de Moreno, Mexico, the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) has released the schedule for the 14th edition of the tournament. 11 teams will participate after the recent withdrawal of the Philippines.

The stadiums “Pan American” and “Romo Chavez” will be used during the 16U Baseball World Championship. Group A consists of host Mexico, defending champion USA, Brazil, Chinese Taipei and Australia. Group B features Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Japan, Indonesia and the Netherlands.

Following a round robin in phase one, the top four teams in each group advance into the second phase, which also will be played in a round-robin format. The top two teams after that qualify for the championship game. The 5th from Group A and B, as well as the 6th from Group B will play in the consolation round.

On the first game day on August 19 Mexico is opening the tournament at 3pm local time against Chinese Taipei at Pan American Stadium. Afterwards Australia and Team USA play the night game at 7pm in the same ballpark. Romo Chavez features three games on day one with the Dominican Republic taking on Indonesia at 10am in the morning, Cuba playing against the Dutch team at 3pm and Venezuela facing Japan at 7pm.

You can download a full schedule as PDF file here. For more information visit also the info page of the 16U tournament. Full coverage of the IBAF 16U Baseball World Championship starts next week at www.ibaf.org.

Courtesy IBAF.org

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2012 IBAF 18U Baseball World Championship to be held in Seoul, South Korea

Rome, Italy - Sang-Hyun Lee, Secretary General of the Korean Baseball Association (KBA) and the Baseball Federation of Asia (BFA) met with IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari in the IBAF presidential office to discuss upcoming events and cooperation opportunities.

Specific items included discussion around the hosting agreement and related details in reference to the 2012 edition of the IBAF 18U Baseball World Championship, to be held in Seoul, South Korea. Both parties sought to increase co-operation and find ways to better utilize resources to maximize the impact of the event, with KBA announcing the intention of Seoul City to support the event.

Also of importance to the discussions is the relationship between BFA and IBAF, with both organizations looking to increase collaboration around baseball development, and keep open dialogue in reference to the calendar of events moving forward.

The next scheduled meeting is due to take place during the 12 and under world championship in Chinese Taipei in July.

Source: IBAF.org

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – The International Softball Federation (ISF) and the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), which are separate and independent international federations recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as governing their respective sports, announced today that they have agreed to explore the feasibility of collaborating on a single, joint presentation to the IOC seeking to restore softball and baseball onto the programme of the Olympic Games in 2020.

The IOC and the Local Olympic Organizing Committees (LOOCs) have faced increasing financial and organizational pressures in recent years as a result of the growth of the Olympic Games and the accompanying new venues and numbers of athletes that must be accommodated. In a 2005 vote undertaken with a view to controlling the size of future Olympic Games, softball and baseball were dropped from the 2012 Olympic Games programme and subsequently were not reinstated in a 2009 vote for the 2016 programme.

Mindful of the concerns and pressures facing the IOC and the LOOCs, the IBAF and ISF are analyzing the savings and the reduced impact that may be derived from a combined proposal that women’s softball and men’s baseball share a venue and share space in the Olympic Village for the Summer Games in 2020.

Should an agreement be reached to work together, the ISF and the IBAF believe that they would be able to demonstrate compelling reasons why, under such a proposal, their respective sports should be reinstated onto the Olympic programme.

The IBAF and the ISF would work closely with the IOC to assure that any joint proposal would accomplish their goals in a manner that complies with the Olympic Charter.

The ISF and the IBAF will meet again, perhaps as soon as next week’s SportAccord convention in London, to talk further about the possibility of the two federations working together on such a proposal.

About the IBAF – Founded in 1938 and Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland the Olympic Capital, the International Baseball Federation is a non- governmental organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering baseball at the world level. The IBAF works to develop and grow the game of baseball globally and is currently composed of 119 National Member Federations.

About the ISF – Headquartered in Plant City, Florida (USA), the ISF is the world governing body of the sport as recognized by the International Olympic Committee and SportAccord (formerly the General Association of International Sports Federations). Softball (women’s fast pitch) made its Olympic debut at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. There are 127 affiliated countries in the ISF and millions of participants in the sport worldwide.

Press Release International Baseball Federation (IBAF), www.ibaf.org

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The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) is pleased to announce its presence at the 2011 SportAccord International Convention. The convention will be held from Monday, April 4th through Friday, April 8th in London, United Kingdom, the host of the 2012 Olympic Games.

The IBAF’s participation will be centered around booth 36 and will feature information and news about the organisation, the global presence of the game of baseball and the development path the game is currently taking under the leadership of IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari and the IBAF Executive Committee.

Specific projects that will be outlined to participants during the event will include:

· exhibiting baseball’s widespread activities around the globe
· the developmental collaboration with youth baseball organizations throughout the world
· the revitalized cooperation with the professional baseball leagues
· highlighting the IBAF events calendar for 2011 and 2012
· emphasizing the social responsibility of sport in the community

The event will be attended by IBAF representatives President Riccardo Fraccari, Executive Director Roberto Fabbricini and 3rd Vice President Dr. Antonio Castro.

Further information will be available through www.ibaf.org, as well as day-to-day coverage of the event.

??Press Release International Baseball Federation (IBAF), www.ibaf.org

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Press Release International Baseball Federation – www.ibaf.org

Lausanne, Switzerland – The Havana edition of the 2011 IBAF Executive Committee meeting schedule concluded the evening of Saturday the 29th after a complete day of discussion and decision making. The meeting was an important component of President Fraccari’s four year elected mandate, and included discussion and appointment of the IBAF Baseball World Cup, the relationship with Major League Baseball and reports on the Olympic reinstatement campaign.

The IBAF Baseball World Cup was awarded to Panama after compelling presentations from both Venezuela and Panama. Panama’s Ruben Cardenas, General Director of the Sports Ministry led the presentation to the IBAF Executive Committee, and was jubilant at the opportunity presented to his home nation. The event is slated to include 16 competing teams and will be held in the last week of September and the first week of October. A number of cities across the nation will be utilized, with Panama City the primary city for the event and host of Pool A, while Aguadulce, Cocle; Santiago, Veragues; and Chitre, Herrera to host Pool B.

IBAF – Major league Baseball (MLB) relations were also a topic of discussion with President Fraccari revealing the organisations have come to terms in regards to working on a joint project schedule for 2011, 2012 and 2013. Ongoing conversations are expected to finalise the finer details of the relationship in the coming months. The plan will see MLB and IBAF collaborate  on developing the game globally, and will see an increase in financial support for the IBAF commencing in 2011.

Olympic reinstatement also proved to be a focus point for the meeting, with reports from President Fraccari on his recent meetings with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge in Lausanne. The outcome of the meeting saw the IBAF leave with a better sense of what areas the organisation needs to target in an effort to further align the two organisations. Accompanying  President Fraccari to the meeting was Secretary General Israel Roldan, 3rd Vice President Antonio Castro, Treasurer Rene Laforce and Executive Director Roberto Fabbricini.

Also of relevance to the Olympic Reinstatement campaign was the presentation to the executive committee in reference to the IBAF’s planned presence at Sport Accord 2011 in London, the United Kingdom. The event is a major focal point for the international sporting community and will allow the IBAF to display to the community the great strides taken by the organisation over the last year. The executive committee was called upon to reach out to the member federations in an effort to gather more information about the global game to ensure the presentation is a full representation of global baseball, with no stone left unturned in the search for relevant information.

The meeting also saw the approval of the minutes from the Chinese Taipei edition of the executive in November 2010, the presentation of information in reference to the 12 and under world championship from Chinese Taipei in mid July, the 16 and under world youth championship from Largos del Moreno in Mexico and financial & administrative reports from various organs of the IBAF.

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CANADA – John Simms struck out 11 in six shutout innings to lead the USA Baseball 18U National Team over Italy 10-0 Sunday in USA’s second game of the 2010 IBAF “AAA” (18U) World Junior Championships. USA scored 10 runs on eight hits to defeat Italy in seven innings due to the 10-run rule, improving the U.S. to 2-0 in pool play.

Simms (3-0) was dynamic in six shutout frames, posting his second double-digit strikeout game in four outings this summer. The right-hander worked efficiently allowing just two hits and issuing just one walk. Dillon Maples tossed one scoreless inning to seal the victory.

Team USA registered a team-best five doubles and was paced by Francisco Lindor’s 3-for-3 and two RBI performance. Marcus Littlewood added a pair of hits and RBI. Christian Lopes (Canyon County, Calif.) notched a double and RBI to round out the U.S. attack.

CANADA 5, SOUTH KOREA 4
Philip Diedrick slugged a first-inning grand slam and the tournament host knocked off the reigning two-time WJBC champion. Brian Smith (1-0) notched the key win with 4 1/3 scoreless relief frames and six strikeouts.

Brandon Dailey and Kellin Deglan contributed a pair of hits apiece and combined to score three runs.

Kang Jin-sung went 2-for-4 with a double, home run and two RBIs.

Nicholas Pivetta collected the final four outs with two strikeouts to earn the save.

CUBA 16, CZECH REPUBLIC 1
Cuba scored in every inning and capitalized on six defensive miscues by the Czech Republic to capture a blowout win. Darien Nunez (1-0) struck out five in two dominant relief frames.

Andy Ibanez paced a 14-hit barrage with three RBIs, and a trio of players (Victor Rivas, Angel Garcia and Geikis Jimenez) drove in two runs each.

NETHERLANDS 5, PANAMA 2
Niels Harteveld threw six-plus shutout inings and Rashid Gerard drove in two runs as the Dutch rallied late to turn back Panama. Bayron Cornelisse worked a scoreless ninth to register his first save.

Harteveld (1-0) allowed five hits, two walks and fanned three as the Dutch overcame four errors to pick up the win.

Gerard went 2-for-4 and Daniel Arribas had three hits and an RBI.

VENEZUELA 8, FRANCE 3
Darwin Ramirez scattered one run over six innings and Venezuela topped France. Ramirez (1-0) surrendered four hits and five walks while striking out six.

Rafael Garcia went 2-for-2 with a solo home run and two runs scored, Manuel Palma scored twice on three hits.

TAIWAN 13, AUSTRALIA 11
Lin Tzu Wei stroked five hits and Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) overcame a pair of home runs by Ryan Battaglia to beat Australia in a high-scoring matchup.

Lin went 5-for-5 with two doubles, four runs scored, and a pair of RBIs. Ko Chih Wei and Yang Hong Sheng both drove in three runs in a game that featured a trio of five-run frames.

Battaglia went 4-for-4 and drove in six runs. The Aussie catcher hit a two-run shot in the fourth, and added a three-run drive an inning later.

Tsai Cheng Han (1-0) picked up the win despite surrendering three runs on three hits with two walks in just two frames.

Photo courtesy of FIBS

CANADA – A.J. Vanegas scattered a lone run over six stellar innings and the United States opened the 2010 IBAF  World Junior Championships with a 4-2 win over Australia. Team USA, which has won the tournament on five occasions, will meet Italy on Sunday at Port Arthur Stadium.

Vanegas (1-0) allowed just four hits and fanned eight to earn the win. John Hochstatter worked the final three frames to register the save.

Australia struck first on a solo home run by Sam Morris in the bottom of the third. But the Americans answered back with a two-run fifth to taste the lead for the first time.

Michael Lorenzen reached on a walk to start the rally, and stole second base to move into scoring position. Tony Wolters followed with a run-scoring single before Marcus Littlewood capped the inning with an RBI double.

Lorenzen, who went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks, plated two runs in the sixth with a base hit up the middle. The Californian netted his second outfield assist of the summer with a clutch throw in the fourth to shoot down a base runner attempting to go from first to third base.

The Aussies made things interesting in the ninth when Josh Matavesi tagged Hochstatter for a solo shot. However, the southpaw responded by retiring the next two batters to end the game.

CUBA 3, CANADA 0
Omar Luis threw a complete game shutout and Cuba scored three late runs to beat Canada in a hotly-contested affair. Andy Ibanez broke a scoreless deadlock in the eight with a two-run single off reliever Evan Grills (0-1), and Lazaro Hernandez singled home a score in the ninth.

Luis (1-0) gave up four hits and five walks with 10 strikeouts to pick up the win. Robson was saddled with a no-decision despite tossing six scoreless innings.

SOUTH KOREA 10, NETHERLANDS 0
Ha Ju-suk drove in four runs with three hits and Im Chan-kyu tossed five shutout innings to lead South Korea to a blowout win over the Dutch. Ha doubled in a pair of runs in the first as the two-time reigning champion took a quick 4-0 lead, and iced the game with three scores in the fifth.

Im (1-0) allowed three hits and struck out eighth to claim the win.

ITALY 6, VENEZUELA 5
A two-run throwing error in the 11th propelled Italy to an exciting win over Venezuela. Davide Benetti drove in two runs and Matteo Galli reached base five times and stole three bases. Alessandro Tiberi (1-0) retired the only batter he faced to pick up the win.

TAIWAN 11, FRANCE 1
Yang Hong Sheng and Ou Yao-Tsung collected three RBIs apiece, and Chen Ping Hsueh tossed four scoreless innings to lead Taiwan to a lopsided victory against France. Chen (1-0) allowed three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts to notch the win.

PANAMA 7, CZECH REPUBLIC 5
Panama broke open a tight game with five runs in the fourth and fifth innings, and capitalized on six errors to deal the Czech Republic a narrow setback. Alexander Rodriguez (1-0) scattered five runs on nine hits over 6 1/3 frames, and Rigoberto Santamaria tallied the final eight outs to earn the save.

Sunday, July 25
Netherlands (0-2) vs. Panama (1-1)
France (0-1) vs. Venezuela (0-2)
Cuba (2-0) vs. Czech Republic (0-1)
Canada (1-1) vs. S. Korea (1-0)
Australia (1-1) vs. Taiwan (1-0)
Italy (1-0) vs. USA (1-0)

Photo courtesy of IBAF website

TAIWAN – Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin announced recently that Taipei City has won a bid to host the International Baseball Federation’s (IBAF’s) first Little League world championship next year. The tournament, with teams representing more than 16 countries, will take place next summer between July and August.

“The holding of the first IBAF Little League championship in the nation’s capital will be the best gift to the Republic of China on its 100th founding anniversary, which will be celebrated next year, ” Hau told the China News Agency.

The global event will feature teams from the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Mexico was also interested in hosting the competition before yielding to Taiwan prior to an IBAF Executive Committee meeting in Puerto Rico.

Both the opening and closing ceremonies of the championship will be held at the Tienmu Baseball Stadium, which will have its facilities upgraded for the international competition. The baseball fields at the Xinsheng Park and the Riverside Park will be used as the secondary venues for the tournament.

SWITZERLAND – The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) will be moving to its new offices in Lausanne this week at Maison du Sport International. While the governing body of international baseball will have a new office address, the office telephone numbers will remain the same, as will the general office email – ibaf@ibaf.org.

Over this moving period, staff will be involved in the moving activities, and as a result the IBAF encourages you to send an email rather than call the office when possible.

The new IBAF office address is listed below:

Maison du Sport International
IBAF
54, Avenue de Rhodanie
CH – 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland

Source: International Baseball Federation (IBAF)

TAIWAN — IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari today announced the signing of a supplier agreement with Brett Brothers Baseball Equipment Company. The 3-year deal includes bats and cash and will bolster IBAF in its effort to develop the game globally.

‘This is a significant deal and shows the game of baseball is global, with companies located all around the world capable and willing to partner with IBAF to better develop the game,” Fraccari said at the press conference held at the United Hotel next to city hall in downtown Taipei.

President Fraccari also received many questions relating to an Olympic reinstatement, IBAF’s relationship with the International Softball Federation and the future outlook of the IBAF. “Our views are the same; we remain committed to returning baseball and softball to the Olympic program. We have a plan, and we are confident we will make our case heard to the International Olympic Committee, “stated Fraccari.

The cooperation of MLB was also brought into question; however, President Fraccari declined to make public any specific details regarding current talks going on with MLB, instead stating “we will know more in June and July.”

Fraccari travels back to Rome, but will be headed to New York in the coming weeks to engage further discussions with MLB. Prior to this, Fraccari will meet with IOC members in Lausanne.

Photo courtesy of FIBS

UNITED ARAB EMIATES – Rebranding the game of baseball as a global sport – not just an American sport – will be the new strategy of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) as the governing body of the sport worldwide strives to get baseball back on the Olympic program.

“The message you have to give to people is that baseball is a global sport, not American,” IBAF president Riccardo Fraccari told The Associated Press on the sidelines of the SportAccord International Convention in Dubai. “This was the mistake made in the past.”

An Italian who succeeded American Harvey Schiller late last year as the International Baseball Federation president, Fraccari (pictured, left) has made returning baseball to the Olympics his top priority.

Baseball and softball became the first sports in nearly seven decades to be voted out of the Olympics in 2005, and both sports lost appeals for reinstatement the following year.

The two sports attempted to get back into the Olympics for the 2016 Games, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to add the elitist sports of golf and rugby instead.

Unlike his predecessor, who failed to lure the leaders of the International Softball Federation (ISF) into a joint bid, Fraccari is expected to pitch the benefits of a partnership with ISF president Don Porter when officials from the two federations meet this week at the SportAccord.

Besides getting baseball back into the Olympics, Fraccari also wants to see the game enjoy growth in Europe as well as the Middle East. The 2009 IBAF Baseball World Cup was held in several European cities to help promote the game on the old continent.

“If you look at Europe, it is a big potential market,” he said. “There is money. There are good organizations and a strong mentality of sport.”

Iran, Iraq and several other Middle Eastern countries have expressed interest in starting baseball programs, and Fraccari believe these nations have good potential since all possess good weather, American influence and available land.

Photo courtesy of FIBS

CANADA – The Thunder Bay International Baseball Association (TBIBA) and International Baseball Federation (IBAF) today announced the official schedule for the 2010 IBAF World Junior Baseball Championship.

The schedule outlines the forty-six games that will ultimately determine the World Champion. The participants are the world’s best 18U international teams from 12 different nations. Korea will be looking for their third straight world title, but will have strong competition from Cuba and the United States. As for Canada, they will be looking to make an impact on home soil in their quest to win their first junior gold medal since 1991

The best 18U baseball talent from around the world will converge on Thunder Bay, which is illustrated by the number of high profile MLB stars that got their start at the World Junior Baseball Championship. Current MLB players such as; Joe Mauer (USA), Kendry Morales and Yunieski Betancourt (Cuba) Shin-Soo Choo (Korea), and recent Canadian first round draft picks; Phillippe Aumont, Brett Lawrie and Adam Loewen all took part in the IBAF World Junior Baseball Championship throughout the years.

“The release of the schedule brings a reality to the planning process” said TBIBA President Larry Hebert. “The City of Thunder Bay can start to get excited, and get ready to support their teams”, stated Hebert. “It is always exciting to see the schedule announced, it allows for a greater sense of anticipation as teams start to think about matchup’s and strategy, and fans can plan what games to go to,” stated IBAF President Ricardo Fraccari from Rome, Italy.

The tournament will take place in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, with the first pitch being thrown at Port Arthur Stadium on Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) in a game between Panama and Cuba. The gold medal game will take place on Sunday, August 1st, at 4:30 p.m. (EDT).

Photo courtesy of All-American Baseball Aademy

Source: International Baseball Federation (IBAF)

SWIZTERLAND — The Mayor of Rome Gianni Alemanno announced during the inaugural International Baseball Federation (IBAF) Executive meeting of newly elected President Riccardo Fraccari that the city of Rome will donate a parcel of land slated for the construction of a new baseball stadium in Rome.

“I was enthusiastic when I had the chance to cooperate with IBAF during the World Cup” said Alemanno “And I am enthusiastic now, since I can announce that the Government of this City has officially committed to the building of this new facility. Rome doesn’t have a baseball stadium that can host international events and as a Mayor, I felt I had to fill this deficiency”.

The stadium will be built in Tor Vergata: “It’s not downtown Rome” said Alemanno “But it’s an area where huge development is in progress. The second University of Rome is based there and the new sports arena projected by Architect Calatrava will be soon completed”.

Rome and IBAF share the same Olympic dream: “As you know” said Gianni Alemanno “Rome runs to host the 2020 Games”.

IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari answered that he will be “Supporter number one” of the project. Fraccari introduced to the Mayor his Executive (“really representing the whole world”) and Major League Baseball representative Dan Bonanno.

“I think” Fraccari stated, “That there can be an important cooperation between the city of Rome, IBAF and MLB. I expect the synergy effect to be really strong”.

Before leaving, Mayor Alemanno stressed that the new facility will be important for Rome to host major events, but also to help the development of the game in the Eternal City: “I am positive baseball has a great potential in Rome”.

The Executive Committee also announced the Former director of Olympic Teams of the Italian Olympic Committee, Roberto Fabbricini as the new Executive Director of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF).

Fabbricini, formerly the Secretary General for FIDAL (the Italian Federation for Track and Field sports) was named in the position before the 1972 Munich Olympics and maintained it until the 2008 Beijing Games.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL BASEBALL FEDERATION (IBAF)
Founded in 1938, the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) is a non-governmental organization recognized 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 organizes 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.

Photo courtesy of freefoto.com

SWITZERLAND – Newly elected International Baseball Federation (IBAF) President Riccardo Fraccari has completed a professional baseball tour including the Far East and New York to further develop and tighten the IBAF’s rapport with professional baseball organizations. Fraccari views professional baseball as an integral part in the global expansion of baseball.

“Baseball is a global game, with professional baseball located in many different places. Asia is one of our strongest regions, and we look forward to forging long term relationships in conjunction with our relationship with MLB to develop our mutually beneficial strategic goals,” said Fraccari on arriving back in Italy.

The whirlwind journey involved an engagement with the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) Commissioner, You, Young-goo, followed by meetings and discussions with the Chinese Professional Baseball League Commissioner Chao, Shou-po in Chinese Taipei. The final leg of the hectic Asian schedule involved meetings with Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) commissioner, Ryozo Kato in Okinawa.

“We agreed to keep in touch to discuss further. It is good to expand baseball horizons together; we discussed matters frankly” Commissioner Kato said.

After the meetings with Asian Professional baseball, Fraccari flew to New York for meetings with MLB’s brass including MLB President, Bob DuPay, Executive Vice President Tim Brosnan and Senior Vice President Paul Archey.

“The meeting with MLB was positive, and I feel that international baseball is entering a unique stage with exciting opportunities,” stated Fraccari upon leaving the meeting with MLB

Fraccari also made a stop in Hong Kong for the opening day of a women’s baseball tournament, The Phoenix Cup, which is one of the premier events in Women’s baseball.

The meetings are a prelude to Fraccari’s first meeting of his executive, which will come together in Rome on the 20th of February 2010.

Photo courtesy of FIBS

Source: International Baseball Federation (IBAF)