On Friday 10th May, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) proudly reached its 10th anniversary as the international governing body of baseball and softball - marking the milestone by celebrating the first-ever World Baseball Softball Day!

"Today marks a decade since the unification of the International Baseball Federation and the International Softball Federation under one banner", said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. "Over these years, we have witnessed an incredible journey filled with many ,ilestones and achievements. Toether, we have also overcome any challenges that have come out way. And at the heart of this journey has been the spirit of teamwork". 
 

On the night, the WBSC hosted a gala reception at The Olympic Museum, where President Fraccari addressed the special guests with a review of the biggest milestones in the WBSC's 10 years of history. During the gala, the WBSC premiered "#PlayEverywhere", a documentary about the history of the WBSC's new urban discipline Baseball5.

"It's a day to celebrate our sport and all that we have achieved as one united team. A day to not only reflect on our successes but look forward to the bright future that the WBSC has," said Fraccari. "With Baseball5 set to make its debut at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, and baseball and softball's to return to the Olympic programme at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the future is bright. 

"I invite you all to join me in a toast: To a united WBSC, to the strength of baseball and softball, to the incredible journey we have shared, and to the exciting future ahead," closed Fraccari. 

Softball New Zealand launched the "first pitch" with the celebrations through a post celebrating successes big and small within our sport and softball community. We shine a spotlight on some of what makes New Zealand truly unique; our history, our culture, our whānau, our passion and our community.

To view World Baseball Softball Day as it happened (through posts and announcements) click HERE.

Article added: Friday 10th May 2024