2025 Year in Review: WBSC Development strategy drives growth worldwide
Following the publication of its Development Programmes 2025–2028 booklet in English and Spanish, the WBSC formally presented its ongoing Development Strategy to delegates at the Ordinary Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, in October. The roadmap outlines a coordinated approach to long-term growth, combining targeted investment with practical support for Members across all regions.
Strategic investment across all levels
WBSC Treasurer Angelo Vicini delivered an in-depth update to Congress delegates, highlighting how development grants continue to reinforce the sport’s foundations while expanding participation pathways globally. The strategy prioritises sustainability, capacity-building and inclusion across the WBSC’s four core disciplines.
Funding allocated to athlete and sport development supports elite athletes, national teams, umpires, technical commissioners and scorers, alongside technical education programmes for coaches and officials. Complementary resources dedicated to administration and promotion assist National Federations and Continental Associations in strengthening governance structures, management capacity and operational efficiency.
Additional grants support the establishment and growth of baseball and softball academies, the development of playing facilities, and the provision of technical equipment. Community-based and school programmes also remain a key focus, helping introduce the sport to new audiences and younger generations.
Vicini explained that the WBSC Executive Board defines the global framework and priorities, while Continental Associations tailor regional development plans and monitor the progress of their affiliated National Federations.
Development Programmes 2025-28
Released shortly before the Congress, the Development Programmes 2025–2028 booklet serves as a comprehensive reference for WBSC Members. The publication provides step-by-step guidance on how National Federations and Continental Associations can leverage the WBSC’s global network, expertise and resources to drive sustainable growth at all levels of the game.
“This new edition of the Development Programmes serves as a guide for our members, athletes and officials who wish to benefit from the ever-growing WBSC network established over the past years,” wrote WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari in his opening message. “It represents both a continuation of our shared vision and a renewed commitment to supporting every corner of the global Baseball/Softball community.”
Member highlights from 2025
Across 2025, WBSC Members delivered a wide range of initiatives reflecting the diversity and reach of the development strategy.
In February, a combined team of SOTO and Kongo Basic School students from Ghana’s Greater Accra Region captured the inaugural Ghana Koshien Baseball Championship at Labone Senior High School, winning the final 12–9. The four-team tournament was delivered as part of the Japan-Africa Baseball & Softball Foundation’s Africa 55 Koshien Project. Tanzania became the first African country to launch a Koshien-style championship, with Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Sudan, Benin, Cameroon and Zambia expected to follow.
In Switzerland, the Minotaures club from Martigny introduced baseball to young participants during Junior Days, organised by the Connectivia Foundation. Working in collaboration with the WBSC, the club provided batting cages, pitching machines and beginner-friendly stations, creating a safe and engaging environment for children to experience the sport.
Coach education remained a priority in Türkiye, where the Turkish Baseball and Softball Federation hosted a four-day Level 3 softball coaching seminar in Ankara from 1 to 4 February. Led by Argentine coach Guillermo Spotorno, the clinic combined theory and practice and awarded national certification to 15 participants.
Youth competition took centre stage in Asia as the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China hosted the inaugural Hong Kong International Youth Baseball Classic from 14 to 16 March. The event welcomed 13 teams from the Greater Bay Area and Indonesia, offering young players valuable international exposure.
In late April, former Chinese Taipei ace Chien-Ming Wang conducted a high-performance clinic with the Palau baseball team at the National Taiwan Sports University, providing hands-on guidance to a 25-player squad aged 17 to 33.
Government support also featured prominently in Korea, where the Korea Baseball Softball Association announced a partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to support the 2025 Youth Club League (i-League), strengthening the structure and stability of grassroots baseball.
In South America, the Brazilian Baseball and Softball Confederation delivered grassroots clinics in two cities in the São Paulo region, engaging more than 200 children through on-field activities led by national coaches and instructors.
Infrastructure development marked another milestone in June, as the Taichung City Government unveiled plans for a new domed stadium with a capacity of more than 30,000 seats. The Super Dome, projected to open in 2030, is set to become the largest indoor multi-functional venue in central-southern Taiwan.
Looking ahead, Baseball Canada announced the launch of The Road to Okotoks, a new U-19 national championship featuring 16 elite teams. The competition will culminate in Okotoks, Alberta, from 14 to 19 July 2026, with teams competing for the Morneau Cup, named in honour of Canadian baseball icon Justin Morneau.
WBSC initiatives in 2025
The WBSC also advanced its own development programmes throughout the year.
In March, the WBSC Academy released the second edition of the Baseball Technical Commissioner Continuing Development Course, a mandatory programme for maintaining WBSC TC licensing. The three-lesson course addresses key rule differences with MLB, recent regulatory updates and best practices for managing WBSC events.
In April, the WBSC joined the Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport, reinforcing its commitment to advancing equality across the sport. “With the GO, we share the mission of tackling inequalities encountered by women and girls in both sport and society,” President Fraccari said.
That same month, the WBSC took part in the fourth Congress of the Association of Portuguese-Speaking Olympic Committees in Cape Verde, where Baseball5 was discussed as a potential discipline for future Lusophony Games.
International outreach continued in July and August at the XXXI World Children's Baseball Fair in Japan, hosted in Akita Prefecture. Former international catcher Luis Camargo led the WBSC coaching staff, supported by Daishin Nakamura (Japan), Robin Wallace (USA), Marc Carrillo (Spain), Hitoshi Hasegawa (Japan) and Ayako Rokkaku (Japan).
October saw the WBSC sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the International School Sport Federation in Lausanne, strengthening cooperation in school-based sport development. The organisation also participated in Olympic Week at the Olympic Museum, showcasing Baseball, Softball and Baseball5 with support from the Lausanne Indians baseball club.
The year concluded with technical education once again in focus, as Toulouse, France, hosted a joint WBSC–WBSC Europe Baseball Umpire Clinic from 27 to 30 November. The programme offered 30 participants the opportunity to earn dual certification and will form the foundation of the forthcoming Level 1 Baseball Umpire Licensing Programme on the WBSC Academy Platform.
Categories: Baseball , Baseball5 , Softball , WBSC , Year in Review
