An Historic Debut: WBSC Refugee Team brings Hope and Pride to Baseball5 World Cup

History was written under the bright skies of Tepic and the canopy of La Loma Park as the WBSC Refugee Team made their first-ever appearance in a WBSC World Cup. Representing Syria, the young athletes may not have secured victory on the opening day of the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup 2025 on Wednesday, but their performance, spirit, and pride resonated far beyond the scoreboard.

Writing the First Chapter

Facing Tunisia in their debut match, Syria showed grit and heart despite falling (7-4, 13-3). Along the way, they etched unforgettable milestones into Baseball5 history.

Ahmad Alshehadat became the first Syrian player to score a run at a WBSC World Cup, crossing home plate in the third inning of the first set. “This is the first time I've seen Baseball5 like this,” Alshehadat said. “It was a great feeling being able to score. You can’t describe it with words”.

Just moments into the game, Ahmed Hadroos claimed another historic first - the team’s first-ever hit, with the very first play. “It’s my first time here representing the Syrian team. We’re representing all the Syrians. It’s an incredible feeling. Unfortunately, we didn’t win but it was a fun game. Hopefully, we’ll do better in the next game,” he reflected.

Pride Beyond Results

For third baseman Lamees Aldabaan, the day was about more than the numbers. She became the first woman from the team to drive in a run, delivering an RBI that brought both tears and pride. “I am very proud of myself. My eyes are filled with tears of joy. I love myself and my team,” she said.

Even in defeat, Aldabaan was optimistic: “I was very happy because I had hope. Every time, every ball hit, every play, every defence… I had a lot of hope and optimism”.

A Message of Gratitude and Determination

At the helm, coach Amjed Alatoom spoke of the significance of the moment. “Today was a historic day for us and the world of Baseball5. We are deeply thankful for the opportunity provided to us at this tournament and we will continue doing our best to learn and upskill ourselves,” he said. "Not only has it been a great education on the court but also a great cultural experience off it with all the other participating teams being so welcoming and fun."

Though the day ended with two defeats, Alatoom was quick to frame it as a step forward. “We learnt a lot and the players did their best. We learn from it and move onto tomorrow”.

More Than a Game

For the WBSC Refugee Team, their presence in Tepic is already a victory - one that transcends borders, records, and medals. By stepping onto the field, these young Syrian refugees carried with them the dreams of a community and the promise of inclusion, unity, and resilience.

As the tournament continues, their story has already left a lasting mark: proof that Baseball5 is not just a game, but a platform for hope and unity.