New WBSC Executive Board sets vision for the future at inaugural meeting

The newly elected Executive Board of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) held its first official meeting following the conclusion of the 6th WBSC Congress in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday marking the start of a new four-year term for the organisation’s leadership.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari opened the meeting by congratulating the new Board members and expressing gratitude to those who had served alongside him over the past four years.

“Congratulations to all of you. We have come to the end of a very long but productive few days,” Fraccari said. “We worked hard with the Congress and the workshops and achieved a lot. I want to thank my colleagues from the past four years for their support and ideas on how to properly run this organisation.”

Looking ahead, President Fraccari emphasised continued unity and innovation as key mantras for the WBSC.  “We have started a new journey, with new people on the Board with fresh ideas so I am confident that together, we can continue being creative and engage new audiences around the world.”

Representing Americas Baseball, Paul Seiler (USA) highlighted the significant opportunities facing baseball in the coming years, including the World Baseball Classic, Premier12, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

“We have major, high-level opportunities in the next three years,” Seiler noted. “Beyond the competitions themselves, these events offer tremendous business potential that we must be ready to seize — from international to national and continental levels.”

WBSC Executive Vice President for Softball Craig Cress (USA) stressed the importance of collaboration and adaptability among Board members.

“We are one big group. We all have different ideas and backgrounds, but we must always focus on what’s best for Baseball/Softball,” he said. “We cannot fear change — if we’re not changing, we’re falling behind. Let’s be bold and make sure we thoroughly discuss and pursue improvements, especially as we look at our World Cups and other tournaments.”

WBSC Executive Vice President for Baseball Jeffrey Koo Jr. (TPE) spoke about the sport’s expanding horizons, particularly in Asia.

“I see enormous market potential for baseball,” Koo explained. “In the next four years, you will see how fast baseball grows — especially in China and India. With two of the world’s largest populations embracing the game, baseball will reach new heights — and we’re all going to be proud of it.”

Athlete Representative Randolph Oduber emphasised the importance of the players' role as part of the WBSC’s mission to grow the game.

“As athlete representatives, we are very active in making sure athletes know they have a voice,” Oduber said. “We’re here to support them during tournaments and on the Board itself. Congratulations again to everyone — I look forward to the next four years.”

You know, happy to have you guys on board. Looking forward for the next four years. As an athlete representative, we are very active, especially making sure that we represent our athletes on the board, but also help them if they need it.

Especially during tournaments, making sure they know that they have a voice. And for us as well, new members too, don't be afraid to talk. If you have something to say during meetings, don't be afraid.

The WBSC has a new Executive Board with a new structure and new members after the V Ordinary Congress, held electronically on December 6, 2023, removed the 12-person baseball and softball divisions and established two additional permanent commissions** of five people each.

Following elections during the Congress on Saturday, there is a total of five new board members and seven members that were either previous already on the Executive Board or coming from the previous Division Boards.

**As the Executive Vice Presidents for Baseball and Softball, Mr Koo and Mr Cress will chair the Baseball and Softball Commissions respectively.