15/05/2026 1 Minute Read

Tokyo 2020 Olympic baseball gold medallist Hayato Sakamoto hits 300th home run

The 38-year-old Tokyo Yomiuri Giants legend was Japan's starting shortstop at the Olympics and at the WBSC Premier12 2019. He reached the 2,000-hit mark in 2020. He became the 48th player to reach the 300 home run club and now has Wladimir Balentien and Nobuhiro Matsuda (301) in his sights.

29/04/2026 2 Minute Read

Australian international star Travis Bazzana makes MLB debut

The 2024 No. 1 draft pick played at second and batted seventh for the Cleveland Guardians against the Tampa Bay Rays, who intentionally walked him. Bazzana represented Australia at the WBSC U-18 and U-23 Baseball World Cups, the WBSC Premier12, and the World Baseball Classic.

25/04/2026 2 Minute Read

Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Munetaka Murakami makes major impact on MLB

The 26-year-old Japanese slugger homered in his first MLB game in March, homered in five consecutive games in April and has homered in 7 of his first 21 MLB games. No other Japanese player accomplished the feat.

20/04/2026 2 Minute Read

Hirokazu Ibata steps down as Japan Baseball National Team manager

The former NPB star second baseman coached under Atsunori Inaba at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, won a U-15 Baseball World Cup, but couldn't repeat as WBSC Premier12 and World Baseball Classic champion. "We did not live up to everyone's expectations, but the players fought their hardest against strong opponents. It is my responsibility."

15/04/2026 1 Minute Read

Ji-hyun Ryu to manage Korea Baseball National Team at 2026 Asian Games

Born in 1971, the former LG Twins middle infielder and manager in the KBO league was on Korea's coaching staff at the WBSC Premier12 2024 and managed the National Team at the World Baseball Classic 2026.

26/03/2026 2 Minute Read

World Rankings Update: Venezuela close gap on top four after World Baseball Classic win

The WBSC Men's Baseball World Ranking includes all results from the past four years across WBSC sanctioned tournaments from the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup to the WBSC Premier12 and World Baseball Classic as well as continental tournaments and friendlies.

25/03/2026 2 Minute Read

Road to LA28: Three spots for baseball, five in softball remain up for grabs

USA has qualified as the host nation in both the Los Angeles Olympic Games baseball and softball tournaments. After the Dominican Republic and Venezuela earned their spot through the World Baseball Classic, the baseball qualification process will resume in 2027 with the IV WBSC Premier12.

24/03/2026 2 Minute Read

2019–2023: Remembering the Era of Samurai Japan

From November 2019 to March 2023, Japan’s senior team put together one of the most impressive streaks in the modern era of baseball, capturing every major title at this level: the Premier12, the Olympic Gold Medal, and the World Baseball Classic.

24/03/2026 2 Minute Read

Former MLB outfielder Marvin Benard to manage Spain at WBSC Premier12 Qualifier

Born in 1971, Benard played nine MLB seasons with the San Francisco Giants. After serving as a minor league hitting coach, he managed Nicaragua at the World Baseball Classic 2017 qualifying tournament and Rivas Gigantes in the Nicaraguan pro league.

Categories: Baseball , Europe , Premier12

20/03/2026 1 Minute Read

Australia international star Jack O'Loughlin lands deal with KBO's Samsung Lions

The strikeout leader of the 2025-26 Australian Baseball League signed a temporary contract, which the Lions could make permanent after six weeks. He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing only an unearned run at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.