World Baseball Softball Day celebrates unity and global growth - WBSC President Fraccari

World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) President Riccardo Fraccari emphasised the importance of World Baseball Softball Day, which takes place every year on 10 May, especially to the international Baseball/Softball community, tracing back its beginnings to a defining moment in 2014, when international baseball and softball came together to create the WBSC.

"That historic decision laid the foundation for a new era - one driven by collaboration, growth and innovation," President Fraccari said. "Since then, Baseball/Softball has reached remarkable milestones and returned to the Olympic stage, reaffirming its global appeal.

"Elite competitions such as the WBSC Premier12 have showcased the highest level of international play, while development pathways have expanded opportunities for athletes across all disciplines and backgrounds.

"At the same time, the WBSC has embraced innovation to ensure the sport continues to evolve. New formats like Baseball5 and eBaseball are engaging younger audiences and opening doors to new communities. Inclusivity has also remained central, with initiatives such as Blind Baseball and programmes supporting refugee communities helping make the game accessible to all."

Read the President's entire World Baseball Softball Day Message below:

• Reminder all National federations and their athletes can get involved to celebrate World Baseball Softball Day on 10 May. Click here to find out more.

Dear friends of international baseball and softball,

On World Baseball Softball Day, we celebrate who we are - one global community, united by the game.

On 10 May 2014, our sport made a historic decision: to come together as one strong, global confederation.
Since then, our journey has been defined by unity, growth, and innovation.

We have returned to the Olympic stage…
created world-class events like the Premier12…
and expanded opportunities for athletes across all levels and disciplines.

We have embraced innovation - through Baseball5 and eBaseball - while ensuring that our sport is accessible to all through initiatives such as Blind Baseball and programmes supporting refugee communities around the world.

This is what defines us - a sport built on passion, teamwork, respect, and unity.

We continue to look forward - by engaging youth, empowering women, embracing innovation, and strengthening our place within the Olympic Movement.

With Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, Baseball5 set to shine at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, and another thrilling edition of the WBSC Premier12 coming soon, our future is full of opportunity.

Today, baseball and softball are more connected, more inclusive, and more global than ever before.

And this day is not only a celebration of what we have achieved - It is a commitment to what comes next.

Because Baseball/Softball is more than a sport - It is a shared passion that unites us all.

Together, we are one team. And together, we are building the Olympic Dream.

Thank you.

Riccardo Fraccari
WBSC President