The US team – consisting of minor league players – saw hopes of repeating its Olympic gold winning exploits three years ago in Sydney disappear after a 2-1 loss to Mexico.
Unlike the NHL and NBA, which allows its stars to compete in Olympic events with a view to using the platform to boost its global appeal, baseball chiefs have always maintained the long domestic baseball season cannot be interrupted.
Speaking after the US’ defeat, baseball commissioner Bud Selig said: “There is no way we can adjust our schedule. There’s no way the regular season could be stopped for the Olympic Games.
“This just proves how strong baseball is getting across the world.”
Baseball’s future at the Olympics is far from secure. It is one of the sports on the ‘critical’ list and fears have been expressed without a US team in contention for honours, it may signal the end for its Olympic participation.
