Baseball and softball were voted out of the 2012 Olympics by the International Olympic Committee in 2005 and last year both sports failed in a bid for the sport’s inclusion for 2016. Dr Harvey Schiller, who vacated the presidency in December 2009, had criticised the IOC for having “no interest in baseball” and recommended Fraccari not to bid to have the sport added to the programme again for 2020.
However, in an official statement Fraccari said a place in the Olympics would hugely benefit the development of baseball.
“Under the new administration, the IBAF will remain steadfastly committed to baseball’s reinstatement to the Olympic programme,” he said. “Support from the IOC is crucial for the IBAF and the national federations in order to strengthen a number of initiatives in baseball’s emerging nations.”
“Thus, we must work diligently to earn the support of the IOC, if we are to continue to grow and develop our sport around the globe efficiently. We are well aware of the obstacles that must be overcome to recapture Olympic status; however, I believe we are ready to effectively deal with such issues as anti-doping, participation of the best players, female discipline and global scheduling.”
Fraccari added the IBAF will create a commission dedicated to baseball’s reinstatement onto the Olympic programme will be officially established after an IBAF executive committee meeting in Rome on February 20.
