WBSC releases Yearbook 2024 in celebration of World Baseball Softball Day

In celebration of World Baseball Softball Day, on 10th May, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has released its Yearbook 2024.

The online publication provides an in-depth look into the 2024 season with reports from WBSC competitions, captivating images and data for fans worldwide.

Writing in his introduction, WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari said: "The passion and dedication of our global baseball and softball family were evident throughout 2024. All our participants, whether it be playing, coaching or officiating for the first time or a seasoned athlete proudly wearing their national team's colours in a WBSC tournament, are to be applauded for their commitment to our game and bringing joy to the many others who participate."

WBSC Secretary-General Beng Choo-Low added: "With 16 different events across our four official disciplines, 2024 was a busy and remarkable year. It was inspiring to witness athletes of all ages, from U-15 to professionals, shining on the international stage - contributing to thrilling competitions and the continued global growth of Baseball, Softball, Baseball5, Blind Baseball and eBaseball. The WBSC constantly strives to position our organisation and disciplines at the forefront of the sporting world."

The publication is based on a template used for previous editions. The result is a perfect tool for reliving the 2024 season.

After focusing on the balance of the year, the booklet includes a section dedicated to the WBSC's 10th anniversary. It starts with the organisation's history and includes a comprehensive celebration report.

The Yearbook also includes an overview of all the WBSC's disciplines, including eSport and Sport for All, as well as reports on Media and Marketing activities, a Financial Statement, and a summary of development activities.

The final part of the Yearbook includes overviews on the year's events, starting with the current status of the WBSC World Rankings.

The 2024 season started with the Carnext Samurai Japan Series, or Global Baseball Games where the WBSC selected the best players in Europe to face Samurai Japan.

The year ended with the WBSC's flagship event, the third Premier12, which attracted 445,473 spectators, with the Championship Final's attendance of 41,827 surpassing the World Baseball Classic 2023 final in Miami, USA (36,000).

The season included the Men's Softball World Cup Group stage, the Women's Baseball and Women's Softball World Cup Finals, the U-18 Women's Softball World Cup Group Stage, the U-15 Baseball World Cup, the U-23 Baseball World Cup, the Baseball5 World Cup, the Blind Baseball International Cup and two eSports events: the eBaseball Series World Finals and the ePremier12.

WBSC events spanned from March to November and involved over 1,500 athletes.

The WBSC Yearbook 2024 is available to read here.