The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) said in a press release that baseball made an effective pitch Monday to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for 2016 Olympic reinstatement with its five-day plan and commitment to use the best players.
IBAF President Dr. Harvey Schiller said, “we feel that we have not just addressed the issues that were presented as to why baseball was removed for 2012, but have also outlined the most effective way in which the Olympic program can work with baseball’s year-round global marketing capabilities over the next seven years to maximize Olympic exposure.
“From a game-ending rule, to after-use of venues, to using the best players and generating media coverage, baseball has shown it will do whatever it takes, from the grassroots to the professional level, to be not just a partner, but the best partner for the Olympic movement”.
Under the plan baseball will offer a five-day, eight-team tournament, which will allow maximum participation of the top players from the countries that qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. The qualifier for 2016 would be held during the 2015 off-season.
Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America will not broadcast any games directly against the Olympic baseball schedule in 2016, giving the Olympic tournament the widest possible media attention.
MLB will not play any games on the final day where the medals will be determined.
All four potential host cities for 2016 have established baseball stadia and programs in place.
