The WBSC has published its first-ever rulebook, setting that stage for the upcoming 2023 season and the birth of a new era for global baseball. The application of the rules is compulsory in all WBSC baseball competitions.

The youth league currently has over one million registered players, with operations across 24 countries and territories.

International baseball and softball officials were elected and appointed at the WBSC Congress, which took place from 3-5 July in Taiwan.

Ueno received the Order of the Golden Diamond at the WBSC Congress: “I believe that my love for softball has been the driving force behind my success to this point.”

The 2020 and 2021 Awards go to National Federations, players, coaches and game officials who have contributed to baseball/softball growth worldwide.

The 2022 class includes nine players, four umpires, three administrators, two coaches and one meritorious service. A total of 11 countries are represented in the 2022 Hall of Fame class.

"Baseball and softball have grown into one of the biggest and best organized movements in the sports world," WBSC President Fraccari said.

Fraccari defeated Bryan Minniti (USA), while Cress ran unopposed.

The Inaugural Baseball5 global event event will be played from 7-13 November at El Zocalo in Mexico City. The announcement was made during the WBSC Congress in Taipei, Taiwan.