Five countries and 30 national teams: Two-stage format proves successful for baseball and softball around the world

The new two-stage format for women's baseball and men's and women's softball look set to stay after a successful first outing at the Women’s Softball World Cup played in Ireland, Italy, and Spain and the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Canada and Japan this year.

Not only has the new format been a great success from a participation stand point with an increased number of opportunities for more teams and athletes to participate on the global stage but it has also allowed more host cities to welcome the stars of international baseball and softball, with a shorter, high quality competition schedule and only one venue needed to host. 

Europe gripped by the best of international softball

Ireland, Spain, and Italy hosted the best of international women's softball with teams stacked with top talent going from the most experienced softball players to newcomers who will make the game even more exciting in the coming years.

USA and Australia from Group A, Puerto Rico and the Netherlands from Group B, and Japan and Canada from C advanced to the Final stage in Italy next year, along with China and Italy, who finished as the best third placed teams to complete the eight participants that will have the honour to fight for the World Championship title in 2024.

Fifty-five games in three countries with 18 national teams in action showed the best of international softball to fans worldwide through the WBSC OTT platform GameTime.

Hannah Flippen (USA), Aleshia Ocasio (PUR), and Ayane Nakagawa (JPN) were recognized as the Most Outstanding Players in Groups A, B, and C, respectively.

Canada and Japan witnessed the return of women's baseball to the international stage

After five years without international women’s baseball, the fans were thirsty to watch the best of the best on the field and weren’t disappointed.

After 24 exciting games, the United States, Canada, and Mexico in Group A, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Venezuela in Group B punched their tickets to the Final Stage next year in Thunder Bay, Canada.

Alex Hugo (USA) and Frandelis Garcia (VEN) were recognized as the Most Outstanding Players in Groups A and B, respectively.

Fantastic stories all over

Without any doubt, Zoe Hicks’ story, playing first base for Canada Softball in Italy, helping her team punch a ticket, to then travel back home to play third base for Canada Baseball, was a top moment for softball and baseball fans.

Also, despite their teams just missing out on a spot in the Finals, Great Britain's Georgina Corrick in softball and two-way Aussie phenom Genevieve Beacom in baseball courted plenty of attention with their amazing exploits on the diamond.

With the Women's Softball World Cup and Women's Baseball World Cup Finals confirmed for next year and more WBSC events starting the two-stage format in 2024, baseball and softball is breaking new ground, reaching new audiences as athletes and fans embrace a new format, which looks set to be a home run for the foreseeable future.