Baseball and softball community celebrate LA28 decision - "What a thrill to be back in the Olympics"
The reaction by the global baseball and softball community following the announcement by the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India that baseball and softball was voted on to the sports programme of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics was immediate and emotional.
Here's a selection of some of the best comments from passionate and proud baseball and softball athletes and practitioners.
"I was a member of the winning US Baseball National Team at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. I want to say what a thrill it is for USA Baseball and for baseball, more in general, to be back on the programme in Los Angeles 2028," said Ernie Young, who was on the US coaching staff at the Tokyo 2020 Games and the WBSC Premier12 2019.
After helping the US win gold in Sydney, Young went on to appear in 288 MLB games.
When Eddie Alvarez stepped to the podium in Tokyo to receive a silver medal with the US Baseball National Team, he could teach the other players and coaches about the protocol since he had already helped the United States win silver in the 5000-metre relay at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in short-track speed skating.
"We worked really hard for this, I'm beyond honoured," said Alvarez.
Janie Reed, a 30-year-old outfielder, helped the United States win the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup 2018 and a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
"I'm so excited. We did it. Softball and baseball are back in the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028 games. I couldn't be more excited for our teams getting to compete on home soil. Especially for softball, millions of girls will get to see this beautiful game, and our women will get another chance to compete for a gold medal."
“I grew up watching this sport and knowing these women were larger than life,” posted Great Britain’s ace Georgina Corrick, along with a highlights video of the Olympics. “Being able to compete for my country and for a potential Olympic Medal makes 8-year-old me tear up because she never even knew that I could be in the same room as these amazing women, let alone compete with them. Here’s to 2028!!!”
Greta Cecchetti represented Italy at the 2020 Tokyo Games. She wrote in an Instagram story the "dream is still possible". She added: "The Olympics represent a unique experience. It's impossible to describe, but it will change your life. Thank you to those who made it possible."
Taylah Titsikronis played six games for Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Games, sharing her time between catcher and first base. She also mentioned an "Olympic Dream."
Her teammate in Tokyo Stacey McManus reacted posting her photo with the Olympic rings in the background.
Eri Yamada starred for Japan as a 37-year-old everyday centre fielder at the Tokyo 2020 Games. The left-handed phenom, who also contributed to a gold medal in Beijing 2008 and a silver medal in Athens 2004, announced her retirement on 28 September 2022. She welcomed the IOC decision posting the photo of her Olympic gold medal team.
MLB star Bryce Harper, who turned 31 on Monday, also hopes his Olympic dream comes true.
Meanwhile, media reports in the Philippines said that no one is happier than the Filipinos, who have a long history of success in the two sports disciplines. “Very happy with the development, great opportunity for young kids playing those sports kasi automatically, you have dreamers and if they work hard, achievers of being Olympian athletes,” said Kiko Diaz, University of the Philippines’ softball team coach and member of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines’ board.
Photo C/O IOC: Greg Martin
