14/02/2024 2 Minute Read

Japan and Europe managers Ibata and Mazzieri discuss rosters ahead of Global Baseball Games

"I think we selected a good balance of players with national team experience and young players who were selected for the first time," said Hirokazu Ibata. "We are happy with what we have. We are also sorry because we had to make tough choices and leave some excellent players behind," commented Marco Mazzieri.

The two managers discussed the rosters of World No. 1 Japan and Team Europe, released on 14 February ahead of the CARNEXT SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES 2024, or Global Baseball Games series.

Japan's manager Hirokazu Ibata selected a 28-player roster which includes Samurai Japan veterans and younger prospects.

"I think we selected a good balance of players with national team experience and young players who were selected for the first time," said the former NPB star and 2022-2023 U-12 National Team manager during a press conference.

The roster includes four collegiate players Ibata had a chance to see while serving as a guest coach to the University National Team in December 2023.

"I added four college players because I thought it would be a plus to wear the uniform of a top team once in preparation for the WBC and the Olympics."

On a final note, Ibata spoke about his expectations for the series.

"In 2015, we had one win and one loss. I understand European teams are improving, but I want to win both games this time."

Marco Mazzieri is the WBSC Coach Commission chair. He managed Italy to a couple of European Championships (2010, 2012). an Intercontinental Cup bronze medal (2010) and three World Baseball Classics (2009, 2013, 2017).

"We selected players from five European countries. We would have liked to extend our search beyond Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Czechia and Germany because there are good players in all of Europe. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to see these players in person, and we didn't feel like picking players based on reports only.

"I had extensive talks with my coaching staff about every single position to cover," added Mazzieri. "We looked not only at the best players possible. We looked for players who could contribute to creating the right chemistry."

The European season hasn't started yet.

"We looked for players active during the winter season. We also have players who didn't compete this winter, and we gave them enough time to get ready. Playing in Japan always gives a good chance to be seen and could open career opportunities."

Mazzieri is satisfied with his roster.

"We are happy with what we have. We are also sorry because we had to make tough choices and leave some excellent players behind."

The two games are scheduled for Wednesday, 6, and Thursday, 7 March, in Osaka, Japan. International media wanting to apply for accreditation to the Global Baseball Games series between Samurai Japan and Team Europe, please email media@wbsc.org to receive access to the application platform.