Japan announces National Team roster for WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2016 Iwaki

TOKYO – The governing body of baseball in Japan has finalised the search for the best U-15 players (born 2001- 2003) in the nation, revealing the roster of 20 players who will represent the host country at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2016 in Iwaki, which will be staged from 29 July to 7 August.

Japan (@samuraijapan_pr) is the first nation to announce its roster for the 12-nation, elite youth world championship — #U15WorldCup — as Japan’s selection committee confirmed eight pitchers, three catchers, six infielders and three outfielders.

Manager Yoshitaka Katori, former star pitcher and coach of Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yomiuri Giants, stated: “It is a pleasure and great responsibility to serve as the manager of the Samurai Japan U-15 National Team, especially when the U-15 Baseball World Cup is being held in Japan for the first time.”

Japan’s Opening Round schedule

Local Iwaki Player Selected

Among the players selected to represent Japan at the U-15 Baseball World Cup was outfielder/pitcher Taisei Kurosu from the Iwaki Boys League. Kurosu being named a player of the nation’s highest team, Samurai Japan, has made headlines for Iwaki and has brought a special source of pride for the host community, as the region continues to rebuild following the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake.

“It’s our goal to win the title of world champion, and we will devote our best in the games,” said Kurosu.

Manager Katori will bring the Samurai Japan U-15 National Team together on 2 July to begin training and playing warm-up games.

Japan, whose National Team Programme is currently ranked No. 1 in the world, finished seventh at the last U-15 Baseball World Cup in 2014, which was won by Cuba.