Tidima Kekana, who handled most of the workload of the South African pitching staff in the last two World Cups in 2017 and 2019, is set to play his fifth World Cup and will be the veteran voice in the dugout.

They both beat Brazil at the end of the six-team double-elimination tournament at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City. Canada's Lisa Turbitt became the first woman to umpire a World Baseball Classic game.

The veteran left-handed pitcher announced that the 2022 season will be her last dance in the JD League.

Michal Holobradek will lead the Czech four-man pitching staff, joined by Jonas Hajny, Lukas Kubat and Marek Maly. Only three players, including Holobradek, repeat from the 2019 Czech team that finished eighth place as host of the World Cup in 2019.

The pancontinental multi-sport event is scheduled for November 2023 in Thailand.

The veteran lefty is the most experienced arm in the preliminary list announced to play in New Zealand.

The 22-year-old slugger hit 56 home runs on his way to a Triple Crown and a first-place finish with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Former Dutch slugger Wladimir Balentien has the overall single-season record with 60 homers.

Bologna defeated Lampi Milano in the final for the second year in a row.

Ten players are under contract with MLB organizations, including Padres top prospect and U-23 Baseball World Cup alumnus Brandon Valenzuela.

Kenya opened camp on 20 August in preparation for the first-ever Baseball5 World Cup, the WBSC five-on-five, urban discipline.