Japan reveals roster for XXX WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup

Japan reveals roster for XXX WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
23/08/2022
Manager Shiro Mabuchi told the Samurai Japan official website he selected players to build a team strong in defence and pitching and can turn opportunities into runs. U-18 Japan will face the Collegiate National Team on 31 August.

Samurai Japan has announced the 20-player roster for the XXX WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, which starts on 9 September in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida, USA.

Japan will be striving for its first WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup title having claimed four silver medals and a bronze medal in eight previous appearances in this age group. The world No. 1 finished fifth in the last edition in 2019.

The 20 players are all high-school All-Stars, selected during the latest Summer Koshien, which closed on Monday, 22 August. Sendai Ikuei defeated Shimonoseki Kokusai in the final, 8-1.

The list includes seven pitchers, three catchers, six infielders and four outfielders.

THE ROSTER

"I believe that Japan baseball needs to focus on defence and pitching." manager Shiro Mabuchi, a veteran manager at the Meitoku Gijuku high school, told the Samurai Japan official website.

"The key would be turning opportunities into runs," Mabuchi added. "When we selected the team, we looked at the type of baseball we wanted to play. Players and coaching staff must unite and represent our country with pride."

On Wednesday, 31 August, U-18 Japan will face the Collegiate National Team at ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba.

The XXX WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup is set to open in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida, USA, on Friday, 9 September.

World No. 1 Japan will compete in Group B and face No. 17 Italy, No. 4 Mexico, No. 13 Panama, No. 10 Australia and No. 2 Chinese Taipei.

Group A participants include No. 5 USA, No. 3 Korea, No. 8 Netherlands, No. 12 Canada, No.25 Brazil and No. 26 South Africa.

At the end of group play the top three finishers of each group will advance to the Super Round, scheduled from 15 to 17 September.

The bronze medal game and the World Championship game are scheduled on Sunday, 18 September.

The OFFICIAL WEBSITE