Video: Celebration of WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup marks two months since Japan's triumph
Two months ago, on 1 March, the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup came to an end with the final between Japan and Australia, that saw the Asian giant win their third title in the youth categories. Earlier that day, the Czech Republic defeated Argentina to clinch their first-ever medal in men’s softball history. It was the inaugural edition of the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup, a newly created event that replaced the former Junior Men’s Softball World Championship (for U-19 players).
Check out the superb recap of a ground breaking tournament:
This historic event gathered 12 nations from across the globe to play For the Title of World Champion. Argentina, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Singapore and South Africa competed in Group A, while Denmark, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand (host) and USA clashed in Group B.
For the first time ever four different continents were represented in the top four places at the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup, another expression of softball’s global reach. Japan (Asia), Australia (Oceania) and Czech Republic (Europe) climbed the podium, while Argentina (Americas) ended in fourth place.
From an individual perspective, Japan’s Hitto Nagayoshi took home MVP honours and was named in the All-World Team as the second baseman. Five countries were represented in the All World Team: Australia , Japan, Czech Republic, New Zealand and Argentina.
Japan and Australia played the World Championship Game after finishing in the top two spots of the Super Round, while the Czechs and Argentines competed in the Bronze Medal Game.
Japan claimed the youth softball world title after a four year hiatus with a 9-2, five-inning win over Australia. Japan was crowned for the first time in 1981 in Edmonton, Canada, in the first edition of the Junior Men’s Softball World Championship, and then in the 2016 edition in Midland, USA.
The win saw Japan extend their run as the most successful team in the youth world championships with 11 medals - three gold medals, four silver and four bronze - ahead of Canada with eight - one gold, two silver and five bronze while Australia and New Zealand have seven medals each. Australia leads Japan in the gold medal stakes with five compared to Japan's three.
Jakub Osicka, named the best pitcher of the tournament, played a key role in the Bronze Medal Game to carry Czech Republic to their first-ever medal in a men’s softball world cup. The right hander pitched a complete game one-hitter, collecting 13 strikeouts in the 2-0 victory over Argentina.
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Feature - Re-live the best plays of the U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup
Feature - 17-year-old pitcher Jakub Osička gives Czech softball bright future
Feature - A tournament for the ages
Feature - Palmerston North by the numbers
Feature - Bob Stanton, WBSC Softball Umpire Director: “We had a really good mixture here in Palmerston North”
Day 9 - Undefeated Japan claim U-18 World Cup title
Feature - All-World Team and MVP: U-18 Men's Softball World Cup
Day 8 - Japan head into final against Australia with perfect win-record
Day 7 - Nagayoshi, Yagi heroics keep Japan's unbeaten run going, sets up gold medal match against Australia
Feature - Why this World Cup can 'leave a lasting legacy' for Colquhoun Park
Day 6 - Tan sets new strikeout record; Japan, Australia, Czech Republic off to winning starts in Super Round
Feature - Officials prepare for history at Tokyo2020
Feature - Super Round schedule revealed
Day 5 - Guatemala, Czech Republic book historic Super Round spots, Argentina also through
Feature - Q and A: Coaches reminisce on U-18 World Cup experience
Day 4 - Tan fires 17 strikeouts, Japan, Australia secure top spots, NZ also through to Super Round
Day 3 - Czech Republic claim historic win, Japan, Australia stay unbeaten to top groups
Feature - Africa's diamond in the sporting rough
Day 2 - Four teams keep immaculate records
Feature - Twins to win: the DuCharme family's generational connection with softball
Day 1 - Historic Singapore upset highlights opening day in Palmerston North
Feature - Riley’s ready: Why culture is key to Australia’s championship defence
Preview - Rosters unveiled for U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup
Preview - Coaches, players ready for U-18 Men's Softball World Cup
Preview - Pivotal games set for opening day on Saturday
Preview - How to watch
Preview - Trophy, medals revealed for WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2020 in New Zealand
Preview - 15 Days to Go - Team by Team preview
Preview - Palmerston North ready to welcome the world
Preview - New Zealand to open historic 2020 WBSC season
