WBSC Podcast: Softball opening Tokyo Olympics will send world a message of hope, says President Fraccari
The WBSC President is 'confident' that baseball and softball will be played at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, following the sports' return at Tokyo 2020, where they are expected to be one of the most followed events.
World Baseball Softball Confederation President Riccardo Fraccari said having baseball and softball back in the Olympic Games and softball opening Tokyo 2020 on July 21 makes him "very emotional".
With Monday marking 100 days to go until softball opens the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games with hosts Japan taking on Australia on 21 July at 09:00 (local time) in Fukushima, President Fraccari, speaking on the first edition of the WBSC Podcast - The Global Game, said: "The idea of being again on the field and opening the Olympics is something so big, it's such a great accomplishment. The first playball will be very emotional because we worked so hard to be back. We worked as a team, the Executive Board, the Commissions, the WBSC staff gave everything for this goal not only for the players in Tokyo but all baseball and softball players around the world."
Speaking to host Tyler Maun, President Fraccari emphasised how baseball and softball returning to the Olympics after last featuring at the Beijing 2008 Olympics is a "great honour" for the baseball-softball community. "This should clarify to the baseball-softball family how our sport has become a tool for the Olympic movement to give the world a message of hope. We have to be proud of this."
President Fraccari was the guest of honour on the first episode of the WBSC Podcast - The Global Game, which also features former MLB All-Star Ian Kinsler, who will be playing for Israel at the Tokyo Games, and softball legend Cat Osterman, the 2004 Olympic gold medal winner who will be one of the veteran leading the USA Softball Olympic Team at the upcoming Games.
The Global Game will be produced in English and Spanish on a monthly base covering all the exciting stories and personalities, which make baseball and softball one of the most popular sports around the world.
