From USA Baseball, the United States Baseball Olympic Governing Body

2009 was a very good year for USA Baseball. This, despite that fact that baseball was unsuccessful in its bid to remain on the Olympic Programme for 2016.

However, a quick glance at the World Baseball Classic and its rising popularity bodes well for the future growth of our sport on a truly global level, arguably beyond what the Olympic Games might have ever offered.

Consider these facts:

• Final Four appearance in LA by the 2009 USA Baseball World Baseball Classic Team
• USA Baseball College National Team finishes the summer with a 19-5 record
• USA Baseball 14U National Team wins Gold at the Pan Am Championships
• USA Baseball 16U National Team wins Gold at the IBAF World Championships
• USA Baseball 18U National Team wins Gold at the Pan American Championships, thus qualifying for the 2010 IBAF

World Championships

USA Baseball World Cup Team (minor league professionals) win Gold at the IBAF World Cup

Always a side indicator of our success on the field of play, it is worthy of note that the above teams played Cuba five times in competition in 2009, winning all five games (three of which were for Gold medals).

It goes without saying that we could never accomplish so much without the input and support of so many.

The Board of Directors of USA Baseball represents the vast pool of athletes from which our highest-level teams are fostered. As such, each of these organizations has a direct impact on baseball development and plays a vital part in the proliferation of the on-field excellence that has defined our country for many years.

As the national governing body for our sport in the United States, USA Baseball welcomes the year 2010 and the expectation of responsibility for leadership into the new millennium.

It is our intention that through continued close direct interaction with Major League Baseball and its many resources, USA Baseball will be able to ensure that special years like 2009 will happen for many different baseball players for generations to come.

Paul V. Seiler
Executive Director/CEO
USA BASEBALL

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