Nations, Pools unveiled for 2016 WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Championship

Post date: Apr 06, 2016 4:22:54 AM

The World Baseball Softball Confederation today unveiled a global field of nations for the 11th WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Championship, to be held 24-30 July in Midland, United States at historic Emerson Park and Currie Stadium.

Thirteen countries representing the five regions will send their National Teams to compete for the world’s top prize in softball within the U-19 men’s category.

Africa (2): No. 17 South Africa, Botswana

Americas (5): No. 2 Canada, No. 4 Venezuela, No. 6 Argentina, No. 7 United States, No. 10 Mexico

Asia (1): No. 5 Japan

Europe (3): No. 7 Czech Republic, No. 12 Denmark, Israel

Oceania (2): No. 1 New Zealand, No. 3 Australia

“The WBSC is proud to announce a global collection of nations for the 11th Junior Men’s Softball World Championship,” said WBSC Softball Division President Dale McMann. “With its existing world class venues and knowledgeable fans, Midland 2016 will be an ideal backdrop for these elite young athletes to shine and proudly wear the jerseys of their countries – representing and spreading our sport in their part of the world and beyond. The WBSC is committed to showcasing our sport’s world championships to advance our leading position and appeal as a youth-based sport across both genders.”

The majority of baseball/softball’s estimated 65 million athletes in over 140 countries are between the ages of 5 to 21.

Pools and Tournament Format

The 13 national teams competing have been delegated to their respective pools and will begin the world championship tournament with a single round-robin.

Pool A: Argentina, Australia, United States, Czech Republic, Denmark, Botswana, and Venezuela

Pool B: New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, Canada, South Africa, and Israel

The top four teams from each pool will then advance into a double-page playoff system.

Argentina will head to Midland as the two-time defending U-19 world champions, capturing gold medals in Whitehorse, Canada, in 2014 and Parana, Argentina, in 2012.

Current men’s world No.1 New Zealand claimed the silver medal in 2014.

Asia powerhouse – Japan – earned the bronze medal in Whitehorse and the silver medal in Parana.

Competing on home soil, Team USA hopes to make gains on their fifth place finishes at the last two editions of the junior men’s world championship.

International Umpires Appointed

WBSC has appointed 16 umpires from 11 countries and territories to officiate the 11th WBSC Jr. Men’s Softball World Championship in Midland, Michigan.

Umpires home nations include Australia, Botswana, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and the United States.

Tickets, fan activities and a complete game schedule will be announced at a later date.