A Strategic Visit to Shanghai
World Baseball Softball Confederation president Riccardo Fraccari arrived in Shanghai this week, where he held a video conference with Shen Xiang, a key figure in the country’s baseball development. The conversation centered on the accelerating adoption of the sports across Chinese schools and community programs.
Fraccari also attended a match of the Chinese Professional Baseball Summer League, observing the league’s professional standards and the enthusiasm of local fans. His presence highlighted the growing infrastructure that supports both baseball and softball in the region.
During his stay, the WBSC chief emphasized China’s emergence as a pivotal market for the sports, noting increased participation rates and the nation’s ambition to field competitive teams in upcoming international tournaments.
A central theme of the dialogue was the prospect of baseball and softball joining the Asian Games program, a move that would provide a broader platform for Asian athletes. Fraccari also raised the possibility of Olympic inclusion after the 2028 Los Angeles Games, suggesting that China’s progress could influence the International Olympic Committee’s future decisions.
The visit concluded with a commitment to deepen cooperation between the WBSC and Chinese sports authorities, aiming to nurture talent and expand grassroots initiatives that could sustain the sport’s momentum for years to come.