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Oh wait, that's right, the fuxking IOC decided to take baseball and softball out of the games after 08.
Softball and baseball are competing with karate, roller sports, squash, sports climbing, wakeboard and wushu for inclusion in 2020. Only one spot on the Olympic program is open.
Final decision
The IOC executive board will decide next May which sport to recommend for inclusion. The final decision will be made in a vote of the full IOC in Buenos Aires in September 2013.
The absence of major league players in the Olympics was a major factor in the IOC's decision to drop baseball, and the issue remains crucial to any chance of reinstatement. Major League Baseball has been unwilling to shut down the season during the Olympics.
"If they don't propose their best athletes it will be difficult," Oswald said. "If they do, then they have a chance just like the others."
Porter and Fraccari said they have scheduled a meeting with MLB officials in New York on Aug. 1 to seek a solution.
"Most people tell me that without commitment from MLB, it's not going to work," Porter said. "It would certainly strengthen our bid if the MLB says they will commit their players."
Pro baseball leagues in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Australia are committed to taking part.
"We have to be realistic about how MLB can release their players," Fraccari said.
The Italian proposes a shortened Olympic tournament that could be completed in five or six days, making it easier for major leaguers to play. He also raised the possibility they could be released to play just for the semifinals and final.
Oh wait, that's right, the fuxking IOC decided to take baseball and softball out of the games after 08.
Softball and baseball are competing with karate, roller sports, squash, sports climbing, wakeboard and wushu for inclusion in 2020. Only one spot on the Olympic program is open.
Final decision
The IOC executive board will decide next May which sport to recommend for inclusion. The final decision will be made in a vote of the full IOC in Buenos Aires in September 2013.
The absence of major league players in the Olympics was a major factor in the IOC's decision to drop baseball, and the issue remains crucial to any chance of reinstatement. Major League Baseball has been unwilling to shut down the season during the Olympics.
"If they don't propose their best athletes it will be difficult," Oswald said. "If they do, then they have a chance just like the others."
Porter and Fraccari said they have scheduled a meeting with MLB officials in New York on Aug. 1 to seek a solution.
"Most people tell me that without commitment from MLB, it's not going to work," Porter said. "It would certainly strengthen our bid if the MLB says they will commit their players."
Pro baseball leagues in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Australia are committed to taking part.
"We have to be realistic about how MLB can release their players," Fraccari said.
The Italian proposes a shortened Olympic tournament that could be completed in five or six days, making it easier for major leaguers to play. He also raised the possibility they could be released to play just for the semifinals and final.
