Fans of wrestling can rest assured that the Olympics’ oldest sport is back in the mix for the future games. Conversely, fans of baseball and softball don’t have the same assurance.
But those advocating for those sports have a message: The dream isn’t dead yet.
“[The Olympic bid] hasn’t fallen through completely,” said Don Porter, president of the Plant City-based International Softball Federation.
Even though wrestling won the vote with 49 votes, the large majority, the baseball/softball bid finished in second place, with 24. It’s still on the minds of Olympic officials, as well as the World Baseball Softball Confederation, but both sides seem to be thinking of one ideal date: 2020.
PIECING THE PUZZLE
It’s no secret that Japan is in love with the games of baseball and softball. Tokyo, which will host the 2020 Olympics, has all of the resources needed to host baseball and softball events, and a fan base that will pack the house every night.
Hosting such events in Rio de Janeiro three years from now simply wouldn’t be the same. The country just doesn’t have the same passion for baseball and softball. The Brazilians will stop everything when the men’s or women’s national soccer team is playing, but baseball and softball don’t have that kind of draw.
With that in mind, the WBSC is gearing up to make its pitch for Tokyo.
“We think there’s still a possibility that Tokyo might ask to have baseball and softball in the program,” Porter said. “That’s something that’s going to play out here in the next several months.”
The baseball/softball confederation has launched its own marketing campaign, titled “Play Ball 2020,” in its quest to secure the backing of fans all around the world. It has its own website, Twitter feed, Facebook page and physical literature.
And it’s definitely gotten some backing. Since launching in March, the Twitter feed has more than 10,700 followers. The Facebook page has 10 times as many followers, at about 107,000.
“We want to continue to grow internationally,” Porter said. “Softball is played in 130 countries.”
And, since news of the vote broke in September, Porter has heard from fans and players all over the world.
“There are lots of disappointed athletes — young girls all over the world,” Porter said. “I get the kickback from the young girls and their parents. I’ve gotten hundreds of emails. We think it’s important to bring the dreams back.”
IN PLANT CITY
How will the defeat for the 2016 games affect ISF in Plant City? It may seem like a missed opportunity for the ISF to generate revenue in town — which could have definitely helped the city pay off debts associated with the buildings — but Porter said it’s not as bad as it seems.
“I’m not sure it will change that much,” he said. “We host several international events here each year.”
The ISF has hosted at least one World Cup event in nine out of the last 13 years, not to mention hosting numerous training camps, meetings and official visits.
Its next move will be hosting the Easton Foundations Youth World Cup, in August 2014.
“We enjoy being here,” Porter said. “We think we have a good relationship with the city. Bringing these events would help the city, because (it) still (has) debt from the facilities.”
ON THE BACK BURNER
Make no mistake — getting to Tokyo is still high on the WBSC’s list of priorities. But, before those talks begin, both of the governing bodies that constitute the baseball/softball confederation will use time to work on their respective sports.
“We’re now recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the representative for Olympic and international competition,” Porter said. “But, the ISF and WBF will continue to be separate entities, except for international competition. I also think that the ISF would like to work with the city to bring other events here.”
Porter cites the Women’s College World Series, NAIA and JuCo tournaments, the International World Games and the World Masters Games as potentials in the next several years. The ISF also wants to pursue the construction of a Hall of Fame museum in the space behind the headquarters.
“Right now, we want to try to concentrate on these other things that we think will not only be good for our sport but also good for the city, the community and the county,” he said.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.