egarrard
07-08-2005, 05:16 AM
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2005-07-08-baseball-softball-dropped_x.htm
SINGAPORE — Baseball and softball are out of the Olympics as of 2012, in a vote that surprised even longtime International Olympic Committee members.
"There were a lot of people that said they supported us and obviously didn't," said Don Porter, president of the International Softball Federation.
Baseball joined the Olympics in 1992 and softball in 1996.
Friday's secret vote reflected a heavy European influence of the IOC, which claims a near majority of European members. The popularity of baseball and softball are limited primarily to the Americas, Canada and Asia. Both sports were founded in the U.S.
Baseball also suffers from its failure to reach an agreement with Major League Baseball that would send the top players to the Olympics. "The problem is not only one problem," said Aldo Notari, head of the International Baseball Federation. "The problem is we need further development in the world."
Porter, who said he was devastated, has been concerned all along that members linked baseball and softball too closely.
The other 26 sports were retained.
"I think they've made a big, big mistake," said Tommy Lasorda, the former Dodgers manager who managed the U.S. to its only gold medal, at the Sydney Games in 2000.
"Baseball is played by all countries now and softball, too. I think that's really going to hurt the Olympics. I don't want to knock the other sports, but I think this is a big mistake. I am very disappointed.
"I was fortunate enough to coach the U.S. Olympic team in Australia. The parks were full at all times. How can they take away a sport like that?"
Baseball became a medal sport in 1992, with the U.S. finishing out of the money. Four years later, the Americans won a bronze medal before Lasorda's team won it all in 2000. Last year, the U.S. never got out of regional qualifying as Canada and Cuba represented North America in Athens.
Softball, on the other hand, has been the USA's property since it hit the Olympic calendar in 1996. American women have won all three available gold medals and their 2004 victory capped a 79-game winning streak in international play.
The IOC will consider replacing them with two sports from a waiting list of five: Golf, rugby, squash, karate and roller sports. That decision will be made Saturday.
Baseball and softball, which will remain on the program for the 2008 Beijing Games, are the first sports cut from the Olympics since polo in 1936.
"Needless to say, these sports are very, very disappointed," IOC president Jacques Rogge said after announcing the result. "However, I have to emphasize the fact that they should not fear this purge. The fact is that they shall not be included in the program of the 2012 Olympic Games, but it does not disqualify them forever as Olympic sports."
Rogge said baseball and softball will be eligible to win back their place in future Games.
"I would like to invite the leaders of these sports that will not be included in the program to make their very best efforts during the coming years so as to be able to convince the session that they deserve to come back to the Olympic Games in 2016. We shall support them in their efforts."
Major League Baseball and the players' union plan to launch on Monday the Baseball Classic, a 16-nation tournament that will begin in March and feature players on big league rosters.
Notari was disappointed yet optimistic.
"Baseball is still in Beijing and it is still necessary to work for the future in 2016." :What the
SINGAPORE — Baseball and softball are out of the Olympics as of 2012, in a vote that surprised even longtime International Olympic Committee members.
"There were a lot of people that said they supported us and obviously didn't," said Don Porter, president of the International Softball Federation.
Baseball joined the Olympics in 1992 and softball in 1996.
Friday's secret vote reflected a heavy European influence of the IOC, which claims a near majority of European members. The popularity of baseball and softball are limited primarily to the Americas, Canada and Asia. Both sports were founded in the U.S.
Baseball also suffers from its failure to reach an agreement with Major League Baseball that would send the top players to the Olympics. "The problem is not only one problem," said Aldo Notari, head of the International Baseball Federation. "The problem is we need further development in the world."
Porter, who said he was devastated, has been concerned all along that members linked baseball and softball too closely.
The other 26 sports were retained.
"I think they've made a big, big mistake," said Tommy Lasorda, the former Dodgers manager who managed the U.S. to its only gold medal, at the Sydney Games in 2000.
"Baseball is played by all countries now and softball, too. I think that's really going to hurt the Olympics. I don't want to knock the other sports, but I think this is a big mistake. I am very disappointed.
"I was fortunate enough to coach the U.S. Olympic team in Australia. The parks were full at all times. How can they take away a sport like that?"
Baseball became a medal sport in 1992, with the U.S. finishing out of the money. Four years later, the Americans won a bronze medal before Lasorda's team won it all in 2000. Last year, the U.S. never got out of regional qualifying as Canada and Cuba represented North America in Athens.
Softball, on the other hand, has been the USA's property since it hit the Olympic calendar in 1996. American women have won all three available gold medals and their 2004 victory capped a 79-game winning streak in international play.
The IOC will consider replacing them with two sports from a waiting list of five: Golf, rugby, squash, karate and roller sports. That decision will be made Saturday.
Baseball and softball, which will remain on the program for the 2008 Beijing Games, are the first sports cut from the Olympics since polo in 1936.
"Needless to say, these sports are very, very disappointed," IOC president Jacques Rogge said after announcing the result. "However, I have to emphasize the fact that they should not fear this purge. The fact is that they shall not be included in the program of the 2012 Olympic Games, but it does not disqualify them forever as Olympic sports."
Rogge said baseball and softball will be eligible to win back their place in future Games.
"I would like to invite the leaders of these sports that will not be included in the program to make their very best efforts during the coming years so as to be able to convince the session that they deserve to come back to the Olympic Games in 2016. We shall support them in their efforts."
Major League Baseball and the players' union plan to launch on Monday the Baseball Classic, a 16-nation tournament that will begin in March and feature players on big league rosters.
Notari was disappointed yet optimistic.
"Baseball is still in Beijing and it is still necessary to work for the future in 2016." :What the