After 2008, how will baseball be handled amateur wise in some countries?

[cutchemist42]

I was wondering if anyone has any predictions as to how funding will be affected after the 2008 Olympics? I know alot of amateur baseball gets money and sponsorship because it's recognized by the Olympics but will it after 2008? An example is China who wants to field a good baseball for 2008 to look good for the world but will they continue this after 2008?

[Captain Cold Nose]

I was wondering if anyone has any predictions as to how funding will be affected after the 2008 Olympics? I know alot of amateur baseball gets money and sponsorship because it's recognized by the Olympics but will it after 2008? An example is China who wants to field a good baseball for 2008 to look good for the world but will they continue this after 2008?
I've always had the impression the IOC has never been too thrilled with baseball. I would be surprised if baseball does not take a little hiatus from Olympic play, if that hasn't already been scheduled.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I think the game will still grow in a country like the Czech Republic. Before baseball became an Olympic sport, it was already developing over there.

I only can hope that the Olympic ban will not lead to a decline of the level in other countries.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Well, here is a link to an old article:
Baseball Eliminated From Olympics After 2008
By John Manuel
July 8, 2005
(http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/news/050708olympics.html)

Here is the start of the article:

Jacques Rogge finally got what he wanted: baseball and softball out of the Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee, following the lead of its president, had secret-ballot voting on all 28 sports on the Olympic program Thursday, and baseball and softball were the only two that failed to receive the majority of votes needed to stay in the Games. So the 2008 Beijing Olympics will likely be the last Games with baseball and softball for the foreseeable future.

They are the first sports dropped from the Olympic program since polo in 1936. Baseball became a demonstration sport in 1984 and has been a medal sport since 1992. Cuba has won three of the four gold medals since then, with the U.S. claiming gold in 2000 with a team of minor leaguers led by current Brewers righthander Ben Sheets.

I have a feeling that Baseball won't be back in the Olympics for a while. The IOC makes it pretty clear that they don't want Baseball in their games.

[Williamsburg2599]

Well, here is a link to an old article:
Baseball Eliminated From Olympics After 2008
By John Manuel
July 8, 2005
(http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/news/050708olympics.html)

Here is the start of the article:


I have a feeling that Baseball won't be back in the Olympics for a while. The IOC makes it pretty clear that they don't want Baseball in their games.
They only voted baseball and softball out? Something tells me that the voting wouldn't have happend if they weren't sure that baseball was going to be out. Hope they enjoy their ping-pong, synchrizied swiming, and water polo.:rolleyes: