As the 2024 Paris Olympics commence, one sport noticeably absent from the lineup is baseball. Despite featuring 45 different sports, baseball, which was part of the Tokyo 2020 Games, isn’t included this time around. The sport’s presence at the Olympics has been inconsistent, depending largely on the host nation’s affinity for it.
Baseball last appeared in the Olympics during the 2020 Games in Tokyo, benefiting from Japan’s strong cultural ties to the sport. However, it was excluded from the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and it’s not part of the 2024 Paris Games due to France’s limited connection to baseball. The question now arises: Will baseball be back for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles?
Why Baseball Isn’t a Regular Olympic Event and Its Future
Baseball’s inclusion in the Olympics varies by host country. It’s not a permanent fixture but is included when the host nation has a significant interest in the sport. This was the case in Japan, a country with a deep love for baseball. For the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, baseball is expected to return, reflecting the sport’s popularity in the United States. This would mark the seventh time baseball has been an official Olympic sport.
The Format and Venues for Olympic Baseball
The structure of the Olympic baseball tournament depends on the number of participating teams. In 2008, for example, eight teams played in a round-robin format before moving to single-elimination rounds for the medals. In 2020, the format was slightly different, with a six-team competition featuring a round-robin first round and a modified double-elimination bracket.
For the 2028 Games, it’s anticipated that venues will include iconic MLB stadiums such as Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Petco Park in San Diego, and Oracle Park in San Francisco. There is potential for early-round games to be held across the country, similar to the World Baseball Classic.
Participation of Major League Players
One of the biggest questions is whether MLB stars will participate in the Olympics. Historically, Team USA has been represented by collegiate and minor league players. However, there is growing momentum for MLB players to join the Olympic roster, as noted by MLBPA executive director Tony Clark during the MLB All-Star Game.
Major league stars like Bryce Harper have already expressed interest in competing, especially since the 2028 Games will be held in the U.S. However, integrating MLB players into the Olympics would require significant changes to the MLB season schedule, potentially including a break similar to the one taken by the WNBA during the Olympics.
The inclusion of MLB players in the Olympics would necessitate an adjustment in the regular MLB season. Options include extending the season or reducing the number of games played in 2028 to accommodate a break during the Olympic Games. This would ensure that players can compete without overextending their season workload.
Top Contenders for Olympic Gold
The 2023 World Baseball Classic offered a preview of the potential competition at the 2028 Olympics. Japan, the reigning WBC champion, and the United States are likely favorites. Historically, Cuba has been the most successful in Olympic baseball, followed by Japan, South Korea, and the United States, each of which has won a gold medal.
As the 2028 Olympics approach, baseball fans around the world are eager to see if the sport will once again take the Olympic stage, showcasing some of the best talents from around the globe.
