The IOC's decision to can baseball for the 2012 Olympics is a direct slap in the face to the US. In the IOC's effort to undermine America's dominance at it's own games, it has failed to recognize the globalization of the game and the fact that the US didn't even qualify for the 2004 Olympics!
Baseball is played all over the world in regions from North America, Central America and the Caribbean, to Asia and Oceania. It is a growing sport that has seen the world's most populous country, China quickly establish a more competitive program in a matter of a few years.
What are the implications of the IOC decision on Taiwan baseball? Well, the most important result is the fact that funding for the development of CT's national team will be cut. Less money being spent on player development, equals the possibility of a decline in the current and future talent pool. Add to that the gambling scandal going on in the CPBL, and you have the potential for a decline in the sport's popularity. Once you lose the fans' trust, it's always hard to win back their support again. It would be a damned shame to see the progress that has been made by the current crop of aspiring baseball players here in the US, take a few steps backwards.
1 comment:
That is great news Mao. I hope the people continue to support baseball in Taiwan! That is the only way the sport can continue to grow.
Post a Comment