From 14 to 45 years old – WBSC Baseball5 World Cup open to all – World Baseball Softball Confederation

One of the official hashtags for the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s exciting urban sport Baseball5 is #PlayEverywhere because it can be played anywhere – street, field or gymnasium – or on any surface – grass, hard court, concrete. Furthermore, it is a sport that is practiced by everyone – from elementary school students to the older generation.

The WBSC Baseball5 World Cup Hong Kong 2024 was a perfect example. Since the age criteria is 15 years and older (by year of birth), the WBSC brought in the youngest participant, Kira Baitiul from Lithuania, who turns 15 on December 30, and the oldest in Australia, Jose Rodriguez, who turns 46 on December 12 years old.

The contrast between Rodriguez and Baitiul underscored Baseball5’s inclusivity and accessibility, appealing to both veteran players and younger talent. The participation of these two athletes highlights the sport’s ability to bring together athletes from a wide age range and embodies the spirit of sport – a sport that is welcoming, competitive and open to all.

Baitiul, who at 14 was the youngest player in this year’s World Cup, ahead of 15-year-old Oliva Sanchez of Mexico and 16-year-old Australian Amelia Wright, is a perfect example of Baseball5’s exciting future. With the second-best female batting average on the Lithuanian team (.433) and 47th overall out of 96 athletes, she demonstrated great skill that easily accommodates the fast-paced nature of the sport.

“It was my first World Championships and the experience was so incredible,” she explained. “Four years ago I started playing baseball, and two years ago we went to the championship (U-17 Baseball5 European Championship, where Lithuania came third) in Bulgaria, and now I get to play in a WBSC Baseball5 World Championship play along, I couldn’t ask for much more.

“I love the sport so much and look forward to continuing to represent my country in a sport that is so much fun,” she added.

With Lithuania being Baseball5 European Champions and finishing eighth in Hong Kong, we’re definitely in for some exciting times ahead, especially considering they had the fourth youngest squad in Hong Kong at 21 years and one month, behind only China (18 years and four months) and Mexico (17 years and 9 months) younger.

Next up is qualifying for the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup in Mexico next year after missing out on it in Bulgaria last year. Baitiul is part of the Lithuanian team hoping to qualify for the Baseball5 Youth European Championship, which will take place in Clermont-Ferrand, France, from October 29th to November 2nd.

“We still have a lot to improve, but after improving on our 11th place in Mexico with eighth place in Hong Kong, we are definitely on the right track and hopefully we can translate that into a good result in France,” said Baitiul.

For the 45-year-old Rodriguez, he was the oldest player at the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup Hong Kong 2024, ahead of the two 37-year-olds Taichi Motoike from Japan and the South African Sylvester Maredi.

Representing Australia, the Cuban-born athlete brought a wealth of experience and wisdom to a young and developing team. “It was an incredible experience for me,” Rodriguez said. “At 45 years old, I’m still running, hitting and feeling motivated.”

“I am also the motivator in the team,” he explained. “I help the team overcome mistakes and keep their spirits high. The best thing is seeing the team give everything they have, no matter what happens on the scoreboard.”

Although Australia missed out on participating in the inaugural World Cup in Mexico due to Covid, Rodriguez never lost hope and was proud to represent the country in its second Baseball5 World Cup after finishing 12th at the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup last year had documented. “I went on (to Mexico) and when they called us for a tryout, I did it. Now I’ve made it to Hong Kong and I’m really happy to be representing Australia.”

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and I’m excited to be part of this team,” he said after laying the foundation for further improvement with 12th place in Hong Kong.

Since Australia’s median age is 25 years and 3 months (the third median age behind Japan at 28 years and 11 months and Hong Kong, China at 28 years and 1 month), it is just ahead of Cuba at 25 years and 2 months. The inclusion of both young people as well as experienced players shows how Baseball5 can cater to different abilities and backgrounds, further highlighting its potential as a truly universal sport.

For Rodriguez, the appeal of Baseball5 is its fast pace and constant pressure to make quick decisions. “I’ve always liked playing shortstop or third base,” he explained, referring to his preferred positions. “I love the energy and the pressure. It’s so much fun because it’s fast and energetic. You run to base, make the play and the game moves so quickly.”

With the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup confirmed for Mexico in 2025 ahead of Baseball5’s debut at the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, and Italy set to host the next edition of the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup in 2026, the path is clear for Australia’s future Baseball5 stars, especially with the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane looming. “We’ve been getting a lot of attention lately, and I’m sure it’s only going to get bigger,” Rodriguez said. “With our coach Adrian Medina doing some amazing things to help develop the sport, the future of Baseball5 in our country is very bright.”

As a reminder, Lithuania defeated Australia 10-3, 7-0 on the penultimate day of the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup Hong Kong 2024.