The World will return In 2011

Teams from around the world came to Prince George to compete in the 2009 World Baseball Challenge. Photo by Mark Duthie - nextlevelmedia.ca

The dedicated team of organizers involved with the World Baseball Challenge is excited to confirm that the international baseball tournament is living up to its goal – a recurring major sporting event for Prince George.

Today, with the greatly-appreciated support of so many community-minded individuals and businesses, the wheels are fully in motion to welcome back teams from around the world to Prince George Citizen Field in July of 2011.

“We thank the sponsors, we thank the fans, and we thank the international baseball community for all that was done to make the 2009 tournament a success, and we thank all the committed people on the committee for so enthusiastically deciding this is something we want to do again,” said Shawn Rice, the Marketing Director for the 2009 tournament who has been elevated to Co-Chair of the event.

“The committee vote was unanimous. Three things cemented the decision to return – the energy of WBC committee members; the response from national baseball programs, particularly Baseball Canada and USA Baseball; and the cherry on top was having the Toronto Blue Jays come to us so far in advance and confirm they will be back and will in fact increase their level of support for 2011. The Blue Jays were impressed with what was accomplished by a first-time event during a difficult economic time, and they were impressed with our city’s participation in all aspects.

“This event proved what leadership and a spirit of teamwork can accomplish, even in tough times.”

Former Prince George resident Steve Brooks, who played youth baseball in the city, is the Vice-President of Finance for the Toronto Blue Jays, and he has become a tremendous friend of the tournament in a very short time. Steve and wife Connie were in attendance this past July, and enjoyed themselves immensely.

Through Steve, Paul Beeston, the well-known President and CEO of the Blue Jays, addressed the WBC committee in a letter on Nov. 24, correspondence that further energized the committee and set in motion the plans for today’s announcement.

Details of all the aspects of the Blue Jays sponsorship will be announced.

“On behalf of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, I would like to congratulate the organizing committee on the success of the 2009 World Baseball Challenge,” wrote Beeston.

“The tournament brought together some of the best amateur players in the world and showcased the quality of amateur baseball talent that exists in Canada. The dedication of volunteers such as your organizers as well as your key sponsors is the key to continued growth of the sport of baseball in Canada. The Blue Jays have long been involved in promoting amateur baseball at all levels across the country. Our support of amateur baseball in Canada will continue to grow in the years ahead.

“In this regard, the Blue Jays are proud to join a growing list of sponsors committed to the 2011 World Baseball Challenge in Prince George,” Beeston continued.

“Given the profile of this tournament, we trust that many other sponsors will want to be a part of this event going forward. We hope they join the Toronto Blue Jays and commit their support to making the 2011 tournament an even greater success.”

Rice has already started meeting with major sponsors, and the response to moving forward in 2011 has been universally supported.

“Companies such as Coca-Cola, Coast Inn of the North, The Prince George Citizen, Labatt Breweries, Up The Creek Garment Co., CKPG, Pacific BioEnergy, Papyrus Printing, Munchies, ReMax Centre City Realty, Spruce Credit Union, Falcon Drilling, Enbridge Northern Gateway, TELUS, Commonwealth Financial, Newcart Contracting, BID Construction, RONA, Northern Spirit Transportation, Westcana Electric, Hurricane High Pressure and The City of Prince George – to name just a few – were integral to the overall operations and success, and we’re very happy to work with businesses that are some of the pillars of this community,” said Rice, speaking on behalf of a committee that features more than 20 members.

“So many partners stepped up with financial support, or valued services. Putting the marketing package for 2011 on the street is a priority, and we are eager to meet with all the sponsors and continue gathering their feedback. We expect more sponsors will want to be a part of this after watching what happened this past summer, and we welcome that. We certainly thank all the local media for their support.”

The tournament was sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation, Baseball Canada and Baseball B.C., outstanding partners who work hard to grow the game. On the busiest day of the tournament, more than 4,700 fans came through the turnstiles, a record for a Prince George baseball event. That number was threatened again on the Wednesday when USA played Prince George.

“Baseball B.C. is thrilled to hear that the World Baseball Challenge will be returning to the international baseball landscape in 2011,” said David Laing, the Executive Director of Baseball B.C. who saw the 2009 event first-hand as a member of the Team Canada coaching staff.

“The organizing committee is to be commended for their vision and dedication. The success of the 2009 event can only be built upon and the overall experience made even better. Congratulations Prince George!”

The 2009 tournament took place July 16-26 at Prince George Citizen Field, with six teams participating in the city’s first full international tournament. The USA National Team defeated the German National Team in the final, with Canada placing third. Bahamas, Prince George and Team B.C., a team that featured former Major League starting pitcher Aaron Myette, rounded out the field. Many local players were exposed to international baseball for the first time and the host Axemen finished with a 3-4 record in front of a friendly crowd.

The event was recognized by Prince George City Council and Prince George MLAs Shirley Bond and Pat Bell for outstanding committee work. As well, the tournament was recognized as NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR (sponsored by the Prince George Citizen) and TOURISM EXCELLENCE (sponsored by Initiatives Prince George) award winners at the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence banquet in October.

People from around the world, and more than 10 countries, watched the Web broadcast produced by committee member Walter Beardwood, with more than 8,700 hours of live viewing.

The first World Baseball Challenge took place in Grand Forks, B.C., in 2002, with Cuba winning the title. Prince George has placed teams in both WBC tournaments.

“We consider USA, Canada and the host Westcana Electric Axemen as base teams for 2011, and Germany and Bahamas have indicated they want to return,” said Rice.

“Invitations have gone out to many other countries, and we want to put the best possible lineup of teams on the field. Larry Seminoff, the tournament founder, continues to assist the committee through the contacts he’s built up in more than 30 years of involvement in international baseball, and we’re more than confident the tournament will be even better in 2011.

“Let the process of arranging for the teams, and planning the entire event, begin.”

For further information/comment:

Shawn Rice, Marketing Director/Co-Chair, WBC - 250-961-9404

Larry Seminoff, WBC Founder (Grand Forks) - 250-442-2238

David Laing, Baseball B.C. (Langley) - 604-586-3312