Issue 8 2021

22 Acquisition International - Issue 8 2021 Apr21859 The Old Ball Game fter a history that spanned three-quarters of a century, the International Baseball Federation and International Softball Federation combined their powers to create the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). With a strong heritage to draw on from both sides, this new organization was designed to develop universal attributes for the benefit of people playing this incredible sport around the world. Since the merger was announced in 2013, the WBSC has maintained an international presence in the field. While headquartered in Pully, Switzerland, the WBSC has 198 National Federations and 12 AssociateMembers in 138 countries and territories across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceania. Far from a niche organization, the influence of baseball and softball can be seen through the actions of over 65 million athletes and 150 million sports fans who come to see teams play in stadiums around the world. These worldwide competitions are the lifeblood of what the WBSC offers to sports fans, with the team governing all international competitions involving official National Teams. The Premier12, the World Baseball Classic, the Softball World Cups and various Baseball, Softball and Baseball5 events at the Olympic Games are just some of the competitions that fall within the WBSC’s purview. It’s an incredibly challenging brief, but one which the WBSC team relish grappling with. The World Baseball Softball Confederation plays a vital role in these two globally renowned sports. Acting as the international governing body for both baseball and softball, its value couldn’t be higher. With the organization recognized as Best Specialist Sports Advocacy 2021 in Acquisition International’s Business Excellence Awards, we thought it time to take a closer look at some of the secrets behind the team’s incredible success. Company: World Baseball Softball Confederation Name: Angelo Vicini Email: angelo.vicini@wbsc.org A A specific commission has been established with the simple aim of increasing assistance to athletes, reinforcing continental organizations and supporting coach development. The growth of baseball and softball will always happen at a local level, but having an international body to draw on for help is a boon to everyone involved. The team’s offices in Pully, Switzerland reflect the ambition with which the team approach their work. It’s an ideal location for this international enterprise, directly adjacent to the Olympic capital city of Lausanne. Since first opening its doors in 2020, it has been nicknamed “Home Plate” by those who work there. Naturally, every effort has been made to lead by example, and the building has been constructed to the highest standards, in terms of its quality, its finesse, and its care to reach many of the world governing body’s sustainability goals. 90% of the building’s electricity is gathered from rooftop solar panels. It’s little wonder that the WBSC takes such care to ensure it sets the standard for the baseball and softball sectors. There’s an enormous amount of interest in their work that can be seen throughout the world. By establishing what is to be expected at the top of the organization, appropriate decisions can be made through the various federations and players that make up this intensely interesting sport. While enormous steps have been made over the last few years, this is an organization that is always looking for new ways to develop baseball and softball at all levels. A specific commission has been established with the simple aim of increasing assistance to athletes, reinforcing continental organizations and supporting coach development. The growth of baseball and softball will always happen at a local level, but having an international body to draw on for help is a boon to everyone involved. Needless to say, the world of the WBSC has changed dramatically over the last few years, with the face of the game changing to meet the needs of the 21st Century. The adaptability of this incredible organization is something to be celebrated by all, and is a credit to the team’s hard work. We celebrate that success, and all the triumphs that are yet to come. Company: World Baseball Softball Confederation Name: Angelo Vicini Email: angelo.vicini@wbsc.org