The Championship trophy for the Men's Softball World Cup. (Photo courtesy: World Baseball Softball Confederation)

By paNOW Staff

World Class Softball

Prince Albert ready to swing big on international stage

May 17, 2024 | 9:00 AM

In just a couple of months, Max Power Ball fields will be filled to the max with softball enthusiasts from around the globe.

Prime Minister’s Park in Prince Albert will be centre stage in July for the 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Men’s Softball World Cup qualifier.

The qualifier consists of three stages across the world. The other two qualifiers take place in Mexico and Oklahoma. There will be six teams in each group and the top two teams from each group and two wild card teams will attend the WBSC Men’s World Cup in 2025, which the city of Prince Albert is also hosting.

“This is a pretty special thing for P.A. It’s the top level of ball on the men’s side,” said Ian Litzenberger, co-chair of the event. “When we hosted in 2018, we had the junior men’s teams here. So, that included players around 19 years old, whereas this event is basically men aged 23 and up. So, you know, this is definitely well-seasoned, mature guys who have played and earned the right because they’ve mastered their craft to be at this level.”

Prince Albert is no stranger to hosting international softball events. In 2018, the city made a significant investment in the Prime Minister’s Park facilities before the U18 Men’s World Cup. Litzenberger said the calibre of competition at this year’s event will be even greater.

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“For our group stage, we have Argentina coming. They are a powerhouse team and ranked quite high in the world. We have Team Canada. We get to see the Haka [ceremonial dance] from Team New Zealand. Hong Kong, China, Israel and Singapore will also have teams here.”

In a previous press release announcing the dates of the XVIII WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup group and Finals taking place in Prince Albert, the president of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Riccardo Fraccari said, “Softball fans can look forward to witnessing the highest level of competition and the incredible passion that this sport generates. We are grateful to the city of Prince Albert for their continued support and commitment to the growth of softball.”

The event runs July 10 – 14 and there will be more than 20 games throughout the tournament. Passes for the whole event are just $100 plus tax per person or single-day game tickets can be purchased on the SaskTix website.

Litzenberger said the organizers have had plenty of volunteers sign up to help, but they’re always willing to take more.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com