Dear WBSC Europe Federations Members,
As the holiday season unfolds, I extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you. May this festive period be filled with joy, happiness, and the company of loved ones.
Reflecting upon the past year, I am proud to share with you a brief recap of our remarkable journey in the 2023 baseball, softball, and baseball5 season. Together, we witnessed the culmination of 13 baseball tournaments, including the successful Eurobaseball 2023, 14 softball events with over 130 teams participating, and a memorable Baseball5 European Championship.
In addition to these tournaments, we successfully ran two European leagues: the Softball Euroleague and the Baseball Winter League. These leagues not only provided an elevated platform for our athletes but also worked on the development of our sports.
A historic milestone in 2023 was the inaugural Blind Baseball European Championship, a parasport event that took place in October in Bologna, Italy. Featuring five teams, this championship not only showcased the inclusivity of our sports but also marked a significant step forward in the Paralympic journey.
As we approach the threshold of 2024, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each Federation, athlete, coach, sponsors, supporter, and who contributed to the success of the 2023 season. Your commitment and passion continue to be the driving force behind the growth and prosperity of baseball, softball, and baseball5 in Europe.
Looking ahead, the promise of a new year brings with it the anticipation of fresh challenges, victories, and shared accomplishments. I am confident that the coming year will be marked by even greater achievements for our community.
May the holiday season bring you moments of joy. On behalf of WBSC Europe and its Executive Board, I wish you a festive season filled with peace.
Warm regards,
Kruno Karin
WBSC Europe President
Cover photo by Grega Valancic