Baseball and Softball Miss Out on Paris 2024, Eyes Return in Los Angeles 2028
In a move that has left many baseball fans disappointed, both baseball and softball have been excluded from the Olympic program for the 2024 Paris Games. However, the sports community remains hopeful and anticipatory for their return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The potential return of baseball to the Olympic stage in 2028 has stirred significant interest, particularly among Major League Baseball (MLB) players and fans. This excitement is further fueled by the high-profile endorsements from star players Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, who have voiced their support for MLB players participating in the 2028 Olympics.
MLB Players Yearning for Olympic Glory
Among the prominent voices advocating for MLB participation is Aaron Judge, the celebrated outfielder for the New York Yankees. Judge has made clear his aspirations to compete in the 2028 Olympics, provided MLB players are granted the opportunity. "I'd love to play," Judge said candidly. "If they give us the opportunity -- I don't know what the ruling or anything has come out about that -- but I'm all in on that. There's very few opportunities to get to do that and especially, hopefully, in the prime of my career where I can still do it and make an impact, I'd love to."
Judge's desire to don the national colors is particularly poignant given his history. "I've never represented my country before, never got invited to those Team USA (camps as an amateur), never really made the cut for those. Hopefully now I can make the cut," he added. Despite his focus on his current commitments with the Yankees, where he recently inked a nine-year contract, Judge remains hopeful for his Olympic dream. "It would be an honor to represent my country and play in that," he emphasized. "But my main goal is what I can do here in New York and what I can do to bring a championship back here. I think especially after signing a nine-year contract, for me, priorities are New York. Maybe four years down the road, hopefully I can still make the team and get an opportunity to play. But right now for me, my focus is here."
The Road to Inclusion
Currently, MLB's policy restricts players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, a stance that has been a point of contention among players and fans alike. However, there appears to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has taken an "open-minded" stance regarding the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. This potential policy shift would signify a monumental change for the sport and its athletes, many of whom have long yearned for the chance to compete on the global stage.
Looking at successful precedents, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) paused its season to allow its players to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This decision proved beneficial as Japan went on to clinch the gold medal in baseball. Such an approach could serve as an inspiration for MLB as it contemplates its stance for the 2028 Games.
A Star in his Prime
A relevant factor is the age and current performance of Aaron Judge. The star outfielder, who will be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, is enjoying a remarkable season. Judge boasts an impressive slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season. For perspective, in the same number of team games in 2022, Judge was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs – statistics that further underline his consistent exceptional performance.
Judge’s Olympic aspirations are not only a personal milestone but also a beacon of hope for many fans who wish to see top-tier talent on the Olympic field. Given his athletic prowess, age seems to be but a number for the dynamic outfielder, who remains a pivotal figure for the Yankees and potentially for Team USA in 2028.
Future Prospects
The potential inclusion of baseball in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the participation of MLB players could add a significant layer of excitement and global interest to the Games. As baseball fans worldwide eagerly await official announcements and developments, the passionate endorsements from players like Aaron Judge underscore the deep-rooted desire to see the sport thrive on the Olympic stage once again.
Beyond Los Angeles, the sporting world can also look forward to Brisbane hosting the Summer Olympics in 2032, continuing the cherished tradition of bringing national pride and athletic excellence to the global forefront.