From the official ISF Jr. Men’s World Championship website, cap tip Al Doran, Al’s Fastball.
Five continents will be represented at the 2014 ISF Junior Men’s World Softball Championship in Whitehorse.
The championship will be held July 11 to 20 at the Pepsi Softball Centre, and on Thursday the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) revealed the eleven teams that will take part.
Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania all have teams participating. Argentina heads to Whitehorse as the defending champions, after winning South America’s historic first-ever softball world championship at the event in 2012. They’ll be joined by host Canada, Mexico, United States and Venezuela, as representatives of the Americas.
Japan, the 2012 silver medalist, and Singapore will be in Whitehorse on behalf of Asia. Europe will be represented at the world championship by the Czech Republic and Denmark. Oceania will be represented by the 2012 bronze medalist Australia, as well as New Zealand.
“The Local Organizing Committee in Whitehorse has tremendous experience in both hosting and building a sustainable legacy for the local community through the delivery of excellent Softball World Championships, and I am confident the 2014 U-19 Junior Men’s Softball World Championship will be another exciting and well-organized world stage for these dedicated young athletes to shine and proudly represent these eleven National Teams — and their continents,” said WBSC co-President, Don Porter.
Whitehorse previously hosted the 2008 Junior Men’s World Championship and 2012 Women’s World Championship.
“With just over 100 days to go until the action starts at the ballpark, it’s great to have the participating teams confirmed,” said George Arcand, Chair of the 2014 Organizing Committee. “I know the community will embrace all of these competitors and show them true northern hospitality. The countdown is on!”
1. New Zealand
2. Australia
3. Japan
4. Singapore
5. Denmark
6. Czech Republic
7. Canada
8. Venezuela
9. USA
10. Mexico
11. Argentina
A look back at 2012, from the official ISF Website:
A NEW CHAMPION IS CROWNED AT THE IX ISF JR. MEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
2012-11-10PARANA, ARGENTINA — A new champion has been crowned in Parana, Argentina after ten days of competition at the 9th ISF Jr. Men’s World Championship. After rain delayed all play yesterday, the remaining six playoff games were played today.
Australia, the defending world champion, played Japan for the bronze medal. Japan was ready, scoring in the 1st inning off a triple by Kento Okazaki scoring Yuuho Fujihara. However, after training 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th inning, Nathan Dickinson scored the tying run off a double by Liam O’Leary for Australia. After 10 innings, Japan defeated Australia 5-4, to advance to the Gold Medal game. Australia earned the bronze medal in a hard fought game.
Japan then faced the undefeated host Argentina. Argentina was too powerful for Japan, scoring unanswered runs in the 4th (1 run), 6th (1 run), and 7th (3 runs). The final score was 5-0. This is Argentina’s first Gold Medal at an ISF World Championship. Their best finish at a Jr. Men’s World Championship was fourth place at the 5th Jr. Men’s in St. John’s, NL (CAN) in 1997.
2012 Medal Winners, Parana Argentina
GOLD MEDAL: Argentina
SILVER MEDAL: Japan
BRONZE MEDAL: Australia
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