Fifteen teams to play in Parana 2012 at ISF Jr. Men’s World Championship – November 1-11, 2012

The International Softball Federation (ISF) announced through a press release the names of the 15 countries that will be competing in the IX ISF Junior Men’s World Championship, to be held next November in Argentina. Paraná 2012 will be the Junior World Championship with the higher participation of countries in the history of the event.

This number of teams not only marks a record of participation, but also ensures that all regions of the world will be represented at the event. Countries to participate in Paraná 2012 will be:

Argentina
Australia
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
India
Japan
Mexico
New Zealand
Singapore
South Africa
United States
Venezuela

This World Cup will mark the debut in such tournaments for teams as British Virgin Islands, Croatia, India, and Singapore.

“We cannot be more pleased with the turnout for this event. The host organizing committee is charged and ready to put on the best event the Junior Men’s World Championship has ever seen and we are looking forward to their hospitality,” ISF President Don Porter said. “The growth of the game is evident with new countries achieving qualification for a spot to participate, we are very fortunate that countries like British Virgin Islands, Croatia, India, and Singapore have worked to elevate their play to this level as it should provide for good experience for the athletes.”

We now know the countries who will play in Paraná’s diamonds between November the 1st and 10th. The World Championship already has names, we only must wait for the voice of “Play Ball”.

Editor’s note: There were 12 countries competing at the 2008 ISF Jr. World Championship in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. The only country at Whitehorse that will not be in attendance at Parana, Argentina is Botswana.

ISF announces umpiring crew
The ISF announced the umpiring crew to the IX Junior Men’s World Championship to be held in Paraná on November this year. ISF´s Director of Umpires, Mr. Bob Stanton, designated 18 umpires, from 16 different countries, who will be calling balls and strikes in Paraná 2012

Umpires are listed below, alphabetically by country:

Argentina
PEÑARROYA, Javier

Australia
BROOMHALL, Kevin

Botswana
MATABOGE, Abel

Brazil
BARBOSA, JAMIE

Canada
FINDLEY, George
POULIN, Aaron

Croatia
BALSER, Art

Cuba
CAMILO GARRIDO, Raul

Czech Republic
LISS, Valdimir

Italy
FIORINI, Mauro

Japan
MASUDA, Kyo

New Zealand
ENGLAND, Jeremy
PORTEOUS, Mark

Nicaragua
RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ Jose R.

Singapore
HENG, Daniel Boon Liang

South Africa
NACERODIEN, Noore

United States of America
HAWTHORNE, Eric

Venezuela
RANGEL MENDEZ, Jose Amadis