History of USA Baseball in Timeline
USA Baseball is the national governing body for baseball in the United States and is a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the World Baseball Softball Confederation. As a non-profit, it's responsible for selecting and overseeing various United States national baseball teams for international competitions, encompassing professional, collegiate, youth, and women's teams.
1900: Heritage of National Demonstration Teams
The Professional National Team carries the heritage (but not the lineage) of the national demonstration teams the nation sent to the Summer Olympics of 1900.
1904: Baseball Presented at the Olympics in St. Louis
In 1904, with the same composition as the 1900 team, baseball was presented to American audiences for the first time at the Olympics in St. Louis, though still unofficially.
1912: Demonstration Event at the Summer Olympics in Stockholm
In 1912, another demonstration event featuring baseball occurred at the Summer Olympics in Stockholm. Jim Thorpe was one of the only players with experience, with most being track and field athletes.
1912: Heritage of National Demonstration Teams
The Professional National Team carries the heritage (but not the lineage) of the national demonstration teams the nation sent to the Summer Olympics of 1912.
1931: Foundation of USA Baseball Congress
In 1931, Leslie Mann, a former major league outfielder, founded the USA Baseball Congress, which is considered a precursor to the national governing body and helped formalize the national team program.
1932: Formation of the U.S. Amateur Baseball Federation
In 1932, Leslie Mann formed the U.S. Amateur Baseball Federation, marking the early origins of what would become the modern USA Baseball organization.
1935: Team USA's Friendship Tour of Japan
In 1935, under Leslie Mann's guidance, Team USA embarked on a 20-game friendship tour of Japan, enhancing international relations through baseball.
1936: Polo Eliminated from the Olympics
In 1936, Polo was eliminated from the Olympics
1936: Heritage of National Demonstration Teams
The Professional National Team carries the heritage (but not the lineage) of the national demonstration teams the nation sent to the Summer Olympics of 1936.
1942: USA Baseball Congress Becomes Inactive
After 1942, Leslie Mann's USA Baseball Congress became inactive due to the ongoing Second World War, impacting American representation in international baseball competitions.
1951: All-NCAA Team at the Pan American Games
In 1951, an all-NCAA team of college athletes represented the United States in baseball at the first edition of the Pan American Games. This marked the basis for the current USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.
1951: Establishment of the collegiate program
The collegiate program was established in 1951, coinciding with the first Pan American Games, marking the oldest continuously active component of the national program.
1956: U.S. Participates in Melbourne Summer Olympics
In 1956, the U.S. fielded a team of servicemen from the U.S. Far East Command in the demonstration game at the Summer Olympics in Melbourne.
1962: Formation of the United States Baseball Federation
In early 1962, several baseball groups formed the United States Baseball Federation, with Everett D. Barnes as president. It operated as an affiliate of the NCAA.
1964: Tensions Over Olympic Team Selection
During the selection process for the 1964 Summer Olympic team, tensions between the USBF and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) escalated over the right to organize national baseball teams.
1964: Exhibition game at the Summer Olympics in Japan
In 1964, The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team played an exhibition game at the Summer Olympics in Japan.
January 6, 1965: Incorporation of USBF in Michigan
On January 6, 1965, the modern version of the USBF was officially incorporated in Michigan, though it still lacked official sanction from the USOC.
1978: Establishment of USA Baseball
In 1978, the Amateur Sports Act led to the establishment of USA Baseball in its modern form, recognizing the United States Olympic Committee as the governing body of Olympic sports.
1984: Second Place Finish at Los Angeles Olympics
At the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics, where baseball was a demonstration sport, the United States team finished in second place, losing to Japan in the final, 6–3.
1984: Hosting Rights for the Summer Olympics
In 1984, the United States received hosting rights for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which catalyzed the birth of USA Baseball to lead baseball efforts in the country.
1988: Gold Medal at Seoul Olympics
At the Seoul 1988 Games, Team USA won the gold medal in baseball, defeating Japan in the final 5–3, marking a significant victory.
1989: USA Baseball 18U team
The USA Baseball 18U team went undefeated in the program's history.
1992: Baseball Open to Male Amateurs
In 1992, baseball at the Summer Olympic Games was open only to male amateurs, leading the United States to rely on collegiate players.
1996: Baseball Open to Male Amateurs
In 1996, baseball at the Summer Olympic Games was open only to male amateurs, leading the United States to rely on collegiate players.
1996: USA-Cuba International Friendship series
The USA-Cuba International Friendship series took place. It then returned to the U.S. in 2013.
November 1997: Move to Tucson, Arizona
In November 1997, the U.S. Baseball Federation moved its facilities to Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Arizona, and adopted the name USA Baseball.
1997: Fielding of 16U National Team
From 1997, USA Baseball fielded a 16U national team that competed in the International Baseball Federation World Youth Championships and other tournaments.
1997: Jackie Robinson's number 42 retired
In 1997, Major League Baseball retired the uniform number 42 across all teams in honor of Jackie Robinson. Since then, no player has used the number out of respect.
1997: National Team Championships First Started
In 1997, The National Team Championships first started as the USA Junior Olympic Baseball Championships and was a joint venture between USA Baseball and the United States Olympic Committee. It identified talent for the USA Baseball 16U National Team.
1998: Tournament Moves to Arizona
In 1998, when USA Baseball moved from New Jersey to Arizona, the then-56 team tournament moved out west, as well, where it was contested at the spring training homes of the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago White Sox/Arizona Diamondbacks.
1998: CNT participation in major international baseball events
Until 1998, the collegiate national team (CNT) participated in every major international baseball event, before the PNT was created in 1999.
1999: Creation of the PNT
Before the PNT was created in 1999, the CNT was the flagship and sole team program of USA Baseball since its foundation until the 1980s when the 18U team was created.
1999: Use of Minor League Athletes
In 1999, USA Baseball started using minor league athletes for the first time, marking a shift in team composition.
1999: Participation in the PAL World Series
In 1999, the 16U national team of USA Baseball participated in the PAL World Series.
1999: Establishment of Professional National Team Section
In 1999, the Professional National Team section (USAB-PNT) was established as the senior-most of all the national teams of USA Baseball.
1999: Participation in Pan American Games
In 1999, the first professional national team selected by the organization participated in the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, ultimately claiming the silver medal after losing to Cuba in the gold medal game.
2000: Olympic Gold Medal Win
In 2000, led by Manager Tommy Lasorda and featuring players like Ben Sheets and Ernie Young, Team USA won the Olympic gold medal, going 8–1 in the tournament. They were later named the USOC Team of the Year.
2000: Professionals Admitted to Baseball
In 2000, professionals were admitted to baseball in the Olympics, but Major League Baseball did not release its players.
2000: U.S. Olympic Baseball Team wins gold at Sydney Olympics
In 2000, the U.S. Olympic Baseball Team, managed by Tommy Lasorda, won the gold medal at the Sydney Olympic Games, defeating Cuba, with a standout pitching performance by Ben Sheets. The team was composed of minor league players.
2001: Tournament Expands to Second Location
In 2001, the tournament was expanded to a second location in Fort Myers, Florida.
March 2003: Cary, North Carolina Chosen as Destination
In March 2003, Cary, North Carolina was chosen as the destination for the national governing body of baseball.
2003: Award Renamed the Richard W. “Dick” Case Award
Beginning in 2003, the USA Baseball Player of Year Award was renamed the Richard W. “Dick” Case Award in honor of the organization's founding Executive Director/CEO.
2003: Move to Cary, North Carolina
In 2003, USA Baseball relocated its headquarters from Tucson, Arizona, to its current home in Cary, North Carolina.
2004: MLB Players Absent from Olympics
In 2004, Major League Baseball did not release its players for the Olympics, affecting the composition of the American team.
2004: Failure to Qualify for Athens Games
In 2004, the U.S. failed to qualify for the Athens Olympic Games.
2004: USA Baseball women's national team established
In 2004, the USA Baseball women's national team was established, and an 18-player team was selected. The team went on to win the gold medal in the first IBAF Women's Baseball World Cup in Edmonton, Canada.
July 7, 2005: Baseball Voted Out of 2012 Olympics
On July 7, 2005, at an International Olympic Committee meeting, baseball and softball were voted out of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
2005: Baseball removed from Olympic program
Following the removal of baseball from the Olympic program in 2005, the World Baseball Classic (WBC) was proposed by MLB, the Major League Baseball Players Association, and other professional baseball leagues and their players associations around the world.
February 9, 2006: Decision Reaffirmed to Remove Baseball
On February 9, 2006, the decision to remove baseball and softball from the 2012 Summer Olympics was reaffirmed.
2006: Team USA featured in inaugural World Baseball Classic
For the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic, Team USA included notable players such as Chase Utley, Derek Jeter, and Chipper Jones, marking a significant moment with MLB stars representing the nation.
2006: Team USA repeats as IBAF World Cup gold medalists
In 2006, Team USA repeated as IBAF World Cup gold medalists in Taiwan, continuing their success in international women's baseball.
2006: First World Baseball Classic played
In 2006, the inaugural World Baseball Classic (WBC) took place, featuring MLB players on the rosters for the first time in USA Baseball history. This marked a shift from primarily using minor league players to including MLB-level athletes.
June 2007: USA Baseball National Training Complex Opens
In June 2007, the USA Baseball National Training Complex opened. The first event held at the facility was the 2007 USA Baseball Tournament of Stars.
2007: Creation of 14U National Team
In 2007, the 14U national team was created, participating in the COPABE Pan American Championships and Qualifiers.
October 17, 2008: Stadium Field Named in Honor of William B. Coleman, Jr.
On October 17, 2008, the Cary Town Council named the stadium field in honor of former Town Manager William B. Coleman, Jr., upon his retirement, calling it Coleman Field.
2008: IOC President's Comments on Baseball's Potential Return
During the 2008 bronze medal game between the U.S. and Japan, IOC president Jacques Rogge outlined criteria for baseball to earn its way back into the Olympic program, including universality, top players, and compliance with WADA.
2008: MLB Players Absent from Olympics
In 2008, Major League Baseball did not release its players for the Olympics, affecting the composition of the American team.
2008: Team USA wins bronze at World Cup
In 2008, Team USA secured the bronze medal at the World Cup in Japan, adding to their list of international achievements.
2008: U.S. Olympic Baseball Team wins bronze at Beijing Games
In 2008, a U.S. team led by Davey Johnson, including players like Dexter Fowler, Matt LaPorta, and Stephen Strasburg, secured the bronze medal at the Beijing Games.
2008: Bronze Medal at Beijing Olympics
In 2008, the U.S. returned to the Olympics, finishing with a 6–3 record and claiming the bronze medal with an 8–4 victory over Japan.
August 2009: Baseball Not Included in 2016 Olympics
In August 2009, at the IOC Board meeting in Berlin, it was officially decided that baseball would not be included in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2009: U.S. team finishes fourth in World Baseball Classic
In 2009, the U.S. team, featuring Dustin Pedroia, Jimmy Rollins, and Jeter, finished fourth in the second installment of the WBC, losing to Japan in the semifinals.
2009: U.S. wins inaugural World Baseball Challenge
In 2009, the U.S. won the inaugural World Baseball Challenge in Canada.
2009: Tournament Renamed and Expanded
In 2009, the tournament was renamed the National Team Championships and a 14U division was added.
2010: Team USA wins bronze at World Cup
In 2010, Team USA won the bronze medal at the World Cup in Venezuela.
April 1, 2011: Joint Proposal to Revive Baseball and Softball
On April 1, 2011, the IBAF and the International Softball Federation announced they were preparing a joint proposal to revive play of both sports at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
August 2011: IBAF to Analyze Joint Olympic Proposal
In August 2011, it was reported that the IBAF was forming a temporary commission to analyze the prospect of a joint Olympic proposal with the ISF for baseball and softball.
2011: USA Baseball fields team in World Cup and Pan American Games
In 2011, USA Baseball assembled a team of professional minor league players for both the World Cup and Pan American Games. The Pan American team achieved a 10–6 record and won the silver medal in Lagos de Moreno, Mexico. Key players included Joe Thurston, Brett Jackson, Andy Van Hekken, and Drew Smyly.
2011: Replacement of Youth Teams
In 2011, after the WBSC changed its youth championships age discipline to 15U, the 16U and 14U teams were replaced with the 15U national team and the 14U national team development program.
2011: Discontinuation of 14U National Team
In 2011, the 14U national team was discontinued after the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) changed its youth championships age discipline to 15U.
2011: USA Baseball 18U team wins first of seven straight international titles
In 2011, the USA Baseball 18U national team began its streak of seven consecutive international tournament titles.
2011: Collegiate team posts strong record and defeats Japan in friendship series
In 2011, the collegiate team posted an 11–2–1 record and defeated Japan in four of five games during their international friendship series.
2011: 18U national team
The 18U national team won their eighth-straight gold medal in international competition.
April 5, 2012: Olympic News Source Around the Rings Archived
In 2012, Olympic news source Around the Rings Archived April 5, 2012, at the Wayback Machine reported that the ISF and IBAF would not rush into an Olympic proposal.
2012: Mater Dei High School Wins NHSI Title
In 2012, Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, Calif.) claimed the inaugural NHSI title in dramatic fashion with a 3–2 walk-off win over Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.).
2012: USA Baseball rolls out first 15U national team
In 2012, USA Baseball introduced its inaugural 15U national team. They played four games in the Dominican Republic against teams from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, finishing with a 4–0 record.
2012: 15U Division Added to National Team Championships
In 2012, a 15U division was added to the National Team Championships. The 16U division was changed to 17U, and the 17U and 14U divisions now funneled into the newly created NTDP because the WBSC changed its international competition age groups from 16U to 15U.
2012: Baseball Absent from the London Olympics
In 2012, baseball was absent from the London Summer Olympics after being voted out in 2005.
2012: USA Baseball 18U team wins WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
In 2012, the USA Baseball 18U national team won the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, one of four consecutive wins in the event.
2012: Women's national team wins silver medal at WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup
In 2012, the women's national team won the silver medal at the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup in Edmonton, Canada.
2012: Inception of the NTDP
Since the program's inception in 2012, the NTDP had 64 attendees who earned spots on the 15U, 18U, and collegiate national team rosters. 21 players have been selected in the first five rounds of the MLB First-year Player Draft.
September 8, 2013: IOC Votes to Reinstate Wrestling
On September 8, 2013, the International Olympic Committee voted to reinstate wrestling, defeating the combined baseball-softball bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
2013: Team USA advances to second round of WBC before losing to Puerto Rico
In 2013, Joe Torre managed the WBC team led by David Wright, Joe Mauer, and Rollins. Team USA advanced to the second round of the tournament but was defeated by Puerto Rico.
2013: Mater Dei Wins NHSI Title Again
In 2013, Mater Dei won the tournament again defeating Harvard-Westlake.
2013: USA Baseball launches first 12U National Team and wins World Cup
In 2013, USA Baseball launched its first 12U National Team, which won its first International Baseball Federation 12U World Cup gold medal in Taipei City, Taiwan, defeating Chinese Taipei 8–1 in the final.
2013: 15U team wins gold medal at COPABE Pan American Championship
In 2013, the 15U team competed in the COPABE Pan American "AA" Championships in Barranquilla, Colombia, and won the gold medal for the first time, defeating Cuba 6–1 in the championship game with a perfect 8–0 record.
2013: USA Baseball 18U team wins WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
In 2013, the USA Baseball 18U national team won the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, marking the second of four consecutive wins in the event.
2013: Team USA sweeps Cuban national team
In 2013, the USA-Cuba International Friendship series returned to the U.S., with Team USA achieving a historic five-game sweep of the Cuban senior national team. Additionally, the collegiate national team participated in the USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star series, where Japan won 3–2.
2014: 15U team claims silver medal at WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup
In 2014, Team USA participated in its first WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup in Mazatlan, Mexico, finishing with a 9–1 record and earning the silver medal. Also in 2014, Brice Turang won the first USA Baseball Richard W. "Dick" Case Player of the Year award for the 15U team.
2014: The First Academy Wins NHSI Title
In 2014, The First Academy (Orlando, Fla.) took home the trophy.
2014: Collegiate national team finishes summer tour with 18-8-2 record
In 2014, the collegiate national team concluded its summer tour with an 18–8–2 record, including a 7–1 performance in the XXVIII Haarlem Baseball Week tournament.
2014: Women's national team wins silver medal at WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup
In 2014, the women's national team secured another silver medal at the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup in Miyazaki, Japan.
2015: USA Baseball fields two national teams for Pan American Games and Premier12
In 2015, USA Baseball fielded two professional national teams of minor league players for the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games and the WBSC Premier12, earning silver medals in both events. The Pan American Games roster included Albert Almora, Jr., Tyler Pastornicky, Paul Sewald, and Zach Eflin, while Matt McBride, Adam Frazier, and Anthony Vasquez led the Premier12 team.
2015: 12U national team claims second world championship in a row
In 2015, the 12U national team won its second consecutive world championship, defeating Chinese Taipei 7–2 in the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup.
2015: USA Baseball 18U team wins WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
In 2015, the USA Baseball 18U national team secured its third consecutive WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup title.
2015: Women's national team claims gold at Pan American Games
In 2015, the women's national team competed in the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games and won gold, defeating Canada 11–3 in the championship game.
August 3, 2016: IOC Approves Baseball for 2020 Olympics
On August 3, 2016, during the 129th IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro, the IOC approved baseball to be included in the program for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
2016: Team USA claims series against Cuba on Cuban soil
In 2016, Team USA traveled to Cuba for the fifth USA vs. Cuba International Friendship series and, for the first time in USA Baseball history, won a series against Cuba on Cuban soil, thanks to Keston Hiura's pinch-hit home run in the final game.
2016: 17U NTDP Players
In 2016, four members of the 17U National Team Development Program (NTDP) went on to play on the 2017 18U national team.
2016: Golf and Rugby Sevens Added to Olympics
In 2016, golf and rugby sevens filled the slots left available by the IOC's elimination of baseball and softball.
2016: 12U team wins silver at COPABE Pan American Championship
In 2016, the 12U national team followed its world championship with a silver medal at the COPABE Pan American "A" Championships.
2016: Baseball Not Included in 2016 Olympics
In August 2009, at the IOC Board meeting in Berlin, it was officially decided that baseball would not be included in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2017: Jack Leggett Coaching
In 2017, Jack Leggett coached at an event before serving as field coordinator in 2018.
2017: Team USA wins World Baseball Classic championship
In 2017, Team USA had its best showing in the tournament, winning the World Baseball Classic championship. Managed by Jim Leyland and featuring players such as Marcus Stroman, Christian Yelich, Adam Jones, Eric Hosmer, Buster Posey, and Brandon Crawford, the U.S. team went 6–2. They defeated the defending champions Dominican Republic and Colombia.
2017: Launch of New Baseball Tournament for Girls
In 2017, USA Baseball and Major League Baseball launched a new baseball tournament for girls, held in the greater Los Angeles area, and built around Jackie Robinson Day Weekend.
2017: New 15U National Team Trials System Introduced
In 2017, a new 15U National Team Trials system was introduced. 18 players from the 14U NTDP are selected each year to compete for a national team roster spot. Also in 2017, two athletes from the 2017 14U NTDP made the 2017 15U national team and won gold with Team USA at the COPABE Pan American “AA” Championships.
2017: 18U National Team Claims Gold
In 2017, four members of the 2016 17U NTDP played on the 2017 18U national team that claimed the program's fourth consecutive WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup gold medal.
2017: 12U team wins third consecutive gold at WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup
In 2017, the 12U national team secured its third consecutive gold medal in the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup with another 7–2 victory over Chinese Taipei, contributing to USA Baseball's sweep of international competition.
2017: 18U national team continues sweep with dominant showing in WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
In 2017, the 18U national team continued USA Baseball's sweep of international competition with a dominant showing in the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, going undefeated for the second time in the program's history since 1989 and achieving a collective 0.47 ERA.
2017: Breakthrough Series Event in Vero Beach
In 2017, the Breakthrough Series event welcomed 200 players (ages 12–17) and more than two dozen coaches with a combined 200-plus years of baseball experience to historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida, for two weeks of intensive instruction.
2017: Establishment of the Dream Series
In 2017, the Dream Series was established, operated by Major League Baseball and USA Baseball. It hosts a diverse group of high school pitchers and catchers for development and showcase opportunities.
2017: USA Baseball 18U team wins WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
In 2017, the USA Baseball 18U national team won its fourth consecutive WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, continuing its dominant run in international competition.
2017: National Team Championships Held in Palm Beach County, Florida
In 2017, the USA Baseball National Team Championships are held in Palm Beach County, Florida, at Roger Dean Stadium, the spring-training home of the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins, and The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, the spring-training home of the 2017 World Series Champions Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals.
2017: New trials system introduced for 15U program
Starting in 2017, a new trials system was implemented for the 15U program, involving two phases and 72 athletes competing for 20 spots on Team USA's roster.
January 1, 2018: Implementation of New USA Baseball Bat Standard (USABat)
On January 1, 2018, the new USA Baseball bat standard (USABat) was implemented, applying to bats classified below the NCAA and NFHS level of play.
2018: 15U national team claims first WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup gold medal
Following trials and training, the 15U national team traveled to David, Panama, in 2018 and won the program's first WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup gold medal.
2018: USA Baseball Tournament of Stars Primary Identification Event
From 2007 to 2018, the USA Baseball Tournament of Stars served as the primary identification event for the organization's 18U national team.
2018: NTIS Event
From the final 2018 NTIS event, USA Baseball invited a minimum of 68 players to future National Team Trials, National Team Development Program (NTDP) and Tournament of Stars opportunities.
2018: Jack Leggett Serves as Field Coordinator
In 2018, American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Famer Jack Leggett served as the field coordinator for the event after coaching in 2017.
2018: Andrew Vaughn Wins Golden Spikes Award
In 2018, California's Andrew Vaughn won the Golden Spikes Award on ESPN's SportsCenter. The finalists were celebrated at the Jonathan Club Los Angeles as part of the 2018 Rod Dedeaux Foundation Awards Dinner.
2018: 16U Age Level Introduced to NTDP
In 2018, USA Baseball introduced a 16U age level to its National Team Development Program (NTDP).
2018: Trailblazer Series
In 2018, approximately 100 girls participated in the Trailblazer Series.
2018: 12U National Team Claims Gold at COPABE U-12 Pan American Championships
In 2018, the 12U national team competed in the COPABE U-12 Pan American Championships and claimed its first gold medal in the event, going undefeated and outscoring opponents 127-7.
2018: 14U NTDP at National Training Complex
In 2018, the 14U NTDP took place at the USA Baseball National Training Complex from July 23–27.
2018: 18U National Team claims Pan-American Championships gold medal
In 2018, the 18U national team traveled to Panama for the COPABE U-18 Pan-American Championships, securing its fifth consecutive gold medal in the event and eighth-straight gold medal in international competition since 2011.
2018: Collegiate national team sweeps international series
In 2018, the collegiate national team continued its success by sweeping its international series against Chinese Taipei, Cuba, and Japan, finishing with an 11–3 record in international play. It was the second time that the team won a series against Cuba on Cuban soil.
2018: 17U NTDP Held in Chicago
In 2018, the week-long 17U NTDP was held in Chicago.
2018: Women's national team competes in WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup
In 2018, the women's national team, named following the Women's National Open and Women's National Team Trials in June, competed in the 2018 WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup held in the U.S. for the first time. The team finished with a 6–3 record.
2018: Orange Lutheran High School Wins NHSI
In the 2018 NHSI, Orange Lutheran High School (Orange, Calif.) secured the championship with a 9–3 victory over Green Hope High School (Cary, N.C.). Green Hope became the first North Carolina school to reach the NHSI championship game.
2019: USA Baseball fields team for WBSC Premier12, an Olympic qualifier
In 2019, USA Baseball once again fielded a collegiate-minor league national team for the WBSC Premier12, which served as a qualifier for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
2019: USA Baseball's 14U and 16U Cups
In 2019, USA Baseball's 14U and 16U Cups were open-invitation tournaments composed of 32 teams, with 16 teams each. The events were held in Cary, North Carolina, at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.
2019: NTIS Event Selection
In 2019, the ultimate goal of the NTIS event is for players to be selected to represent our country as a part of Team USA.
2019: National Team Identification Series Champions Cup Event
In the fall of 2019, regional teams competed in their respective age groups against the 15 other regions from across the country at the culminating National Team Identification Series Champions Cup event at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.
2020: Golden Spikes Award Foregone
In 2020, USA Baseball announced that it would forego naming a Golden Spikes Award winner given the canceled 2020 college baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Tokyo Summer Olympics
In 2020, the Summer Olympics in Tokyo were scheduled, with the WBSC Premier12 event in 2019 acting as a qualifier. The USA Baseball team aimed to secure a spot in the Olympic Games through this tournament.
2020: Baseball Included in 2020 Olympics
On August 3, 2016, during the 129th IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro, the IOC approved baseball to be included in the program for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
2020: IOC Votes to Reinstate Wrestling
On September 8, 2013, the International Olympic Committee voted to reinstate wrestling, defeating the combined baseball-softball bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
2021: U.S. Olympic Baseball Team claims silver at Tokyo Games
In 2021, with Mike Scioscia managing, the USA returned to Olympic baseball and won silver medals after a loss to Japan in the championship game.
2022: NTC Expansion Begins
In 2022, the National Training Complex (NTC) was expanded with the construction of a new national main office for USA Baseball and additional training facilities. This expansion continued until 2024.
2023: World Baseball Classic
In 2023, in the World Baseball Classic, Team USA lost the championship against Japan, 2–3. Trea Turner had a record points performance.
2023: Team USA takes silver in WBC, Mark DeRosa is team skipper
In 2023, with Mark DeRosa as team skipper and led by Mike Trout, Team USA nearly defended its World Baseball Classic championship but ended up with the silver medal.
2024: Baseball Not Included in 2024 Olympics
Baseball will not be included in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
2024: NTC Expansion Continues
In 2024, the expansion of the National Training Complex (NTC) continued with the construction of a new national main office for USA Baseball and additional training facilities, starting in 2022.
2028: Expected Inclusion in 2028 Olympics
It is expected that baseball and softball will be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics due to baseball's popularity in the United States.
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