The president of the MLB Players Association, Tony Clark, emphasized the importance of internationalizing baseball in order to attract new fans and grow the sport. In a recent interview with ESPN Digital, Clark highlighted the success of the World Baseball Classic as a key factor in the expansion of baseball’s popularity.
“The World Baseball Classic has become a phenomenon of popularity that has led to the growth of baseball,” said Clark. “The interest in witnessing history and seeing the main figures of the diamond continues to grow with each tournament, benefiting everyone involved.”
Under Clark’s leadership, MLB has implemented an internationalization plan for the sport, with successful events in locations such as London, Mexico, South Korea, and the Dominican Republic. Clark believes that the World Baseball Classic has achieved its goals of providing players with the opportunity to represent their countries in a way that was historically difficult in the Olympic Games.
“As we continue to talk about the World Baseball Classic in 2026 and the possibility of baseball being more consistent as part of the Olympics, it excites us to think about the possibilities,” added Clark.
The internationalization of baseball is crucial for the sport’s continued growth and attracting new fans from around the world. With the success of events like the World Baseball Classic, it is clear that the future of baseball lies in its global appeal.