Baseball enthusiasts and sports aficionados were met with a mix of disappointment and hope recently as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) unveiled its lineup for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Among the absent sports are baseball and softball, both of which will not be making an appearance in Paris. However, the future looks promising for baseball fans, as the sport is anticipated to return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
A Glimmer of Hope for Baseball in 2028
Major League Baseball (MLB) enthusiasts can potentially look forward to seeing some of their favorite players taking the global stage in Los Angeles. Currently, MLB has a policy excluding players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, which has previously prevented many top-tier athletes from competing. Yet, notable MLB stars like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have been vocal about their desire to see this change. They believe MLB players should be allowed to compete and bring their talents to one of the world's largest sporting events.
Aaron Judge's Olympic Aspirations
Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, has not only shown extraordinary performance on the field but has also voiced his hopes of playing in the 2028 Olympics. Judge’s current season statistics are nothing short of impressive, boasting a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs, which showcases his significant contribution to the Yankees. In comparison, during the same number of team games in 2022, Judge was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs. His aspirations to represent the United States in the Olympics are clear and fervent. "I'd love to play," Judge expressed. "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 are 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. 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."
The athlete’s ambition is evident, yet Judge remains grounded in his current responsibilities with the Yankees. "It would be an honor to represent my country and play in that. 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," he said.
Commissioner Rob Manfred's Open-Minded Approach
Adding a layer of optimism, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has shown an "open-minded" approach toward the potential inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. This stance offers a glimmer of hope that changes could be made to accommodate the participation of elite professional players in future Olympic games. This approach aligns with international practices, such as Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, which paused its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to allow its players to compete, eventually securing a gold medal in baseball.
The Future Beyond Los Angeles
Looking ahead, beyond the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Brisbane, Australia, is set to host the Summer Olympics in 2032. This adds to the anticipation of a global showcase for baseball, potentially featuring some of the finest players from the MLB circuit. As the conversation progresses, the decisions made by organizations like MLB and the IOC will significantly shape the future of the sport on this prestigious platform.
In the meantime, fans and players alike can hold onto the hope that the 2028 Olympics will usher in a new era where the best in baseball get their moment on one of the world’s grandest stages, giving talents like Aaron Judge the opportunity they have longed for to represent their country with pride. The forthcoming years will undoubtedly be crucial in defining this potential shift, as dialogues continue and more voices advocate for change.