Seven-time world champions and hosts, New Zealand, will take on the Czech Republic in the opening game of the Tradestaff WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup 2022 to be staged in Auckland next month.
The exciting tournament opener was announced following the unveiling of the tournament schedule today by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Softball New Zealand and the Local Organising Committee.
The 50-game tournament from 26 November to 4 December will be played at Rosedale Park in Auckland’s North Harbour, involving the 12 leading men’s softball nations.
The 12 participating teams for group stage are (world seedings included):
Group A: Argentina (No 1), Czech Republic (5), New Zealand (6), USA (7), Cuba (12), Philippines (21).
Group B: Japan (2), Canada (3), Australia (4), Venezuela (9), Denmark (10), South Africa (11).
The tournament begins on 26 November with the Opening Ceremony, scheduled at noon (all local times), preceding the six first-round games.
New Zealand will play the Czech Republic at 1.30pm in the opening game of the competition, while 2013 silver medallists Venezuela and four-time champions Canada meet in the opening game on Field 2 at 2pm.
Argentina will start their world championship defence against Cuba at 14.30pm, while Australia meet Denmark at 5pm. In the last two games of day one, South Africa play Japan at 7.30pm and Philippines take on five-time champions USA at 8pm.
The 30-game Opening Round will be completed on 30 November, with the top three finishers from each group advancing to the Super Round, while the other six teams will compete in the Placement Round.
The top two teams from the Super Round, to be played from 1-3 December, will compete for the Men’s Softball World Champions title, while the number three and four placed teams will play for the bronze medal. The World Championship Final is scheduled on 4 December at 4pm, preceded by the Bronze Medal Game at 1pm.
Auckland is hosting the top men’s softball event for the second time in the tournament’s 57-year history, after the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup was also staged at Rosedale Park in 2013. The other New Zealand cities to host the event are Lower Hutt in 1976 and Christchurch in 2004.
Argentina are the defending world champions after their memorable campaign in Prague 2019, when they defeated Japan 3-2, in a 10-inning drama-filled final to clinch their first Men’s Softball World Cup title.
With seven world titles and 13 overall medals, New Zealand is the most successful nation in the history of the event. USA (5), Canada (4), Australia and Argentina (one each) are the only other countries to win the Men’s Softball World Cup.
New Zealand’s quest for the title begins with trials at Rosedale Park this weekend.
Limited Premium tickets, behind Homeplate, remain for the tournament while tickets start at just $35 for an adult round-robin day-pass and $10 for a child (5-16 years) with discounts on tournament passes for those wanting to see all 50 games, four-day championship passes and junior softball team passes.
Details: Merchandise and tickets on sale at www.scw2022.com
Contact:
Ian Hepenstall
Media Manager
Tradestaff WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup
Tel +64 275 613181
E: ian@sportsmedianz.com