IBAF Men’s Baseball World Rankings Update after WBC Qualifiers

Canada collects most Points in 2012 as World Baseball Classic Qualifiers in Jupiter and Regensburg concluded

IBAF Men's Baseball World Ranking

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) releases a new update of the IBAF Men’s Baseball World Rankings following the conclusion of the first two World Baseball Classic Qualifiers in Jupiter, Florida and Regensburg, Germany. Spain and Canada came out victorious beating Israel and Germany in the finals to clinch spots at the 2013 World Baseball Classic, which is scheduled to commence on March 2 next spring.

Cuba continues to be on top of the Men’s Baseball World Rankings, followed by the United States, Japan, Korea and Canada. Canada earned 50 points for winning the World Baseball Classic Qualifier, but lost 50 points from the 2008 Final Olympic Qualifier that rotated out of the rankings because it occurred more than four years ago. Canada is now only three points behind Korea in fourth, as Korea lost 40 points when the FOQT dropped off.

Canada has 130 points in 2012 - 80 for its 2nd place finish in the U18 World Championship and 50 for winning the World Baseball Classic Qualifier. The 130 points is the most by any federation in 2012. USA is second with 100 (for winning the U18) and Chinese Taipei is third with 90 points (3rd place at U15 and 3rd place at U18).

Two more World Baseball Classic Qualifiers will be played in November. In Taipei City (November 15 to 18), Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Philippines and Thailand will play for one of two open spots in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. In Panama City (November 15 to 19), Panama takes on Colombia, Brazil and Nicaragua.

IBAF Men’s Baseball World Ranking Top 30:

Rank 2011 Member Federation Total Pts
1 1 Cuba 766.02
2 2 United States 733.25
3 4 Japan 564.42
4 3 Korea 488.20
5 6 Canada 485.00
6 5 Netherlands 476.76
7 8 Venezuela 459.63
8 7 Chinese Taipei 384.79
9 9 Puerto Rico 241.73
10 10 Mexico 231.48