IBAF updates Men’s and Women’s World Rankings

Japan and Cuba continue to be at top of Baseball World Rankings of International Baseball Federation

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) has updated its Men’s and Women’s Baseball World Rankings after the completion of the V IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup, the I IBAF 15U Baseball World Championship, the XXV IBAF 18U Baseball World Championship and the European Championship.

Women’s Baseball Rankings
1. Japan, 2. U.S.A., 3. Australia, 4. Canada, 5 Venezuela (For 6th to 13th , refer to IBAF’s website.)

Japan defended its title at the V IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup in Edmonton, Canada and held on to its top position at the Women’s Baseball World Rankings. They even extended their lead over the United States (153.53) with 200.00 points. Canada moved into a tie for third place with Australia (both 126.66) after winning the bronze medal. The Netherlands made the biggest jump from 12th to 9th thanks to their seventh-place finish and their first victory at a Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Men’s Baseball Rankings
1. Cuba, 2. U.S.A., 3. Japan, 4. Korea, 5. Canada (For 6th to 74th , refer to IBAF’s website)

Cuba (766.02 points) continues to be at the top of the Men’s Baseball World Rankings. They didn’t participate in the IBAF 18U Baseball World Championship in Seoul, Korea, but had a big enough lead to defend first place. However the United States (733.25) reduced the deficit by winning the IBAF 18U Baseball World Championship. Other winners of this event in regards of the Men’s Baseball World Rankings were Japan (from 4th to 3rd with 564.42) and Canada (from 6th to 5th with 485.00).

Venezuela (459.63), which won the IBAF 15U Baseball World Championship, moved into 7th place (from 8th). European Championship winner Italy improved to 12th (from 13th, 214.80). Reigning IBAF Baseball World Cup champion Netherlands, which lost in the European Championship finals to Italy and finished in 11th place at the IBAF 18U Baseball World Championship dropped from 5th to 6th (476.76).

About the IBAF Baseball Rankings
Under the current system used, points are awarded to member nations based purely on their final position in recognized international tournaments and encompasses a four-year cycle. For details, refer to IBAF’s website.

(From IBAF Website)