Baseball fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the return of their beloved sport to the Olympics. After being left out in the 2024 Paris Games, baseball is set to make a comeback in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This has spurred conversations and hopes among key figures in Major League Baseball (MLB) about player participation.
Star Players Show Support
Actions speak louder than words, but in this case, the words from baseball elites are resounding across the diamond. Both Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have publicly expressed their support for MLB players competing in the 2028 Olympics. Such sentiments resonate deeply within the baseball community, particularly when stars of their caliber lend their voices.
Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ star outfielder, has also shared his aspirations. Judge, currently showcasing a phenomenal season with a slash line of .321/.456/.691 and 41 home runs, conveyed his excitement. "I'd love to play," said Judge. "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's 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." He continued, "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."
Balancing Priorities
Yet, despite his enthusiasm for potentially representing his country, Judge acknowledges his foremost commitment to the Yankees. Fresh off signing a nine-year contract, his priorities remain clear. "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," Judge explained. "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."
MLB Policies and Considerations
The pathway for MLB players' participation in the Olympics is currently riddled with policies. Presently, the MLB excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. This regulation has kept many of the sport's biggest names from showcasing their talents on a global stage that the Olympics offers.
On the governing side, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated an "open-minded" stance on re-evaluating this policy. This could signify a potential shift, allowing the sport's top stars to play in Los Angeles in 2028. The inclusion of MLB players could significantly elevate the competition level and generate heightened global interest in the sport.
Learning from International Examples
International precedence provides a hopeful outlook. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) paused its season to allow its players to compete. This decision culminated in Japan securing a gold medal in baseball. The model set by NPB illustrates the benefits of prioritizing the Olympics and might influence MLB's approach in the future.
The Road Ahead
With the return of baseball to the Olympic program in 2028, fans and players alike are voicing their excitement. Prospects of seeing MLB stars like Aaron Judge, who will be 36 years old during the games, competing on such a prestigious stage are thrilling. The anticipation builds as the baseball community eagerly awaits any forthcoming decisions from the MLB and its players.
The Brisbane Summer Olympics in 2032 further ensures that baseball will continue to have its moment in the Olympic spotlight, solidifying its presence and importance in international sports.
As the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics unfolds, the intersection of professional obligations and patriotic aspirations will define the narrative. Players' dreams of representing their country on the grandest stage and bringing a baseball gold medal home could indeed become a reality. The enthusiasm and advocacy from players will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping that future.