The 2028 Olympics (LA28) are coming to Los Angeles, and among the highlights is the return of baseball and softball to the games.
Baseball was last included as an official Olympic event during the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics, with the United States taking home silver. However, the International Olympic Committee elected not to include baseball for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
However, in previous years, when baseball was in the Olympics, it only included amateur players because it interfered with MLB’s schedule. But both MLB and the Players Association are open to the idea of participating this time around.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred shared that the upcoming Olympics present a special chance to grow baseball even more, both locally and internationally, and he’s confident they’ll get a deal done to make it happen, via Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“I think people have come to appreciate that the Olympics on U.S. soil is a unique marketing opportunity for the game,” Manfred said Thursday. “We’ve got a lot of players interested in doing it, and I feel pretty good about the idea we’ll get there.”
To make it happen, the league will need to agree to a deal with the Players Association. However, because they take place during the season, that will include changes to the MLB schedule, and protections for players in the case of injury during the games.
Still, the issues don’t present too much of an obstacle, and Manfred shared the league is moving closer to getting an agreement done, via Manny Randhawa of MLB.com:
“I think that we’re a lot closer to [an agreement] than the last time we talked about it,” Manfred said. “There are some issues with the MLBPA that we just need to resolve. I sense a lot of momentum towards playing in L.A. in 2028. I think we’re going to get over those issues.”
Although MLB players participating in the Olympics is likely to happen, it doesn’t have universal support. Los Angeles Dodgers’ infielder Max Muncy doesn’t believe it’s a reasonable thing for the league to do, and questions how they will go about making it happen.
Manfred previously suggested that the 2028 All-Star break could be closer to two weeks as opposed to the usual five days to fit in the Olympic Games.
Dodger Stadium home to 2028 Olympics
With the Olympics taking place in L.A., Dodger Stadium is set to be the host of the games.
“America’s favorite pastime will capture the world’s attention when baseball makes its Olympic return in Dodger Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles, one of the world’s most iconic stadiums,” said LA28 in a statement.
Dodger Stadium does have a history of being the stage for Olympic games, dating back to the last time Los Angeles was a host city in 1984. But at the time baseball was only a demonstration sport rather than an official one that contributed to the medal count.
“We could not be more excited that Dodger Stadium will play host to the Olympic Games in 2028,” said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler.
“This iconic ballpark played a significant role in the original inclusion of baseball on the Olympic programme, so it feels fitting that we will once again see international baseball at Dodger Stadium. USA Baseball is looking forward to returning to Los Angeles and representing our nation on our own soil.”
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