United States national baseball team

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The United States national baseball team, also known as Team USA, represents the United States in international baseball competitions. Currently ranked third in the world by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, the team won the Olympic baseball tournament in 2000 and the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in 2017.

Quick facts Information, Country ...
United States national baseball team
Information
Country United States
FederationUSA Baseball
ConfederationWBSC Americas
ManagerMark DeRosa (WBC)
Mike Scioscia (WBSC)[1]
CaptainAaron Judge[2]
Team ColorsRed, White, Navy
     
WBSC ranking
Current 3 Steady (26 March 2026)[3]
Highest2 (December 2012, December 2016 – March 2020, March 2023 – October 2023)
Lowest5 (December 2021, September 2024 – December 2024)
Uniforms
Home
Away
Olympic Games
Appearances5 (first in 1992)
Best result Gold (2000)
World Baseball Classic
Appearances6 (first in 2006)
Best resultGold 1st (2017)
WBSC Premier12
Appearances3 (first in 2015)
Best resultSilver 2nd (2015)
World Cup
Appearances24 (first in 1938)
Best resultGold 1st (1973, 1974, 2007, 2009)
Intercontinental Cup
Appearances16 (first in 1973)
Best result 1st (1975, 1981)
Pan American Games
Appearances15 (first in 1951)
Best result 1st (1967)
Close

The U.S. national team debuted at the first Baseball World Cup (originally the Amateur World Series) in 1938. They won the tournament, which was the premier level of international baseball for some periods of its existence until it was discontinued in 2011, four times.[a] The U.S. team has participated in every baseball tournament at the Summer Olympics, except for 2004, and won its first Olympic gold at the 2000 Olympics. The United States was an inaugural member of the WBC, making its debut in 2006. In their first three appearances in the WBC, the best finish for the Americans was fourth place in 2009. In 2017, the team won the WBC title for the first time, defeating Puerto Rico in the championship game. This breakthrough was followed up by another championship game appearance in 2023, with the team losing to Japan. The U.S. reached the championship game for a third time in a row in the 2026, but lost to Venezuela.

The U.S. team qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics by winning the eight-team Americas Qualifying Event in June 2021. In the Olympic competition, held in Tokyo in July and August 2021, the team won the silver medal, losing to hosts Japan in the gold medal game. With baseball not featured at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Team USA will next compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The team is governed by USA Baseball, and its headquarters and training facilities are located in Cary, North Carolina. Along with the professional national team, the U.S. also fields collegiate, 18U, 15U, and 12U national baseball teams. The performances of all of the teams contribute to the WBSC ranking of the national team through various tournaments hosted by the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

History

Early years

Leslie Mann in 1940

International baseball games were played informally by American teams, against Canadian clubs, as early as 1860.[6] However, the development of a national team occurred with the early Summer Olympics, which saw baseball debut unofficially in 1904 in St. Louis (though few records exist). An ad-hoc American team, including future Major League Baseball player Jim Thorpe, competed against a Swedish team at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, and a team of World War I servicemen played a Canadian team at the 1919 Inter-Allied Games in Paris.

Leslie Mann, a former major leaguer himself, is credited with the formation of the first official U.S. national team. He formed the United States Amateur Baseball Association (also known as the USA Baseball Congress) on February 19, 1931, with the hopes of sponsoring an international tournament.[7] Mann's efforts to include baseball at the Olympics saw little success (no other country sent a team to 1936 in Berlin, and the 1940 Games in Tokyo were cancelled due to World War II), but he did hold the first Amateur World Series in 1938. The U.S. team, made out of amateur players, lost a best-of-five series to Great Britain.[8]

The United States team at the 1939 Amateur World Series

The USA Baseball Congress sent a national team to the Amateur World Series in 1939, 1940 (tying for a silver medal), and 1941, all held in Havana, Cuba. The United States' international participation was hampered by World War II, as well as the country's early withdrawal from the 1942 Amateur World Series due to a brawl with the Dominican Republic team and, purportedly, the influence of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo.[9] After 1942, the United States was largely absent from the international baseball scene, as it did not participate in another Amateur World Series until 1969.

Dick Griesser, a future Collegiate All-American, on the U.S. team at the 1956 Summer Olympics

While an American team competed against Australia at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, the next "official" participation in an international tournament (i.e. recognized by USA Baseball) was at the 1959 Pan American Games.[10] Held at Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park in Chicago, the 1959 team was made up of collegiate players, including future Hall of Famer Lou Brock.[11] The U.S. team made its first official appearance at the Olympics during the 1964 Tokyo Games, managed by longtime University of Southern California coach Rod Dedeaux.[12]

The United States victory at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada spurred renewed interest in international competitions. William P. "Dutch" Fehring, president of a rejuvenated United States Baseball Federation (USBF), decided to actively participate in International Baseball Federation (FIBA) competitions.[13] In 1968, the U.S. won a post-Olympic tournament in Mexico City. The following year, it returned to the Amateur World Series in Santo Domingo in 1969, narrowly losing the gold medal to Cuba. However, international baseball was fraught with tensions in the early 1970s; as a result of protracted disagreements with FIBA, the international governing body of baseball, the U.S. federation withdrew in 1973 and formed its own body, the World Amateur Baseball Federation (better known as FEMBA, or the Federación Mundial de Béisbol Amateur).[14] That year, the United States won its first Amateur World Series in Nicaragua and repeated a year later in St. Petersburg, Florida in the first Amateur World Series held in the U.S.[9] The FIBA-FEMBA split was resolved by 1975, and the U.S. and its followers rejoined the new group, AINBA.[15]

The United States at bat in the 1981 World Games

The U.S. national team won the gold medal in the first-ever World Games, held at San Jose Municipal Stadium in San Jose, California in 1981. The U.S. fielded a roster of collegiate players that included Franklin Stubbs, Oddibe McDowell, Spike Owen, John Russell, Ed Vosberg, and Pat Clements among other future major leaguers. The U.S. national team completed the tournament undefeated, securing victories over Australia, Panama, and South Korea. Over the course of these games, they outscored their opponents by a 14-run differential. Their performance resulted in a gold medal win.[16][17]

Olympic competitions

Will Clark (left) and Shane Mack (right) on the 1984 Olympic team

The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles was the first to feature a tournament in the program. Eight teams competed in the tournament held at Dodger Stadium. Cuba, after winning the gold medal at the 1983 Pan American Games, planned to participate but did not as a result of the Soviet-led boycott. The United States national team finished second, falling to Japan in the final game, 6–3. No official medals were awarded as baseball was a demonstration sport.

Baseball returned as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Again an eight-team tournament, the United States finished first in the tournament, defeating Japan, 5–3, in the final game.

Baseball became an official medal sport beginning with the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Competition was open only to male amateurs in 1992 and 1996. As a result, the United States and other nations where professional baseball is developed relied on college baseball players, while Cuba used their most experienced veterans, who technically were considered amateurs as they nominally held other jobs. Professional baseball players were introduced in 2000, but the situation remained largely the same. No active players from Major League Baseball (MLB) competed—as MLB declined to release its players—so Team USA utilized minor-league players and free agents, while Cuba and some other nations were still able to use their best players, as they had no commitments with MLB.[18][19][20][21] Nevertheless, at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, the United States won the bronze medal over Nicaragua after finishing with a 6–1 record in pool play and losing to Japan in the semifinals.

At the 2000 Summer Olympics, the United States had a 6–1 record in pool play, then defeated South Korea in the semifinals, followed by a stunning victory over the heavily favored Team Cuba in the gold-medal game—an upset later dubbed the "Miracle on Grass".[22]

The U.S. national team with President George W. Bush prior to a practice game at the 2008 Olympics

The United States did not qualify for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, despite being the defending gold medalists, after losing a qualifying game to Mexico, 2–1. That qualifier was controversial due to its format (single-elimination, rather than double-elimination), scheduling, and the fact that only two slots were given to nations from the Americas, while Europe received three.[23]

The United States qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics by winning the American Qualifying Tournament. At the Beijing Games, the U.S. finished with a 5–2 record in pool play. The U.S. lost to Cuba in the semifinals but beat Japan in the bronze-medal match.

At the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting on July 8, 2005, baseball and softball were voted out of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, becoming the first sports voted out of the Olympics since polo was eliminated from the 1936 Summer Olympics.[24] The IOC cited the absence of the best players as the main reason for baseball being dropped from the Olympic program following the 2008 games.[19] Baseball returned to the Olympic program for the 2020 games, held in 2021 in Tokyo. It was not a part of the 2024 games in Paris but is scheduled for the 2028 games in Los Angeles.[25]

The first World Baseball Classics

2006

On January 17, 2006, the United States announced its provisional 60-man roster (52 players in all) and whittled down the squad mixed with youth and experience to 30 players on February 14, 2006. Sixteen of the 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs were represented on the 2006 squad, including multiple representatives from the New York Yankees (4), Houston Astros (3), Washington Nationals (3), Atlanta Braves (2), Boston Red Sox (2), Chicago Cubs (2), Colorado Rockies (2), Houston Astros (2), and Texas Rangers (2). The fact that four Yankees were selected for the squad irked Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who was opposed to the WBC being held in the middle of spring training to the point where, at his team's complex in Tampa, Florida, he posted a sign apologizing for their absence and mocking the tournament in the process. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig promptly ordered him to take down the sign the next day.

Manager Buck Martinez brought his 17 years of professional experience as a major league catcher and 1+ seasons as Toronto Blue Jays' (20012002) skipper to the U.S. team. Former big-league managers Davey Johnson and Marcel Lachemann served as hitting coach and pitching coach, respectively.

Along with fellow North American rivals Canada and Mexico, the U.S. hosted South Africa. Round One games were held at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, and Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Arizona. The top two teams advanced to Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, California. Despite a surprising loss to Canada, the United States advanced to the second round via tiebreaker. However, second-round losses to South Korea and Mexico allowed Japan to advance over the Americans via tiebreaker. Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey, Jr. were named to the All-World Baseball Classic team.

2009

David Wright batting for Team USA at the 2009 World Baseball Classic

The United States competed in Pool C of the 2009 World Baseball Classic along with Italy, Venezuela, and host Canada. The U.S. won the pool opener against Canada by a score of 6–5 and secured advancement into Round 2 by defeating Venezuela in a 15–6 slugfest. Venezuela, however, came back to defeat the U.S. in the championship game of Pool C, 5–3.

On March 14, in their first match of Round 2 against Puerto Rico, in Miami, Florida's Dolphin Stadium, the United States was mercy ruled for the first time in international competition, losing 11–1 in seven innings. Adam Dunn and captain Derek Jeter were among the ones to voice their distaste with the severe beating. Manager Davey Johnson even stated, "I should have stayed there", referencing a wedding he was at earlier in the day.

The United States came on strong the following day against the surprising Netherlands (who had already eliminated a tournament superpower, the Dominican Republic), jumping out to a 6–0 lead in the fourth inning and winning 9–3. With Puerto Rico losing to Venezuela 2–0 the following day, the U.S. faced Puerto Rico once again in the qualifying round, with the loser being eliminated from the tournament. With Puerto Rico leading 5–3 in the 9th inning, singles by Shane Victorino and Brian Roberts and walks by Jimmy Rollins and Kevin Youkilis cut the lead to 5–4. New York Mets third baseman David Wright then looped a barely-fair single into right field that brought in Roberts and Rollins to win the game, 6–5, advancing the U.S. to the semifinals while eliminating Puerto Rico. The United States went on to lose to Japan 9–4 in the second semifinal. Rollins was named to the All-World Baseball Classic team

2013

The United States competed in Pool D of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, along with Italy, Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. team lost to Mexico in the first round, 5–2, but later won games against Canada and Italy, securing their place for the second round, along with Italy, in Pool 2.

On March 12, the United States beat Puerto Rico, 7–1, which then led to a face-off against the Dominican Republic on March 14. Team USA lost, 3–1, thus prompting a game against Puerto Rico once again. The next day Puerto Rico beat the Americans, 4–3, and eliminated them from the tournament. David Wright was named to the All-World Baseball Classic team

The United States came in second in the inaugural WBSC Premier12 tournament in 2015.

Classic success and return to the Olympics

2017 Classic

Team USA won its first game over Colombia, 3–2, in 10 innings on a walk-off single by Adam Jones. Following a loss to the Dominican Republic in which it squandered a 5-run lead, the U.S. defeated Canada to reach the second round.

In the second round, the Americans won the first game by defeating Venezuela, 4–2. In the second game the U.S. was defeated by Puerto Rico, 6–5, after giving up four runs in the first inning. The U.S. then faced the Dominican Republic in a high-stakes, winner-take-all rematch, with a spot in the championship round on the line. Late in the game, with Team USA trailing, Adam Jones delivered a defining moment. Tracking a deep fly ball off the bat of his then-Orioles teammate Manny Machado, Jones leaped into the wall to make the catch, creating an iconic image in the outfield. Building on that pivotal play, Team USA responded with a late-game rally, overcoming the deficit to secure the victory and advance to the next stage.[26]

In the championship round semifinals on March 21, the Americans defeated Japan, 2–1, to advance to their first-ever appearance in the Final. In the final on March 22, the U.S. once again faced Puerto Rico; this time, however, they ended up winning dominantly by a score of 8–0, capturing their first ever World Baseball Classic title. Following the conclusion of the tournament, Eric Hosmer, Christian Yelich, and Marcus Stroman were named to the All-World Baseball Classic team, with Stroman being named World Baseball Classic MVP.[27]

2020 Olympics

Members of the 2020 Olympic squad before a scrimmage at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in 2021

The United States came in fourth in the 12-team 2019 WBSC Premier12 tournament in November 2019, with Scott Brosius as manager. With third-place Mexico as the top finisher from the Americas in that tournament, the U.S. missed the chance to immediately qualify for the six spots open for the 2020 Olympic Games.[28][29] The team subsequently qualified, with Mike Scioscia as manager, by winning the Americas Qualifying Event held from May 31 to June 5, 2021, in Florida.[30] Luke Williams led the team in batting average (.444), runs (6), hits (8), and RBIs (6), Todd Frazier and Mark Kolozsvary led in home runs (2), and David Robertson led the team in saves (2).[31]

At the Olympics, the team first won its three-team pool with victories over South Korea and Israel. In the modified double-elimination bracket, the team lost to hosts Japan in the second round, then defeated the Dominican Republic in the repechage and South Korea in the semifinals to advance to the gold medal game, where the team lost to Japan for the second time.[32] Team Japan was made up of players from Nippon Professional Baseball, which paused its season for the Olympics,[33] while Team USA fielded minor-league players and free agents with major-league experience.[34][35]

2023 Classic

At the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Team USA looked to defend their 2017 championship. Multiple-time MLB MVP Mike Trout was named team captain ahead of his first appearance in the tournament.[36] Team USA won their first game in pool play against Great Britain by a score of 6–2. They lost their next game against Mexico by a score of 11–5, which was their only pool-play loss. The United States won their final two games against Canada and Colombia and advanced to the knockout stage.

In their quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela, the Americans were trailing 7–5 in the 8th inning when Trea Turner hit a go-ahead grand slam to win the game, 9–7, to advance to the semifinals.[37] There, the U.S. blew out Cuba, 14–2, and advanced to the championship round for the second tournament in a row.[38]

Team USA's championship round opponent was Japan, creating a highly anticipated matchup. The Americans jumped out to an early 1–0 lead on another Turner home run but couldn't hold on, ultimately falling to Japan, 3–2, as Shohei Ohtani struck out then-teammate Trout to end the game.[39] Turner and Trout were named to the All-WBC team.[40]

2026 Classic

Three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge was named captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic in April 2025.[41] In the months leading up to the tournament, several high-profile players committed to the roster, including Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr., and Bryce Harper.[42]

Team USA finished second in Pool B with a 3–1 record, avenging its 2023 loss to Mexico but losing to Italy.[43][44] The team went on to defeat Canada in the quarterfinals and the Dominican Republic in a highly anticipated and tightly contested semifinal.[45][46]

Advancing to the championship game for a third consecutive tournament, Team USA ultimately fell to Venezuela, 3–2, in a close final. Despite entering the tournament with a highly touted offense, the lineup struggled to produce in the final.[47][48]

Brice Turang, Roman Anthony, Logan Webb, and Skenes were named to the All-Tournament Team. Turang led the tournament with four doubles, while Webb and Skenes tied for the tournament lead in wins with two each.[49][50]

Current roster

The roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.[51]

United States – 2026 World Baseball Classic roster
PlayersCoaches
Pitchers
Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Designated hitters

Manager

Coaches



  • 30 active
  • (16 pitchers, 14 position players)
[52]

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of professional baseball game results active in the latest version of the WBSC World Rankings, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled and games dating back to 2019.[53]

Legend

  Win   Lose   Void or postponed   Fixture

2022

Haarlem Week GS July 9 United States  0–1 (F/8)  Japan Haarlem, Netherlands
13:00 CET Boxscore
Haarlem Week GS July 10 Italy  0–9  United States Haarlem, Netherlands
12:00 CET Boxscore
Haarlem Week GS July 11 Cuba  0–2  United States Haarlem, Netherlands
19:30 CET Boxscore
Haarlem Week GS July 12 Netherlands  0–10 (F/6)  United States Haarlem, Netherlands
19:30 CET Boxscore
Haarlem Week GS July 13 United States  2–3  Curaçao Haarlem, Netherlands
15:30 CET Boxscore
Haarlem Week SF July 14 United States  2–3 (F/10)  Curaçao Haarlem, Netherlands
15:30 CET Boxscore
Haarlem Week 3rd July 15 United States  5–1  Japan Haarlem, Netherlands
15:30 CET Boxscore

2024

WBSC Premier12 GS November 9 Puerto Rico  1–0  United States Tepic, Mexico
16:00 CT WP: Raymond Burgos
Boxscore LP: Sam Benschoter
Attendance: 7,820
WBSC Premier12 GS November 10 Netherlands  2–12  United States Tepic, Mexico
16:00 CT LP: Kaj Timmermans
Boxscore WP: Antonio Menendez
Attendance: 5,133
WBSC Premier12 GS November 11 United States  3–5  Venezuela Tepic, Mexico
19:00 CT LP: Eric Adler
Boxscore WP: Mario Sanchez 
Attendance: 7,018
WBSC Premier12 GS November 12 Panama  3–9  United States Tepic, Mexico
19:00 CT LP: Bryan Caceres
Boxscore WP: Sam Benschoter
Attendance: 4,320
WBSC Premier12 GS November 14 United States  12–2  Mexico Zapopan, Mexico
20:00 CT WP: Antonio Menendez
Boxscore LP: Luis Miranda
Attendance: 9,721
WBSC Premier12 SR November 21 United States  1–9  Japan Tokyo, Japan
19:00 JT LP: Darrell Thompson
Boxscore WP: Chihiro Sumida
Attendance: 25,428
WBSC Premier12 SR November 22 Chinese Taipei  8–2  United States Tokyo, Japan
12:00 JT WP: Chiang Kuo-Hao
Boxscore LP: Sam Benschoter
Attendance: 9,472
WBSC Premier12 SR November 23 United States  6–5  Venezuela Tokyo, Japan
12:00 JT WP: Zane Mills
Boxscore LP: Enderson Franco
Attendance: 8,868
WBSC Premier12 3rd November 24 United States  6–1  Venezuela Tokyo, Japan
12:00 JT WP: Casey Lawrence
Boxscore LP: Mario Sanchez
Attendance: 8,386

2026

Friendly March 3 United States  15–1 (F/10) San Francisco Giants Phoenix, United States
13:05 MST WP: Paul Skenes (1–0)
HR: Alex Bregman (1), Roman Anthony (1)
Boxscore LP: Adrian Houser (0–1)
Attendance: 9,720
Umpires: HP – Alfonso Márquez, 1B – Adrian Johnson, 2B – Scott Barry, 3B – Brian Walsh
Friendly March 4 United States  14–4 (F/8) Colorado Rockies Phoenix, United States
13:10 MST WP: Carson Skipper (1–0)
HR: Aaron Judge (1), Alex Bregman (2), Will Smith (1), Paul Goldschmidt (1), Byron Buxton (1)
Boxscore LP: Gabriel Hughes (0–1)
HR: Mickey Moniak (1), Kyle Karros (1)
Attendance: 11,803
Umpires: HP – Dan Bellino, 1B – Chris Guccione, 2B – Scott Barry, 3B – Rob Drake
World Baseball Classic GS March 6 United States  15–5  Brazil Houston, United States
19:00 CT WP: Logan Webb (1−0)
HR: Aaron Judge (1)
Boxscore LP: Bo Takahashi (0−1)
HR: Lucas Ramirez 2 (2), Victor Mascai (1)
Attendance: 30,825
Umpires: HP − Brennan Miller, 1B − Adrian Johnson, 2B − Cesar Quintana, 3B − Zdeněk Zidek
World Baseball Classic GS March 7 Great Britain  1–9  United States Houston, United States
19:00 CT HR: Nate Eaton (1) Boxscore WP: Clay Holmes (1−0)
LP: Andre Scrubb (0−1)
HR: Kyle Schwarber (1)
Attendance: 34,368
Umpires: HP - Alex Tosi, 1B - David Arrieta, 2B - Scott Barry, 3B - Robert Nunez
World Baseball Classic GS March 9 Mexico  3–5  United States Houston, United States
19:00 CT LP: Jesus Cruz (0–1)
HR: Jarren Duran (2)
Boxscore WP: Paul Skenes (1–0)
Sv: Garrett Whitlock (1)
HR: Aaron Judge (2), Roman Anthony (1)
Attendance: 41,628
Umpires: HP − Adrian Johnson, 1B − Chun Il-soo, 2B − Roberto Ortiz, 3B − David Arrieta
World Baseball Classic GS March 10 Italy  8–6  United States Houston, United States
20:00 CT HR: Pete Crow-Armstrong (2), Gunnar Henderson(1) Boxscore WP: Michael Lorenzen (1-0)
Sv: Greg Weissert (2)
LP: Nolan McLean (0-1)
HR: Sam Antonacci (1), Jac Caglianone (1), Kyle Teel (1)
Attendance: 38,653
Umpires: HP - Roberto Ortiz, 1B - Scott Barry, 2B - Robert Nunez, 3B - Cesar Quintana
World Baseball Classic QF March 13 United States  5–3  Canada Houston, United States
19:00 CT WP: Logan Webb (2−0)
Sv: Mason Miller (1)
Boxscore LP: Michael Soroka (1−1)
HR: Bo Naylor (1)
Attendance: 38,054
Umpires: HP − Bill Miller, 1B − Carlos Torres, 2B − Zdeněk Zidek, 3B − Jon Byrne
World Baseball Classic SF March 15 United States  2–1  Dominican Republic Miami, United States
20:00 CT WP: Paul Skenes (2−0)
Sv: Mason Miller (2)
HR: Gunnar Henderson (2), Roman Anthony (1)
Boxscore LP: Gregory Soto (0−1)
HR: Junior Caminero (3)
Attendance: 36,337
Umpires: HP − Cory Blaser, 1B − Jeremie Rehak, 2B − Dan Bellino, 3B − Delfin Colon, LF − Cuti Suárez, RF − Chris Graham
World Baseball Classic F March 17 Venezuela  3–2  United States Miami, United States
20:00 CT WP: Andrés Machado (1–0)
Sv: Daniel Palencia (3)
HR: Wilyer Abreu (2)
Boxscore LP: Garrett Whitlock (0–1)
HR: Bryce Harper (1)
Attendance: 36,190
Umpires: HP: Dan Bellino, 1B: Cory Blaser, 2B: Jeremie Rehak, 3B: Chris Graham, LF: Delfin Colon, RF: Cuti Suarez

Competitive record

World Baseball Classic

In 2005, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced the formation of the World Baseball Classic, a 16-nation international competition to be held in March of 2006 for the first time. The tournament was the first of its kind to have the national teams of IBAF's member federations feature professional players from the major leagues around the world, including MLB.

More information World Baseball Classic record, Qualification record ...
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Record by team

More information Team, WBC Tournament ...
Team
WBC Tournament
GP
W
L
Pct.
RF
RA
RD
 Brazil 1 1 0 1.000 15 5 +10
 Canada 6 5 1 0.833 46 21 +25
 Colombia 2 2 0 1.000 6 4 +2
 Cuba 1 1 0 1.000 14 2 +12
 Dominican Republic 4 2 2 0.500 14 14 0
 Great Britain 2 2 0 1.000 15 3 +12
 Italy 2 1 1 0.500 12 10 +2
 Japan 4 2 2 0.500 12 16 −4
 Mexico 5 2 3 0.400 15 21 −6
 Netherlands 1 1 0 1.000 9 3 +6
 Puerto Rico 6 3 3 0.500 30 27 +3
 South Africa 1 1 0 1.000 17 0 +17
 South Korea 1 0 1 0.000 3 7 −4
 Venezuela 6 3 3 0.500 39 33 +6
Total 42 26 16 0.619 247 166 +81
Close
2006 WBC Results
March 7
1st Round, Pool B – Game 1
Mexico  0–2  United States United States Chase Field
Attendance: 32,727
Boxscore
March 8
1st Round, Pool D – Game 3
Canada  8–6  United States United States Chase Field
Attendance: 16,993
Boxscore
March 10
1st Round, Pool D – Game 6
United States  17–0 (F/5)  South Africa United States Scottsdale Stadium
Attendance: 11,975
Boxscore
March 12
2nd Round, Pool 1 – Game 1
Japan  3–4  United States United States Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Attendance: 32,896
Boxscore
March 13
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 3
United States  3–7  South Korea United States Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Attendance: 21,288
Boxscore
March 16
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 5
United States  1–2  Mexico United States Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Attendance: 38,284
Boxscore
2009 WBC Results
March 7
1st Round, Pool C – Game 1
Canada  5–6  United States Canada Rogers Centre
Attendance: 42,314
Boxscore
March 8
1st Round, Pool D – Game 3
United States  15–6  Venezuela Canada Rogers Centre
Attendance: 13,094
Boxscore
March 11
1st Round, Pool D – Game 6
Venezuela  5–3  United States Canada Rogers Centre
Attendance: 12,358
Boxscore
March 14
2nd Round, Pool 1 – Game 2
United States  1–11 (F/7)  Puerto Rico United States Dolphin Stadium
Attendance: 30,595
Boxscore
March 15
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 3
Netherlands  3–9  United States United States Dolphin Stadium
Attendance: 11,059
Boxscore
March 17
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 5
Puerto Rico  5–6  United States United States Dolphin Stadium
Attendance: 13,224
Boxscore
March 18
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 6
United States  6–10  Venezuela United States Dolphin Stadium
Attendance: 16,575
Boxscore
March 22
Semifinals
United States  4–9  Japan United States Dodger Stadium
Attendance: 43,630
Boxscore
2013 WBC Results
March 8
1st Round, Pool D – Game C
Mexico  5–2  United States United States Chase Field
Attendance: 44,256
Boxscore
March 9
1st Round, Pool D – Game 5
Italy  2–6  United States United States Chase Field
Attendance: 19,303
Boxscore
March 10
1st Round, Pool D – Game 6
United States  9–4  Canada United States Chase Field
Attendance: 22,425
Boxscore
March 14
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 2
Puerto Rico  1–7  United States United States Marlins Park
Attendance: 32,872
Boxscore
March 15
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 4
Dominican Republic  3–1  United States United States Marlins Park
Attendance: 34,366.
Boxscore
March 16
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 5
Puerto Rico  4–3  United States United States Marlins Park
Attendance: 19,762
Boxscore
2017 WBC Results
March 10
1st Round, Pool C – Game 2
Colombia  2–3  United States United States Marlins Park
Attendance: 22,580
Boxscore
March 11
1st Round, Pool C – Game 4
United States  5–7  Dominican Republic United States Marlins Park
Attendance: 37,446
Boxscore
March 12
1st Round, Pool C – Game 6
Canada  0–8  United States United States Marlins Park
Attendance: 22,303
Boxscore
March 15
2nd Round, Pool F – Game 2
Venezuela  2–4  United States United States Petco Park
Attendance: 16,635
Boxscore
March 17
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 4
United States  5–6  Puerto Rico United States Petco Park
Attendance: 34,463
Boxscore
March 18
2nd Round, Pool 2 – Game 6
Dominican Republic  3–6  United States United States Petco Park
Attendance: 43,002
Boxscore
March 21
Semifinals
United States  2–1  Japan United States Dodger Stadium
Attendance: 33,462
Boxscore
March 22
Finals
United States  8–0  Puerto Rico United States Dodger Stadium
Attendance: 51,565
Boxscore
2023 WBC Results
March 11th
10:00 P.M. EST, 7:00 P.M. PST
Pool C, Game 1
Great Britain  2–6  United States Chase Field, Phoenix Arizona
Attendance: 39,650
Boxscore
March 12th
10:00 P.M. EST, 7:00 P.M. PST
Pool C, Game 2
Mexico  11–5  United States Chase Field, Phoenix Arizona
Attendance: 47,534
Boxscore
March 13th
10:00 P.M. EST, 7:00 P.M. PST
Pool C, Game 3
Canada  1–12 (F/7)  United States Chase Field, Phoenix Arizona
Attendance: 29,621
Boxscore
March 15th
10:00 P.M. EST, 7:00 P.M. PST
Pool C, Game 4
United States  3–2  Colombia Chase Field, Phoenix Arizona
Attendance: 29,856
Boxscore
March 18th
7:00 P.M. EST, 4:00 P.M. PST
Quarterfinals
United States  9–7  Venezuela Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 35,782
Boxscore
March 19th
7:00 P.M. EST, 4:00 P.M. PST
Semifinals
Cuba  2–14  United States Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 35,779
Boxscore
March 21st
7:00 P.M. EST, 4:00 P.M. PST
Finals
United States  2–3  Japan Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 36,098
Boxscore
2026 WBC Results
March 6th
19:00 CST
Pool B, Game 2
United States  15–5  Brazil Daikin Park, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 30,825
Boxscore
March 7th
: 19:00 CST
Pool B, Game 4
Great Britain  1–9  United States Daikin Park, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 34,368
Boxscore
March 9th
: 19:00 CDT
Pool B, Game 8
Mexico  3–5  United States Daikin Park, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 41,628
Boxscore
March 10th
: 20:00 CDT
Pool B, Game 9
Italy  8–6  United States Daikin Park, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 38,653
Boxscore
March 13th
: 19:00 CDT
Quarterfinals
United States  5–3  Canada Daikin Park, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 38,054
Boxscore
March 15th
: 20:00 CDT
Semifinals
United States  2–1  Dominican Republic LoanDepot Park, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 36,337
Boxscore
March 17th
: 20:00 CDT
Finals
Venezuela  3–2  United States LoanDepot Park, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 36,190
Boxscore

Olympic Games

More information Summer Olympics record, Qualification record ...
Summer Olympics record Qualification record
Year Result Position W L % RS RA Method
Sweden 1912 Exhibition only 1 0 1.000 13 3 No qualifiers held
Finland 1952 Did not enter
Australia 1956 Exhibition only 1 0 1.000 11 5
Japan 1964 Exhibition only 1 0 1.000 5 2
United States 1984 Finals 2nd[b] 4 1 .800 38 16 Qualified as hosts
South Korea 1988 Finals 1st[b] 4 1 .800 36 20 1987 Pan American Games
Spain 1992 Fourth Place 4th 5 4 .556 53 39 1991 Pan American Games
United States 1996 Bronze medal 3rd 7 2 .778 93 41 Qualified as hosts
Australia 2000 Gold medal 1st 8 1 .889 49 16 1999 Pan American Games
Greece 2004 Did not qualify Lost Americas Qualifying Tournament
China 2008 Bronze medal 3rd 6 3 .667 54 35 Won Americas Qualifying Tournament
Japan 2020 Silver medal 2nd 4 2 .667 28 15 Won Americas Qualifying Event
United States 2028 Qualified as hosts Qualified as hosts
Total[c] 1 Title 6/7 30 12 .714 277 146
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WBSC Premier12

The WBSC created the Premier12 tournament in 2014,[63] following the dissolution of the Baseball World Cup. The tournament is held in every four years in November. The American roster includes professional ballplayers who are not on an MLB 40-man roster. The roster includes some MLB prospects, though the tournament conflicts with the Arizona Fall League and winter leagues.[64][65][66]

More information WBSC Premier12 record, Year ...
WBSC Premier12 record
Year Result Position Pld W L RS RA Squad Ranking
Japan Taiwan 2015 Runners-up 2nd 8 6 2 43 34 Squad 2nd
Japan South Korea Taiwan Mexico 2019 Fourth Place 4th 9 4 5 34 39 Squad[67] 2nd
Japan Taiwan Mexico 2024 Third Place 3rd 9 5 4 51 36 Squad 3rd
2027 To be determined
Total Runners-up 3/3 25 15 11 128 109
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Baseball World Cup (1938–2011)

In 1988, the Amateur World Series became the International Baseball Federation's (IBAF) World Cup.

Since 1938, the U.S. has won 15 medals at the Baseball World Cup: four gold (1973, 1974, 2007, 2009), eight silver (1938, 1940, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1978, 1988, 2001), and three bronze (1939, 1982, 1984).

The U.S. was usually represented by college players in these tournaments, while Cuba used its best players.

More information Amateur World Series & Baseball World Cup record, Year ...
Amateur World Series & Baseball World Cup record
Year Result Position Pld W L % RS RA Org.
United Kingdom 1938 Single-table tournament 2nd 5 1 4 .200 14 20 IBF
Cuba 1939 Single-table tournament 3rd 6 0 6 .000 9 30
Cuba 1940 Single-table tournament 2nd[d] 12 9 3 .750 51 20
Cuba 1941 Single-table tournament 6th 8 2 6 .250
Cuba 1942 Single-table tournament Withdrew 8[e] 1 11 .083
Cuba 1943 Did not enter
Venezuela 1944 FIBA
Venezuela 1945
Colombia 1947
Nicaragua 1948
Nicaragua 1950
Mexico 1951
Cuba 1952
Venezuela 1953
Costa Rica 1961
Colombia 1965
Dominican Republic 1969 Single-table tournament 2nd 10 9 1 .900
Colombia 1970 Single-table tournament 2nd 13 10 3 .769
Cuba 1971 Did not enter
Nicaragua 1972 Single-table tournament 2nd 15 13 2 .867
Cuba 1973 Did not enter
Nicaragua 1973 Single-table tournament 1st 10 10 0 1.000 FEMBA
United States 1974 Single-table tournament 1st 10 9 1 .900
Colombia 1976 Did not enter AINBA
Italy 1978 Single-table tournament 2nd 10 9 1 .900
Japan 1980 Single-table tournament 4th 11 8 3 .727
South Korea 1982 Single-table tournament 3rd 9 6 3 .667 IBAF
Cuba 1984 Single-table tournament 3rd 12 8 4 .667
Netherlands 1986 Single-table tournament 4th 11 7 4 .636
Italy 1988 Finals 2nd 13 11 2 .846
Canada 1990 Second round 7th 9 5 4 .556
Nicaragua 1994 Quarterfinals 8th 8 4 4 .500
Italy 1998 Pool stage 8th 7 4 3 .571
Taiwan 2001 Finals 2nd 10 7 3 .700
Cuba 2003 Fifth place game 5th 9 7 2 .778
Netherlands 2005 Seventh place game 7th 11 7 4 .636
Taiwan 2007 Finals 1st 10 9 1 .900
Italy 2009 Finals 1st 15 14 1 .933
Panama 2011 Bronze medal game (canceled) 4th 11 7 4 .636
Total 4 Titles 24/39 249 177 80 .689
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2007

The U.S. was in group A of the 2007 IBAF World Cup, along with Republic of China, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Italy, Spain and South Africa. The U.S. went 6–1 to win their group, with their only loss coming on November 9, 2007 against Italy. It was the U.S.'s first loss to Italy in 21 years and the first time it ever lost to Italy with professional players, as the team consisted of minor league prospects. It was, however, their only loss. The U.S. went on to beat Korea, Netherlands, and Cuba to capture the gold.

2009

In Round 1 of the 2009 Baseball World Cup, the U.S. (2–1) finished second in Group E, advancing alongside first-place Venezuela (3–0). In Round 2, the U.S. was joined by the nine other first- and second-place teams from Round 1, four wild-card teams, and the two principal host teams (Italy and the Netherlands). The 16 teams were divided into Groups F and G, where the U.S. (7–0) defeated each of the other seven teams in Group G. In Round 3, the top four teams from Group F were renamed Group 1, while the top four teams from Group G were renamed Group 2. The U.S. finished first in Group 2 with a perfect 7–0 record, while Cuba finished first in Group 1 with a 5–2 record. In the Final Round, Group 1 and Group 2's fourth-place teams competed for overall seventh place, the third-place teams played for fifth place, and the second-place teams faced off for the bronze medal. In the gold-medal game, the U.S. defeated Cuba, 10–5.

Tournament awards were given to Justin Smoak (MVP) and Todd Redmond (best won/loss average (pitcher)). Smoak (first base) was also named to the tournament All-Star Team, along with Jon Weber (outfield) and Terry Tiffee (designated hitter).

Minor tournaments

Intercontinental Cup

The Intercontinental Cup was an IBAF tournament first held in 1973 in Italy, and held every other year until 1999. The U.S. sat out the last three tournaments, in 2002, 2006, and 2010.

Future big leaguers who competed with the U.S. collegiate team in the Intercontinental Cup include Joe Carter, Terry Francona, Mickey Morandini, John Olerud, and Robin Ventura.

 
  • 1997 : 4th
  • 1999 : 4th
  • 2002 : Did not qualify
  • 2006 : Did not qualify
  • 2010 : Did not qualify

Pan American Games

The U.S. and Cuba have been archrivals at the Pan American Games ever since the event began in 1951. The U.S. has finished second behind Cuba eight of the 12 times they have brought home the gold. Likewise, when the U.S. won the gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games, Cuba finished second. The U.S. roster is usually composed of promising college players, while Cuba is able to send its best players.

In total, the U.S. has won one gold medal, eleven silver medals, and three bronze medals. The only games the U.S. failed to medal in were 1979 and 1995. For the 1995 games, the U.S. did not send their national team, but instead the St. John's University baseball team, who finished 0–4 against the international all-star teams.

     
  • 2019 : Did not enter
  • 2023 : Did not enter

Other minor tournaments

The U.S. collegiate national team celebrating during the 43rd Japan-USA Collegiate Baseball Championship Series in 2019

Managers

More information Manager, Years active ...
Manager Years active Competitions Ref.
United States Leslie Mann1935–19391938 Amateur World Series — Runners-up
1939 Amateur World Series — 3rd place
United States Larry Gardner19401940 Amateur World Series — Runners-up[68]
United States George Lang19411941 Amateur World Series — 6th place[69]
United States Joel Tierce19421942 Amateur World Series — Withdrew[70]
United States Taylor Sanford19511951 Pan American Games — Runners-up[71]
United States Leonard Weissinger19561956 Summer OlympicsChampions[72]
United States J. Kyle Anderson19591959 Pan American Games — 3rd place[73]
United States Archie Allen19631963 Pan American Games — Runners-up[74]
United States Rod Dedeaux1964–19841964 Summer OlympicsChampions
1984 Summer Olympics — Runners-up
[75]
United States Marty Karow19671967 Pan American GamesChampions[76]
United States Danny Litwhiler19681968 International Amateur TournamentChampions[77]
United States Jack Kaiser1969—19731969 Amateur World Series — Runners-up
1973 Intercontinental Cup — 3rd place
[78]
United States Jack Stallings1970–19731970 Amateur World Series — Runners-up
[79]
United States Bobby Winkles19711971 Pan American Games — Runners-up[80]
United States Hal Smeltzly19721972 Amateur World Series — Runners-up
1975 Pan American Games — Runners-up
[81]
United States Ron Fraser1973–19921973 FEMBA Amateur World SeriesChampions
1987 Pan American Games — Runners-up
1992 Summer Olympics — 4th place
[82]
United States Glen Tuckett19741974 FEMBA Amateur World SeriesChampions[83]
United States Dick Bergquist19751975 Intercontinental CupChampions[84]
United States Tom Chandler19781978 Amateur World Series — Runners-up[85]
United States Jerry Kindall19791979 Pan American Games — 4th place[86][87]
United States John Scolinos19801980 Amateur World Series — 4th place[88]
United States Ron Maestri19811981 World GamesChampions[89]
United States Bob Bennett1983–19861983 Intercontinental Cup — Runners-up
1983 Pan American Games — 3rd place
1986 Amateur World Series
[90]
United States Duane Banks19851985 Intercontinental Cup — 5th place[91]
United States Mark Marquess19881988 Summer OlympicsChampions[92]
United States Jim Morris1989–19901990 Goodwill Games — 3rd place
1990 Baseball World Cup — 7th place
[93]
United States John Anderson19931993 Intercontinental Cup — Runners-up[94]
United States Chuck Anderson19941994 Baseball World Cup — 7th place[95]
United States Skip Bertman19961996 Summer Olympics — 3rd place[96]
United States Bob Milano19971997 Intercontinental Cup — 4th place[97]
United States Ron Polk19981998 Baseball World Cup – 9th place[98]
United States Buddy Bell19991999 Pan American Games — Runners-up[99]
United States Tommy Lasorda20002000 Summer OlympicsChampions
United States Terry Francona20012001 Baseball World Cup – Runners-up[100]
United States Frank Robinson20032004 Olympic Qualifying Tournament – Quarterfinals[101]
United States Marty Scott20032003 Baseball World Cup – 5th place[102]
United States Buck Martinez20062006 World Baseball Classic — 8th place[103]
United States Davey Johnson2005–20092005 Baseball World Cup – 7th place
2007 Baseball World CupChampions
2008 Summer Olympics – 3rd place
2009 World Baseball Classic — 4th place
Cuba Eddie Rodríguez20092009 Baseball World CupChampions
United States Ernie Young2010–20112010 Pan American Championship – 3rd place
2011 Pan American Games – Runners-up
2011 Baseball World Cup – 4th place
[104]
United States Joe Torre20132013 World Baseball Classic — 6th place
United States Jim Tracy20152015 Pan American Games — Runners-up[105]
United States Willie Randolph20152015 WBSC Premier12 — 4th place
United States Jim Leyland20172017 World Baseball ClassicChampions
United States Scott Brosius20192019 WBSC Premier12 — 4th place
United States Mike Scioscia2020–20242020 Summer Olympics — Runners-up
2024 WBSC Premier12 — 3rd place
United States Mark DeRosa2023–present2023 World Baseball Classic — Runners-up
2026 World Baseball Classic — Runners-up
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Uniforms & logos

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Collegiate National Team

American baseball players on a podium
The collegiate national team celebrating its victory at the 2002 Haarlem Baseball Week

USA Baseball also fields a collegiate national team of top collegiate baseball players in the country. The team competes in exhibition games and international competitions against teams from across the world, including Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands.[106] The collegiate team has won several international tournaments, including the 1988 Summer Olympics, 1973 and 1974 Baseball World Cup, 2009 World Baseball Challenge, and multiple Haarlem Baseball Weeks.[107]

Players for the collegiate national team include Hall of Fame inductees Barry Larkin and Todd Helton, MLB Most Valuable Player award winners Dustin Pedroia, Ryan Howard, and Kris Bryant, and Cy Young Award winners David Price, Gerrit Cole, and Paul Skenes.[108]

Other national teams

USA Baseball also fields 18U, 15U, and 12U national baseball teams. Former national teams included 16U and 14U national teams. USA Baseball also hosts two national team development programs in the age divisions of 17U and 14U. The selection processes for these programs can be found on the official website of USA Baseball and these team programs also have their respective social media web pages.

See also

Notes

  1. USA Baseball lists the first two wins (1973 and 1974) under the collegiate national team, and the final two (2007 and 2009) under the senior professional team.[4][5]
  2. No medals awarded; tournament was a demonstration sport only
  3. Totals only include years 1992 to 2008 and 2020, during which baseball was an official medal sport.
  4. Tied with Nicaragua
  5. The United States had a 1–7 record before forfeiting its last four games

References

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