The newest motto of the baseball and softball federation WBSC “Game Time!” was introduced for the first time in Lausanne, Switzerland on 13th July in the official ceremony. The motto will be a part of the identity of the organization, which secured both sports’ places in the Olympic games.

Among the guests of the ceremony were a lot of people from the International Olympic Committee. They got to know the main goals in front of baseball and softball before the Olympic games 2020 in Tokyo. There were also a lot of sponsors, journalists, partners and representatives of many international sports federations.

The president of WBSC – Riccardo Fraccari assured that the management of the organization has a bright vision for 2024, 2028 and even further. He mentioned about one of his plans – the softball and baseball society to be about 1 Billion people.

“Our organization is really excited that we have our favourite sports back to The Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020. It’s been a long time since the last time we saw baseball and softball at the Olympic games. However, we have already built a new plan and we are looking forward to 2024, 2028 and even further. We established a new brand, which is going to show our long term desire to be a part of the Olympic family. We develop these sports and we make them even more dynamic and accessible to the people. Now is the time to convert our potential into success. It’s Game Time!” Riccardo Fraccari said in front of all the guests of the ceremony in Lausanne.

The last time softball was included in the Olympic games was in 2008. There have only been 4 editions of this competition – from 1996 until 2008. The sport wasn’t included in the olympic games in 2012 and 2016, but we will see one of the favourite American sports again in Tokyo 2020.

The young softball player Abby Ota of Redding is considered as one of the hottest prospects in New England. She has been ranked as 58th of the top 100 by FloSoftball 2021. Ota plays as a shortstop and a second baseman. However, she has recently been playing mostly outfield. She is the only 14 and under player to appear in the chart!

“This game has become a big part of my life. I like it very much. I love to be a part of a team and win as much games as I can,” Abby Ota said in an interview.

To continue with, her best strength is the speed. Ota has a record of .645 batting on average, .705 on-base percentage, 35 RBI, 44 steals and 1 strikeout in a total of 43 games. The stats are from 2016.

“I really like running the bases. I think my speed is my best weapon. However, I think I also have a good arm and I am good at knowing of the game. My desire is to keep going and becoming better and better. I really see my future with softball,” the young talent added.

Abby Ota will go to Joel Barlow High after a couple of months. The softball team of the high school just finished its strongest season, so the young talent can develop her softball career there. Ota’s chance to take part in the team’s matches is big enough, as a lot of the key players are heading to colleges.

The young shortstop has already started to think about her future in a college, even though it looks too faraway. “At the moment I work just to be a better player. I also want to be good in school. I hope I will keep playing softball in college. My ultimate plan is to keep doing it even after the college,” Abby Ota concluded her interview.