Softball NL Unsuccessful In Canadian Bid For 2024 WBSC Men’s World Cup

Softball NL President Gary Corbett, Softball NL Executive Director Dave Feener and the Softball NL Board of Directors have been working diligently behind the scenes trying to bring major softball events to the Province of Newfoundland Labrador.

Based on past events, Softball NL has done an exceptional job of hosting 17 Canadian Fastpitch Championships and 59 Eastern Canadian Softball Championships, as well as the 1994 Women’s World Championship and the 1997 Junior Men’s World Championship, both held at the Caribou Sports Complex in St. John’s, NL.

Softball NL will continue to step up to the plate to play host to Canadian Fastpitch Championships and Eastern Canadian Softball Championships, but as of late focus has also been directed at exploring the possibilities of securing major fastpitch events on the international stage, such as the 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation Men’s World Cup.

Softball NL President Gary Corbett engaged the Board of Directors at an Executive Meeting regarding the potential of playing host to the 2024 WBSC Men’s World Cup. With the pitch delivered and the Softball NL Board Members in full support, it was agreed upon to take a Grand Slam Swing at becoming the Canadian Bid to play host to the 2024 WBSC Men’s World Cup.

Softball NL, in partnership with Destination St. John’s and the City of St. John’s, embarked on the process of developing a Bid Package to be presented to Softball Canada in vying to become the Canadian Bid to host the 2024 WBSC Men’s World Cup.

On Friday, October 02, Softball NL submitted their Bid Package to Softball Canada in hopes of securing the Canadian Bid to play host to the 2024 WBSC Men’s World Cup in St. John’s, NL. Entering the process, Softball NL were aware that Prince Albert, Saskatchewan were also vying to become the Canadian Bid. Welcomed competition between two Provinces rich in fastpitch history.

On Wednesday, October 14, Softball NL were advised by Softball Canada that their Bid Package was unsuccessful in their Canadian Bid to play host to the 2024 WBSC Men’s World Cup. Softball NL acknowledged the decision and will review the formal explanation on the evaluation criteria and where points were lost so as to improve on potential future bids, such as the 2026 WBSC Men’s World Cup.

Softball NL would like to Congratulate Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and wish them Good Luck as they move on to the WBSC Stage in the Bid process.

Softball NL would like to send a sincere Thank-You to Destination St. John’s for assisting in developing the Bid and the City of St. John’s for their continued support in trying to attract major events to the Capital City.

Softball NL remains committed to exploring the possibility of securing major fastpitch events and is unwavering in striving to provide memorable experiences in sport through proven technique, dedicated leadership and overall love of sport.

Yours In Softball,

Gary Corbett
Softball NL President