The Biz of Baseball: Interview with Dr. Harvey Schiller, President of the IBAF

Bizball: While you can’t speak for the IOC, if MLB players are not part of any USA Baseball team set for Olympic play, do you see the Olympic committee continuing to keep baseball out due to the lack of premiere talent from the US missing?

Schiller: MLB players will be part of the 2016 mix. We had a commitment from young, elite players who could play in 2016 as part of our presentation. I don’t believe any other sport can have that commitment seven years in advance.

Bizball: Recently, Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the DL due to shoulder strain, placing his participation in the WBC under scrutiny. How difficult is it to approach MLB about having star players in international play when clubs are looking to protect their investments in star players?

Schiller: In a five day tournament the chances are that pitchers will pitch once and the pitchers will also be in mid-season shape, so it really is the best scenario in terms of conditioning. MLB is a partner in this, the owners are supportive, the players want to play and represent their country; there is no difficulty. This is in the best interests of growing the game. Injuries are a part of the game regardless of international competition.