### Introduction to the Pacific Baseball Championship
Perfect Game, a leader in youth baseball and softball, has recently announced an exciting multi-year plan for the Pacific Baseball Championship (PBC). This prestigious international tournament for 15U players aims to unite top amateur talent from across the Pacific region, with a unique twist: it will alternate its location between the United States and Japan. This initiative is set to elevate youth baseball on a global scale, showcasing elite competition and cultural exchange through the sport.
### Event Details and Structure
The PBC will now be a recurring event taking place annually. After a successful inaugural tournament this past August at Japan’s famous Sapporo Dome, where the PG USA team—managed by the legendary ex-MLB All-Star Tom “Flash” Gordon—secured victory, the excitement is palpable. The tournament is officially switching to a December calendar slot starting in 2026, aligning better with international schedules and providing young athletes an iconic year-end showcase.
The rotation of this significant event will mean that the 2026 and 2028 championships will take place on the U.S. West Coast, while Japan will host in 2027 and 2029. Attendees can look forward to an announcement of the specific host city for the 2026 edition in the coming months, creating anticipation among fans and participants alike.
### Selection Process for the PG USA Team
For those eager to participate in the PBC, the selection process is set to commence at the forthcoming 14U National All-State Select Championships in Tomball, Texas, taking place from November 1-3, 2025. Approximately half of the players for the PG USA team will be chosen based on their performance during this event, ensuring that the roster reflects the best of the best. The final team will be revealed in late summer 2026, giving players ample time to showcase their skills.
### International Participation and Growth
The inaugural 2025 PBC was a landmark event, bringing together all-star players from eight Pacific countries, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the United States. This tournament not only fostered competitive spirit but emphasized international camaraderie and friendship through baseball. The semi-finals and finals were also broadcasted on PerfectGame.TV, enhancing accessibility and viewer engagement.
Perfect Game’s mission to promote global growth in the sport aligns perfectly with the essence of the PBC, as this event offers unparalleled exposure opportunities for young athletes. Through this tournament, participants engage in high-level competition while building friendships that transcend national boundaries.
### Voices from the Field
Rob Ponger, CEO of Perfect Game, expressed his enthusiasm about the Championship, saying, “The Pacific Baseball Championship represents the best of what Perfect Game stands for, which is elite competition, cultural exchange, and lifelong connections through baseball.” This statement encapsulates the broader goals of the event—garnering interest and fostering relationships among emerging talents across the Pacific.
Adding to this sentiment, Tom Gordon shared his rewarding experience managing the PG USA team during the inaugural event. He noted the passion exhibited by players and fans alike, stating, “You could feel how much the players and fans from every country loved being part of something bigger than themselves.” His reflections underscore the transformative power sports can have on young athletes, inspiring them to dream bigger.
### Looking Ahead
While the 2026 Pacific Baseball Championship has lots of thrilling elements in store, including names of participating nations and event partners, further details are set to be disclosed in the near future. Sports enthusiasts and young players from across the globe eagerly await what lies ahead.
### About Perfect Game
Perfect Game stands as the world’s largest elite youth baseball and softball learning platform. Each year, it produces nearly 10,000 events featuring hundreds of thousands of athletes, creating avenues for college recruitment and professional scouting. The organization has a remarkable track record, showcasing 2,383 alumni who have progressed to Major League Baseball, demonstrating its vital role in nurturing future sports talent. Since its founding, Perfect Game has significantly influenced young athletes’ careers, paving pathways that can lead to long-term success in baseball.