USA Baseball Shines at WBSC Congress in Bangkok
CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball recently garnered significant recognition at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Congress held from October 16-18 in Bangkok, Thailand. This three-day event showcased global leaders in the sport, highlighting USA Baseball’s commitment to advancing baseball at both domestic and international levels.
A New Leadership Role for Paul Seiler
One of the most notable moments of the Congress was the appointment of USA Baseball Executive Director and CEO Paul Seiler as the Continental Vice President of WBSC Americas. This prestigious role provides Seiler with a seat on the WBSC Executive Board for the upcoming 2025-2029 term. With a rich history in international baseball leadership, Seiler transitions from a member-at-large position to a continental role that will influence the global direction of the sport.
“I am honored to be elected,” Seiler expressed. “On behalf of USA Baseball, I take great pride in representing so many dedicated people who work tirelessly to grow our game. I look forward to collaborating with our partners across the globe to ensure baseball continues to thrive for future generations.”
Celebrating On-Field Success
The WBSC Congress also featured a Gala Dinner and Awarding Ceremony that honored exceptional accomplishments from 2022 to 2025. USA Baseball’s on-field success was front and center as Rick Eckstein, coach of the USA Baseball 18U National Team, was named the 2025 WBSC Baseball Coach of the Year. Under his guidance, the team clinched the world championship at the 2025 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, marking the 11th world title for the program and tying it for the most in the U-18 age group’s history.
Star Performers Recognized
Key players also received accolades for their outstanding performances. Coleman Borthwick was named the 2025 WBSC Baseball Player of the Year after leading the way with a complete-game shutout against Japan in the gold medal match. Pitching in front of a fervent home crowd of 16,639, Borthwick ended the tournament with a remarkable 0.00 ERA, striking out 12 batters in 10 innings while also achieving a .300 batting average, ultimately earning him tournament MVP honors.
Additionally, the ceremony recognized previous recipients, such as Bryce Eldridge, who was honored as the 2022 WBSC Baseball Player of the Year, and Angel Campos, named the 2024 WBSC Baseball Umpire of the Year.
Innovating in eSports
Beyond its achievements on the field, USA Baseball made history by being named the first-ever WBSC eSports Federation of the Year due to its innovative approach to promoting and developing eSports. Launching the USA eBaseball™ Power League in 2024 and hosting significant events like the 2024 WBSC ePremier12™ group stage, the organization is leading the charge in integrating eSports with traditional baseball disciplines. The expansion of the eBaseball™ Power League and the forthcoming hosting of the 2025 WBSC eBaseball™ Series World Finals further demonstrate USA Baseball’s commitment to reaching new audiences.
A Testament to Passion and Integrity
Seiler commended the hard work of all involved, stating, “These honors are a reflection of the athletes, coaches, and staff who represent our country and our sport with integrity and passion. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and are grateful to the WBSC for recognizing their success.” His remarks encapsulate the dedication that defines USA Baseball and its representatives on the world stage, showcasing the organization’s unwavering commitment to excellence both in performance and ethics.