Every team in the 2024 WBSC Premier12 Super Round presented by RAXUS has a question to answer as the Premier12 peak phase begins.
Let’s look at each one.
Japan: Will its dominance continue?
The only title Samurai Japan does not hold internationally is the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup; after that, they own absolutely everything, and that started in 2019 with the second edition of Premier12.
Thus, now that a new cycle begins, which includes the U-12 and U-18 World Cups next year, Japan has the opportunity to be the absolute emperor of international baseball, but first it needs to win the third edition of the Premier12.
Chinese Taipei: Has your time finally come?
Chinese Taipei is a medal collector in WBSC events, but since 2019 they haven’t won it all, winning the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup that year. Japan was the only team capable of defeating them in the Opening Round, and they looked strong.
A dominant pitching staff is the team’s best asset as it tries to capture a title that has eluded them several times in the last five years.
Venezuela: Is it time for a historic race?
A baseball powerhouse seeking a much-needed senior title faces a historic opportunity after advancing past the Opening Round of the Premier12 for the first time in its history. Venezuela’s last title was in 2021, already distant, when they took the title in the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup.
A well-built team dominated the Opening Round in Mexico and is now three games away from the Championship Game.
USA: Is it time for resurgence?
Not long ago, the United States held several WBSC World Cups, but now the only title it holds is the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup. This third edition of Premier12 seems like a great opportunity for one of the best programs in the world to start a winning streak.
Despite never winning the Premier12 championship, the Stars and Stripes played in the 2015 Premier12 Championship match, and last time they beat Japan at senior level was in the 2019 edition, so success is not a strange word for them at this stage.
