Baseball's Olympic Saga: A Glimmer of Hope for 2028
As the Olympic torch prepares to light up Paris in 2024, baseball and softball fans will be left longing for another chance to see their beloved sports on the grandest stage. Both sports have been excluded from the Olympic program in Paris, but there's a silver lining on the horizon. The anticipation is building as baseball is expected to make a triumphant return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The prospect of Major League Baseball (MLB) players participating in the Olympics has been a topic of considerable debate over the years. Currently, MLB excludes players on 40-man rosters from competing in the Games, but this policy might see a significant shift by 2028. Some of the league's biggest stars, including Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, have publicly voiced their support for MLB players participating in the Olympics. Among the noteworthy proponents is Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, who has expressed his aspirations to compete in the 2028 Olympics if allowed.
Aaron Judge's Olympic Aspirations
"I'd love to play," Judge stated confidently. "If they give us the opportunity -- I don't know what the ruling or anything has come out about that -- but I'm all in on that. There's very few opportunities to get to do that and especially, hopefully, in the prime of my career where I can still do it and make an impact, I'd love to. I've never represented my country before, never got invited to those Team USA (camps as an amateur), never really made the cut for those. Hopefully now I can make the cut."
Judge's enthusiasm for the Olympics is palpable, but he remains steadfast in his commitment to his current team and responsibilities. "It would be an honor to represent my country and play in that," he continued. "But my main goal is what I can do here in New York and what I can do to bring a championship back here. I think especially after signing a nine-year contract, for me, priorities are New York. Maybe four years down the road, hopefully I can still make the team and get an opportunity to play. But right now for me, my focus is here."
Judge's Stellar Performance
Judge's ambitions coincide with an impressive run in his professional career, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier talents. This season, Judge is boasting a remarkable slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs. To put his current performance into perspective, during the same number of team games in 2022, Judge was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs. His extraordinary skills have earned him a nine-year contract with the New York Yankees, underscoring the franchise's faith in his capabilities and contributions.
By the time the 2028 Olympics roll around, Judge will be 36 years old. Despite the advance in age, his dedication to maintaining top form indicates he could still make a significant impact on the international stage. His participation would not only amplify the excitement around baseball's Olympic return but also inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.
The Potential Policy Shift
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated an "open-minded" stance regarding the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics, hinting at possible policy changes. This potential shift could mirror the approach taken by Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, which paused its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to allow its players to compete. This decision led to Japan's triumphant gold medal win in baseball, setting a precedent for other leagues to consider similar strategies.
The world of baseball is holding its breath as the next few years unfold. With the prospect of MLB stars shining on the Olympic stage, the 2028 Los Angeles Games could mark a significant milestone in the sport's history. The synergy between professional leagues and international competitions promises not only to elevate the level of play but also to unify fans across the globe in their love for the game.
As the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 also loom on the distant horizon, the potential for sustained change in how professional baseball integrates with international competition is more vibrant than ever. For now, all eyes are on the dialogues and decisions leading up to the Los Angeles Games, where stars like Aaron Judge may finally get their chance to represent their countries and make history on the world stage.