Belize Softball Federation rebrands to bring baseball back

Published by [email protected] at April 29, 2025

Posted: Tuesday, April 29, 2025. 10:16 am CST.

Houston Belize United playing competitive baseball in Chetumal, Mexico, in January 2023 – Photo Credit: Angel Pardo

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: For decades, softball has thrived in Belize, boasting passionate players, dedicated coaches, and a strong community. The sport has been well-organized, with the national women’s team winning regional tournaments and maintaining a stronger competitive presence than the men’s team, both internationally and locally. While Belize’s international softball success has waned in recent years, local competitions continue to thrive. Meanwhile, baseball, once played competitively, has been largely absent from the national sports scene for many decades. However, glimpses of its potential have surfaced—most recently, a Belizean team, Houston Belize United, competed in Chetumal, Mexico, two years ago. Now, in a historic move, the Belize Softball Federation (BSF) is rebranding as the Belize Baseball and Softball Federation (BBSF) to revive the sport and provide a structured pathway for development.

The decision to rebrand was officially made at a Special General Assembly of the BSF on Saturday, April 26, marking a major shift in Belize’s sports landscape. The federation has already received membership applications from baseball associations and leagues across the country, demonstrating strong interest in reintroducing structured competition. Meanwhile, the final draft of the BBSF’s Constitution is under review by a legal team before being ratified at a future General Assembly meeting.

The new structure introduces designated leadership roles for each sport, including a vice president for baseball and another for softball. With the backing of international bodies like the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC), the rebranded federation is securing pathways for Belizean teams to compete globally. Plans are already underway to establish training programs, youth leagues, and national tournaments that will finally reignite baseball’s presence.

Momentum continued to build at the federation’s meeting on Sunday, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss the rollout of tournaments for both sports. In attendance were BSF executives and representatives from the softball and baseball associations from Belize City, Belize Rural, Belmopan, San Ignacio-Santa Elena, Cayo Rural, San Pedro, and Orange Walk District, all eager to set the stage for the federation’s new era. The meeting concluded with the official approval of tournament dates for the upcoming season, covering multiple competition categories. Among the tournaments sanctioned were:

· Men’s and Women’s National Softball Championship

· Baseball Little League (Youth Baseball Development)

· Senior Baseball Tournament

· Over 50 Softball Championship

This transformation isn’t just about a name change—it marks a bold step toward balancing the nation’s diamond sports. Softball has long had an established presence, but baseball, despite once having competitive leagues, has lacked the institutional framework for a sustained return. By integrating baseball into the federation’s structure, the BBSF aims to build the sport from the ground up, ensuring it receives the same level of organization that has propelled softball for years.

The announcement sparks immediate excitement, as baseball will now have an institution advocating for its resurgence. Young athletes eager to try the sport will find a structured system welcoming them in. Meanwhile, softball is expected to continue thriving under the federation’s expanded mission, ensuring that its strong local competitions remain strong.

The BBSF is poised to usher in a new era for Belizean diamond athletes.

Though baseball’s competitive resurgence will take time, the message is clear—Belize is no longer just a softball nation. With its federation leading the charge, baseball is back, and this time, it is here to stay.

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