WBC Recap - GB v Mexico and Qualification

GB Baseball qualified for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Congratulations to all the players, coaches and backroom staff who worked so hard to achieve this milestone for British baseball.

A great deal of thanks must go to to UK Sport and the National Lottery. Their investment into baseball over the last four years certainly contributed to programme’s trajectory.

Watch the GB v Mexico game here

After the narrowest defeat to Mexico, the British baseball community was on the edge of their collective seat waiting for the result of the USA v Colombia game the following evening.

The 3-2 USA victory meant GB finished fourth were guaranteed automatic qualification for the next World Baseball Classic in 2026.

The performances against USA, Colombia and Mexico underlined what GB Baseball has achieved over the last 10 years, building each year and at each major tournament to reach Phoenix in 2023.

The players have become household names and if anyone doubts their commitment to the team and the country, their faces at the end of the Mexico game confirmed what this tournament has meant to them.

The coaching staff, led by Drew Spencer, was fantastic and extra praise should be directed to the behind the scenes members of the delegation which has managed brilliantly by Gary Anderson.

“Phoenix created so many memories. We were able to build and create relationships that will last a lifetime.

“As a team we hope that the success of the group will continue to encourage the development of baseball for the next generation of players.

“Seeing the growth of both staff and players during our time in Phoenix should bode well for GB baseball in the future. I’m grateful to Drew for inviting me to be a part of something so special,” said Antoan Richardson GB’s Bench Coach, Director of Strategy.

All photos courtesy of Paul Stodart