CARY, N.C. – The 12U National Team is set to compete in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Qualifier from October 20-26 in Panama City, Panama, looking to lock in a spot in next year’s World Cup. As tournament host, Panama has qualified for a spot in the 2025 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup, while the remaining two spots will be up for grabs among the eleven remaining teams in the pool. The 2025 U-12 Baseball World Cup is scheduled to take place next summer in Tainan City, Taiwan.
LAST TIME OUT
The 12U National Team looks to defend its WBSC U-12 World Cup Americas Qualifier gold medal after going unbeaten in 2023. Even more recently, the U.S. won gold in the VII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan. Team USA posted a 7-2 record and defeated Chinese Taipei in the championship, 10-4, to capture its fourth WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup title. In that nine-game series, the U.S. outscored opponents 120-37, tossed a shutout, and secured a staggering 43-1 victory against New Zealand.
HISTORY IN QUALIFIERS
This will be the 12U National Team’s second time competing in a WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, the first time being 2023 in Aguascalientes, Mexico. In last year’s series, Team USA went undefeated (9-0), outscored opponents 164-79, and earned a berth to the 2023 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in which the squad won gold.
A TEAM BUILT ON SUCCESS
USA Baseball’s 12U National Team flaunts a foundation of success dating back to its inception in 2013. Over the past 10 years, Team USA has captured seven gold medals, with five of those being WBSC/IBAF World Cup Championships. The dominance of the U.S. is seen in its 68-11 overall record in which only five losses have been conceded since 2017. Notable alumni include: Anthony Volpe, Masyn Winn, Paul Skenes, and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
INSIDE THE ROSTER
Prior to Team USA stepping foot on Panamanian soil, the U.S. will undergo an extended training camp in which the final 20-player roster will be solidified. Of the 26 players attending 12U National Team Extended Training Camp in Houston, Texas, almost two-thirds (17 players) of the squad reside west of the Mississippi. Ten states are represented, and California leads all states with eight players fighting for a roster spot.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Team USA is guaranteed five opponents in pool play, with the stars and stripes first facing off against Ecuador in the tournament opener. Next, the U.S. will take on Nicaragua, Mexico, Colombia, and then play its final pool-play contest against Panama. After this five-game set, the top four teams will compete in the semifinals and wrap up with the championship game to be held October 26.
AT THE HELM
Managing Team USA and at the forefront of the charge is Bryan Madsen, who will be making his first appearance as manager and second time on staff. Madsen previously helped lead the 2023 12U National Team to a gold medal at the U-12 Baseball World Cup in 2023. Assisting Madsen is Roger Wright, who will be on the 12U National Team staff for the second consecutive year. Making their first appearances as an assistant coach will be Josh Ellison and Wes Brooks; Brooks has made stints as 12U National Team Training Camp coach and as USA Baseball Task Force in the past while Ellison has helped coach in 2023 at 18U National Team Training Camp in addition to numerous development events.
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
Fans can follow live stats here while highlights and updates can be found on the 12U National Team Twitter.
SOCIAL MEDIA
To follow along with all the action with the 12U National Team, be sure to follow @USABaseball12U on Twitter and @USABaseball on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
