Baseball

WBSC Expands Partnership With SSK

July 4, 2018

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has agreed a new partnership deal with SSK which starts next month.

The Japanese baseball equipment manufacturer will serve as the exclusive/official competition ball and kit supplier for a host of events organised by the WBSC, including the 2019 Premier12, the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and the 2018 to 2020 Baseball World Cups.

SSK will have a major on-field presence at international baseball events organised by the governing body. Umpire kit, WBSC officials’ apparel and competition balls will all be provided by SSK.

The company’s logo will also feature on all outfield fences and within team dugouts.

WBSC President, Riccardo Fraccari, said of the new deal: “WBSC is delighted to welcome SSK as the Official Competition Ball and Kit Supplier of international baseball and expand upon our partnership that has spanned more than 20 years. With committed partners like SSK, we will continue to drive baseball into a new and golden global era.”

SSK President, Kyoichi Sasaki, added: “SSK’s brand motto is ‘Baseball, it’s our game’. We strive to connect the world through the sport of baseball and help them achieve a better life. SSK will be providing official competition balls to Baseball World Cups of all categories, from U-12 to professional — competitions that crown the best baseball country in the world. SSK has been supporting WBSC with umpire gear and apparels for over 20 years, and through this agreement with WBSC, we aim to contribute to baseball’s further development in the world.”

Baseball