Sint Maarten to launch High School International Baseball tournament

The Sint Maarten Baseball-Softball Federation (SMBSF) announced, together with the International Caribbean Sports Tournament (ICST), the Open Borders Sports Foundation (OBSF) and the US National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF), that they will host the First Annual International High School Baseball Classic Tournament from 28 June to 5 July 2024.

The organizers plan on a 16-team tournament. Representatives from Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, a Dutch high school team, and a French high school team have confirmed participation.

The winners will secure the chance to partake in the prestigious NABF High School World Series. The event is poised to draw attention from scouts, high school enthusiasts and aspiring college athletes, promising a stage where talent and dedication will shine brightly.

Sint Maarten's affiliation with the National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) marks a pivotal moment in a significant stride towards bolstering baseball development. As part of this alliance, the NABF has initiated an equipment drive, with plans to dispatch a container of sporting equipment to schools across the island in the forthcoming weeks.

"We're thrilled to unveil this remarkable tournament, uniting nations through the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie," ICST, OBSF, NABF, and SMBSF representatives said in a press release. "This event not only celebrates the passion for baseball but also serves as a platform for young talent to showcase their skills on an international stage."

Registration for team participation opened on 20 November and will close on 29 February 2024.