WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024: By the Numbers

The second edition of the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup will take place in Hong Kong from 7-12 October 2024. This exciting and fast-paced five-a-side version of baseball/softball has captivated audiences worldwide since its launch in 2017 and inaugural World Cup in 2022. Baseball5 is a dynamic and accessible discipline that requires no bats, gloves, or expensive equipment, making it perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.

Twelve teams are gathered in Hong Kong for this thrilling event, here’s a look at the tournament by numbers:

1 – First time for Hong Kong to host a WBSC World Cup event.

1.5 – The No-Hit Zone spans exactly 1.5 metres (5 feet) from home plate, a unique rule that alters the dynamics of the game.

2 – Minimum number of players per gender on the field of play in this mixed-gender competition.

2 – Number of Baseball5 world titles won by Cuba: WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2022 and the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup 2023.

3 – The batter’s box is a square measuring 3 metres per side.

4 – The number of bases on the field, laid out in a square formation.

5 – The number of active players per team during a game.

6 – Total days of competition from 7-12 October 2024.

7 – The maximum number of innings in a Baseball5 tie-break situation.

8 – Number of players on the roster (five in play and three reserves).

10 – The maximum number of runs a team can lead by in the fourth inning, after which the game may end under the run-ahead rule.

12 – Teams participating in this edition.

13 – Distance between bases in metres.

17 – Home plate is 17 inches wide (43.2 cm), a key feature that is instantly recognisable.

18 – Each side of the square-shaped fair territory measures 18 metres.

30 – The batter's box is located exactly 30 cm away from the foul lines.

50 – Total number of games to be played during the tournament.

59 – Each side of the fair territory measures 59 feet (18 metres), creating a smaller, faster-paced playing field.

85 – Weight of the Baseball5 ball in grams.

100 – Ideal height of the outfield fence is 100 cm, giving the game a more open feel.

130 – Total distance covered by all four bases combined is 130 metres (13 metres between each base).

198 – Number of WBSC National Federations plus 12 Associate Members.

2,800 – The Baseball5 World Cup trophy weighs 2,800 grams, a significant prize for the winning team.