Where baseball brings the world together
Every summer, the St. Louis Boys Baseball Association welcomes 12U and 15U players from around the world to Pond Athletic Association in Wildwood, Missouri, for our International Games. While the boys come to compete, the tournament is about much more than baseball. Players from countries such as Japan, Taiwan and Australia and more in the past, come together with local St. Louis teams to share their love of the game, experience new cultures and build friendships. Different languages and backgrounds don’t keep the boys apart — baseball gives them a common language and creates an opportunity to connect, compete and make memories that last a lifetime.
Experiences
Our visiting players stay with local host families and get to experience everyday life in St. Louis. During their stay, we take the boys beyond the ballpark with special experiences like a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, a trip to the Gateway Arch, a float trip and other St. Louis-area activities. It’s a chance for everyone to experience a different culture, share traditions and create memories together.
Many of our host families are also part of the SLBBA baseball family, with children who have the opportunity to travel to Japan to participate in their IBA International Nankyu tournament.
what to expect
The International Games are about 10 days of baseball, friendship and new experiences. The visit begins with an exciting Opening Ceremony, officially welcoming all of the teams and players to St. Louis. From there, the boys jump into pool play, competing in games just like our regular league games while getting to know the players they’re sharing the tournament with.
Throughout the week, there are free days and special activities where the boys can relax, explore St. Louis and spend time with their host families and new friends. As the week comes to an end, the competition gets more intense as the teams come together for the International Games Tournament, where they compete for the championship.
The tournament comes to a close with our Closing Ceremony, where everyone comes together one last time to celebrate the experience and reflect on the memories made throughout the week. Championship teams are recognized with trophies or championship rings, giving the players a special reminder of their accomplishments and their time together.
It’s a full 10 days — but it’s about much more than what happens between the lines. It’s an experience these players will remember long after they head home.
