IBAF stands for International Baseball Federation, which was the international governing body for the sport of baseball until its merger with the International Softball Federation (ISF) to form the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in 2013. Founded in 1938, IBAF was responsible for organizing and overseeing international baseball competitions, setting and enforcing rules, and developing the sport globally.
As an international federation, IBAF served as the authoritative institution ensuring fairness, integrity, and standardization in baseball competitions across different countries. It aimed to promote the sport on a global scale, coordinating the activities of national baseball federations and fostering the growth and popularity of baseball worldwide.
IBAF organized numerous international tournaments, including the Baseball World Cup, which was the flagship event showcasing national teams from around the world. It facilitated competitions for various age groups, including men's, women's, junior, and youth divisions, contributing to the development and talent nurturing in baseball at all levels.
The merger with ISF in 2013 gave birth to WBSC, an organization that oversees both baseball and softball, recognizing their shared values and objectives. While IBAF no longer exists as an independent entity, its legacy and contributions to the global baseball community continue to shape the sport's future and international growth.
