Swine flu forces Beijing Tigers out of World Baseball Challenge

Swine flu concerns have forced the Beijing Tigers to drop out of next month’s Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline’s World Baseball Challenge.

The Beijing Tigers (China) have been informed by their government that they will not be permitted to leave the country because of fears with the world-wide pandemic of H1N1 (swine flu). Visa applications have been denied by authorities in Beijing.

“This is not news we wanted to hear – the Beijing Tigers were a team we were very excited to have in the tournament,” said tournament founder Larry Seminoff, who debuted the World Baseball Challenge in Grand Forks in 2002, in a press release.

“The tournament committee is working on an adjusted schedule to deal with this setback, but by no means does it indicate any issues of concern. Swine flu is not a problem in Prince George, this is a preventative measure by the Chinese government alone that goes beyond any concerns coming from the World Health Organization. The organizing committee has worked hard and is just a few weeks away now from holding a world-class event in a first-class fashion.”

World economic conditions, political situations and defections have played a role in shaping the roster of teams. Cuba committed, but backed out after three players went missing during the world junior baseball tournament in Edmonton in August, and that led to Venezuela pulling its participation. Chinese Taipei and Croatia felt the crunch of the world’s economic crisis and budget problems forced their cancellation.

“The teams have not pulled out because of Prince George, or Canada, or the local organization, it’s been because of issues beyond anyone’s control,” said Seminoff. “Other sports have faced the same issues recently with swine flu. The tournament roster is a fantastic one, headlined by the national teams of USA, Canada, Germany and Bahamas. As we work through completing the schedule, the goals remain to provide a format that gives the teams the maximum number of games possible, a goal that is best for fans and valued sponsors. I have been involved in tournaments at this level for many years, and this is a unique set of challenges – a worldwide pandemic and the worst economic situation in more than 50 years. Still, it’s a real testament to Prince George that so many sponsors continue to come forward, and that more than 550 tournament passes have already been secured. The community has really jumped on board with this tournament.”

Seminoff added that fallback plans for both replacement teams and scheduling are being put in place, and will be announced shortly. One of those plans is confirmed – Team B.C. will take part, the same team that won the national championship last summer in Brandon, Manitoba, with most of the players based in Vancouver and Victoria. The team will be managed by Scott MacKenzie, with former Prince George resident Scott Thompson on the coaching staff, and the playing roster will be comprised of former pro and college players.

“Team B.C. will be very competitive, and it’s expected a few familiar names will be part of that roster – Scott MacKenzie and Scott Thompson have a goal to challenge for the title,” said Seminoff.

The tournament runs July 16-26 in Prince George.