World Children's Baseball Foundation Appoints Women to Its Board for 1st Time

The World Children's Baseball Foundation announced the appointment of TV sportscaster and radio presenter Rie Oh and retired table tennis star Kasumi Ishikawa to its Board of Councilors on Monday, June 16.

They are the first women to join the nonprofit organization's board. 

"We look forward to hearing broad and diverse opinions from both of them  — beyond just baseball — based on their unique experiences," the WCBF wrote on its official social media accounts. "With their fresh insight and energy, we believe WCBF will continue to grow and inspire young players around the world. Thank you for your continued support!"

The World Children's Baseball Foundation was established in 1992 as a non-profit organization with the backing of NPB's all-time home-run king Sadaharu Oh (Rie's father) and his MLB counterpart Hank Aaron.

Oh, 85, remains actively involved with the WCBF, serving as its chairman. He enthusiastically promotes the group's work, including the upcoming 31st World Children's Baseball Fair in Daisen, Akita Prefecture (July 30-August 7). This year’s event will feature youth baseball players (boys and girls) from 11 nations.

The Yomiuri Giants legend said the WCBF needed to change with the times.

"Until now, [the council members] have only been men, older men like us," Oh told the news conference. "But in today's age, we need to rejuvenate the council and include women's opinions. We appointed you two to change the atmosphere of the WCBF."

He added, "I look forward to their active participation."

New Appointees Eager to Make Impact for World Children's Baseball Foundation

Three-time Olympian Ishikawa said she's looking forward to her new role with the WCBF.

"I would like to rejuvenate the foundation and incorporate women's opinions to make it more in tune with the times," Ishikawa said at a news conference on Monday, Sankei Sports reported.

Ishikawa also expressed enthusiasm for this new opportunity in her life.

"I am very happy and honored to be working with Mr Oh, who has been conveying the joy of baseball, the fun of sports, and the power of sports to children around the world for many years through this foundation," Ishikawa told the news conference, Sports Hochi reported. She then said, "I myself have learned many things through table tennis and sports."

At the same media gathering, Rie Oh, 55, spoke about her commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

"The theme of my life is 'food and health.' I would like to keep an eye on children's dietary education as well," she said, according to Sankei Sports. She added, "I would like my father to continue this tournament for as long as possible, and I would like to support him in any way I can."

Rie Oh is a board member of the Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association.

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Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.