Opening Day: A Time for Hope — and a Call to Action
Two of the greatest words in the English language are “Opening Day.”
It symbolizes hope and anticipation for baseball fans everywhere—the start of a new season filled with possibility. Opening Day embodies optimism, unity, and the excitement of potential success. It inspires fans to believe that this is the year their team can win it all.
Yes… even I, as a Mets fan, still have hope.
AOH & Irish Baseball: Supporting a Bigger Dream
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Irish American Baseball Society (IABS) and supports its mission to see Ireland compete in the World Baseball Classic.
To better understand the current situation, we encourage you to read:
- Media Release: Why Isn’t Ireland in the World Baseball Classic? The Answer May Surprise You
- AOH Pitches In Amid Baseball Brouhaha
We also invite AOH members to learn more about getting involved:
The Challenge Ahead
Ireland’s path to the next World Baseball Classic begins this summer with the European B-Pool Qualifying Tournament.
However, a significant issue remains:
Baseball Ireland is currently preventing over 50 eligible college and professional players—including dual citizens—from trying out for the Irish National Team.
This restriction limits Ireland’s ability to field its strongest possible team on the international stage.
A Message from the Irish American Baseball Society
The following message is shared in full from the Irish American Baseball Society and reflects their official communication.
Hi Everyone,
This message is going out to AOH members who want to support the Irish American Baseball Society. If you’re Irish and you love baseball, you’d probably love to see Ireland in the next World Baseball Classic. And, if you’re like us, you probably view this as a great development for Ireland and the game of baseball.
Ireland’s path to the next WBC starts this summer with the European B-Pool Qualifying Tournament. As of today, Baseball Ireland continues to prevent over 50 eligible college and professional players — dual citizens and eligible dual citizens — from trying out for the Irish National Team.
We recently started a new petition with a focus towards removing the restrictions on college and pro players — your input and support are needed:
- If you haven’t already done so, please read and sign the petition: Help Ireland Reach the Next World Baseball Classic
- Share the petition with family and friends. Tip: Take a minute to share the link personally, via text or email. A quick personal outreach can make a big difference. Here is the link to share: https://www.change.org/irelandbaseball
- Consider posting the link on social media. Tip: When you post the link, take a minute to type out what it is and why you’re sharing the link. A few lines of text can help your post reach more of your friends!
Here is some sample text that you can use when posting to social media. Feel free to edit as you see fit:
I’d love to see Ireland at the next World Baseball Classic. If you agree and want to help, please read and sign this petition: https://www.change.org/irelandbaseball
#worldbaseballclassic #Ireland
Thank you for your time and interest in this issue.
Best,
John Fitzgerald
Executive Director, Emerald Diamond International
Founder, Irish American Baseball Society
Take Action
The Ancient Order of Hibernians stands in support of this effort and encourages our members—and all friends of Ireland—to take action.
In Support
The Ancient Order of Hibernians proudly stands with the Irish American Baseball Society in this effort.
We encourage our members—and all who support Ireland—to take action and help ensure Ireland has the opportunity to compete on the world stage.
Sean Pender
National President
Ancient Order of Hibernians