PRESS RELEASE
New York, NY — August 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST
The United States Blind Baseball Association (USBBA) is proud to announce the players selected to represent the United States at the 2026 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Blind Baseball International Cup, taking place September 30 through October 3, 2026, in Castiglione della Pescaia, Tuscany, Italy.
The 2026 delegation features a combination of experienced international competitors and athletes making their first appearance at the WBSC Blind Baseball International Cup. Several returning players have represented the United States at one or both of the previous international tournaments, bringing valuable experience to this year’s delegation.
2026 United States Delegation Players
- Pasquale Agnone — 2024 International Cup
- Kevin Carver — 2024 International Cup
- Janice Clarke
- Kiana Glanton — 2022 and 2024 International Cups
- Teddy Hackett
- Edery Herrera
- Edrisa Kabba
- Amanda Makson — 2022 and 2024 International Cups
- Zack Ship — 2024 International Cup
- Robert Weekes — 2022 and 2024 International Cups
The delegation represents an important milestone in the continued development of Blind Baseball in the United States. The returning athletes bring international experience from the 2022 inaugural WBSC Blind Baseball International Cup in Beek, Netherlands, and the 2024 WBSC Blind Baseball International Cup at Farnham Park in the United Kingdom.
Their experience will be particularly valuable as the delegation prepares to compete against some of the world’s strongest Blind Baseball programs.
Eight National Teams to Compete
The 2026 tournament will feature eight national teams:
- Cuba
- Czechia
- Great Britain
- Italy
- The Netherlands
- Pakistan
- Chinese Taipei
- United States
Cuba enters the competition as the defending champion.
Building the Future of Blind Baseball
While international competition is an important part of USBBA’s mission, the organization’s vision extends well beyond the tournament in Italy.
Founded in 2023 by players and coaches from the Bronze Medal-winning 2022 United States Team delegation, USBBA is dedicated to developing, managing, promoting, and growing Blind Baseball throughout the United States.
The organization is working to establish local and regional programs, expand opportunities for youth and adult athletes, develop coaches and volunteers, provide adaptive equipment, conduct clinics and competitions, and create a pathway for athletes to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Participation in the 2026 WBSC Blind Baseball International Cup will provide the athletes with invaluable international experience while helping raise awareness of Blind Baseball and the abilities of blind and visually impaired athletes.
USBBA Leaders Look Ahead to Italy
“This delegation represents both the progress we have made and the future we are building. We are extremely proud of our returning athletes and excited to welcome those competing internationally for the first time.”
— Don Landolphi, Director of Baseball Operations, United States Blind Baseball Association
“Our goal extends beyond one tournament—we are building opportunities for blind and visually impaired athletes throughout the United States.”
— Ed Plumacher, President, United States Blind Baseball Association
The 2026 delegation will now prepare for the international competition in Italy, where the athletes will have the opportunity to compete on the world stage and continue the growth of Blind Baseball in America.
Learn More About the United States Blind Baseball Association
For additional information about the United States Blind Baseball Association, Blind Baseball programs, the 2026 WBSC Blind Baseball International Cup, or opportunities to support the organization, contact:
United States Blind Baseball Association (USBBA)
Visit the United States Blind Baseball Association website
Email the United States Blind Baseball Association
Media Contact: Ed Plumacher
Email Ed Plumacher
About the United States Blind Baseball Association
The United States Blind Baseball Association (USBBA) is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to the development, management, promotion, and governance of Blind Baseball in the United States.
Founded in 2023 by members of the Bronze Medal-winning 2022 United States delegation, USBBA is committed to creating sustainable opportunities for blind and visually impaired youth and adults to participate in organized baseball and to supporting the continued growth of Blind Baseball nationally and internationally.