Baseball Canada | Baseball Canada named WBSC National Federation of the Year for promotion and development of baseball, Keith McConkey honoured as WBSC Umpire of the Year

in Baseball Canada , Women in Coaching Program

October 18, 2025

Baseball Canada named WBSC National Federation of the Year for promotion and development of baseball, Keith McConkey honoured as WBSC Umpire of the Year

BANGKOK, Thailand – Baseball Canada has been named the WBSC National Federation of the Year for 2023, recognizing its outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of baseball. The award was presented during the WBSC Congress, currently taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, and accepted by Baseball Canada CEO Jason Dickson.

Also honoured was Keith McConkey of Welland, Ontario, who was named the WBSC Umpire of the Year for 2023, marking a prestigious international distinction for a Canadian official.

The WBSC’s National Federation of the Year Award celebrates federations that demonstrate leadership in growing the game globally through impactful programming and initiatives. In 2023, Baseball Canada hosted the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group A stage in Thunder Bay, Ontario, welcoming some of the top women’s baseball nations, reinforcing Canada’s longstanding commitment to the women’s game.

Baseball Canada also launched its inaugural Women in Coaching Program in 2023, aimed at increasing the representation and development of women in coaching roles across the country. The program received national recognition in 2024, earning the Coaching Association of Canada’s (CAC) Impact Award, a testament to its reach, innovation, and positive influence on sport in Canada.

"It is an incredible honour for Baseball Canada to be recognized by the WBSC with this award," said Jason Dickson, CEO of Baseball Canada. "2023 was a defining year, not only for hosting world-class events but for expanding our reach through meaningful and inclusive programming. I’m especially proud of the recognition received by our Women in Coaching Program and of Keith McConkey’s international honours. These awards reflect the passion and dedication of so many people working to grow baseball in Canada."

A respected leader and mentor in the Canadian umpiring community, Keith McConkey was also the recipient of Baseball Canada’s Dick Willis Memorial Award for Umpire of the Year in 2023.

The highlight of his 2023 season came at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan, where his performance earned him the assignment of Home Plate Umpire for the Gold Medal Game, a rare, if not unprecedented, honour for a Canadian official at the international level.

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