Are baseball and softball going to be events in the 2008 Beijing Olympics?

Question

Are baseball and softball going to be events in the 2008 Beijing Olympics?

Answer 1

yes, they are in the beijing olympics, but the mlb players aren't playing though

Answer 2

yes they are  

Answer 3

They currently are being played.  In fact, there was a crazy baseball match between China and Chinese Taipei when the match went to the 12th inning, Chinese Taipei scored 4 runs in the top, and China returned with 5 in the bottom to win their first baseball match.

But unfortunately, the International Olympic Committee decided that baseball has not picked up enough international popularity to remain a sporting event.  It was first started in Barcelona 1992 to try to spread popularity, but it has failed.  Softball is a slightly different matter.  I'm told it's mainly because the U.S. dominates the sport too much for it to be competitive anymore, but it doesn't seem to be a complete explanation.

Answer 4

Yes, but unless they are picked up between now and 2012, this is the last year for them because it is considered undesirable that the U.S. always wins.

Edit:  I forgot to explain this:  If they take away a men's sport they have to take away a women's sport.  It keeps it balanced and fair, so that men and women have equal opportunity to compete.

Answer 5

yes. softball is actually on right now on the usa network. theyre on central mountain time atleast