May has not been kind to our community. Like many sports, French baseball is going through a heated period with debates and controversies, especially on social media.
At Baseball TV, we don’t want to fuel divisions, but we believe it’s important to lay out the facts, with objectivity and restraint, so discussions remain constructive and true to the spirit of our sport.
Here, without any particular order, are the topics currently making waves.
🧑⚖️ A Presidency Balancing Two Roles
Re-elected to head the FFBS with a unanimous list, Didier Seminet recently announced his candidacy for the presidency of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF). If this national ambition comes to fruition, it would logically require his resignation from the federation’s presidency. In that case, a successor would need to be appointed by the executive committee.
Some see this as an opportunity: if baseball wants to reclaim its rightful place on the international stage, especially with Los Angeles 2028 in mind, having Mr. Seminet at the CNOSF could be a game-changer. Others lament a form of disengagement, citing his recent stances, which seem more focused on developing baseball5 than traditional baseball.
🤝 A France-Saudi Arabia Collaboration That Raises Questions
The recent publication of an interview with Jean-Michel Mayeur, involved in structuring baseball in Saudi Arabia, followed the announcement of a partnership between the FFBS and the Saudi federation. This has raised legitimate questions, as the values of the two countries sometimes seem at odds.
Two perspectives clash: for some, this is a partnership hard to defend on ethical grounds; for others, it’s a willingness to open up and share knowledge in hopes of advancing the sport and changing mindsets, even if the road is long. The debate deserves to be had calmly.
🤬 A Forgotten Handshake at the France Challenge
The end of the match between Rouen and Béziers at the France Challenge surprised more than a few spectators: no traditional post-game handshake. A regrettable sight, especially in a competition watched by many young players.
Tensions flared during the game: disputes with the umpires, misunderstandings about the end of an inning, exchanges between players and spectators. All factors that unfortunately led to a lapse in respecting tradition. We can regret it, but above all, see it as a reminder of the importance of setting an example in sports, in all circumstances.
🧑⚖️ Umpires Under Fire… and Under Insults
Umpires are an essential pillar of the game. While some calls may be debatable, insulting them is unacceptable. Yet, recent incidents reveal unacceptable behavior: heated disputes, offensive remarks, and online harassment.
Let’s remember: umpires, like players, are human. Mistakes happen, but they never justify verbal outbursts. Sanctions are in place, and they can escalate if hostility continues online. Perhaps the most vocal critics should undergo concrete awareness training by officiating themselves, to better understand this complex role.
📺 Broadcasts Need a Rethink
Recently, the FFBS has required Division 1 clubs to broadcast their matches. A great idea in theory, but one that has hit snags in practice: lack of resources, support, or clarity on technical requirements.
Result: broadcasts that are sometimes chaotic, without commentary, with shaky or inaudible images. Network issues, sector problems, or dependency on other platforms (YouTube, Twitch…)
Clubs feel abandoned, sometimes facing potential sanctions, and spectators are frustrated. Maybe it’s time to rethink the setup: fewer broadcasts, but better managed (creating a broadcast commission within the federation to share knowledge), better supported (pooling purchases), could offer a better showcase for our sport. A glimmer of hope with « Sport en France » broadcasting the softball France Challenge final! What about the next big event: the Division 1 Baseball final?
🌱 A Community to Grow, Together
French baseball is passionate, engaged, and often bubbling with energy. These debates show it’s very much alive. But let’s stay focused: don’t react in the heat of the moment, avoid snap judgments, and trust in collective intelligence.
At Baseball TV, we commit to relaying information with respect, without taking sides, so you can form your own opinion—always in a spirit of kindness and dialogue.
