Washington - USA Baseball expressed disappointment that the International Olympic Committee decided Thursday to exclude baseball and softball from the 2016 Games.

"As disappointing as this decision by the IOC is, it is interesting to note the significant global growth our sport has experienced since we first heard of this possible outcome," Paul Seiler, the executive director of USA Baseball, said.

The IOC agreed to propose including golf and rugby sevens when the full IOC assembly meets in Copenhagen in October, but for the second straight time kept baseball and softball, sports born in the United States, out.

The two sports appeared in the Beijing Games last year but in a 2005 decision were barred from the 2012 Olympics in London. A host city has not yet been selected for
2016.

Seiler said baseball is on the rise around the world, demonstrated by the enthusiasm for the last spring World Baseball Classic, a tournament of 16 nations put on by Major League Baseball.

"International participation at all levels of baseball continues to grow, and the success of the World Baseball Classic is undeniable proof that ours is a sport with worldwide appeal," Seiler said.(dpa)