Stars Baseball Club beats the odds to win top honour in Gauteng

The Stars Baseball Club has knocked it out of the park.

After a season packed with passion, grit and growth, the Alberton-based club has been crowned Club of the Year at the Gauteng Province Baseball Prize Giving – a grand slam moment for a club that started with just one team and a big dream.

This prestigious award, introduced only last year, makes the Stars Baseball Club the second team ever to win the title. And they did it the hard way, going up against bigger, older and more established clubs with larger squads and fancy facilities. But none of that fazed the Stars.

“We are so honoured to get this award, especially given the strong competition,” said club chairman Shaun Niemand, beaming with pride.

From small beginnings to big wins

Founded in 2010 in memory of Ron Peterson, the club’s journey began with a single senior reserve team, run under the guidance of former chairman Darren Peterson.

Based in Germiston, the early years were all about building heart, hustle and a solid team spirit.

Fast forward to 2019, Peterson heads to Cape Town and hands over the reins to Shaun Niemand.

Just as the new chapter begins, Covid-19 struck in 2020, putting the brakes on the season. As if that wasn’t enough, the club’s Germiston grounds were lost to Ekurhuleni. With no home base, the Stars were forced into extra innings off the field, hustling to find a new ground.

Their breakthrough came with a move to the Alberton Football Club, a game-changer that would set the tone for the Stars’ resurgence.

“It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication from our management team, committee, coaches, and club members to get to where we are today,” Niemand said.

Growth spurt

From that lone senior team, the Stars now boast two senior reserve teams and a ladies’ team, all competing in the Winter Senior League. But the real star power is shining in the juniors.

Back in 2022, the Stars fielded their first-ever U8 team in Alberton.

Today, they’ve got four age groups up and running, U8, U10, U12 and U15, with talent already moving up the ranks.

In a proud moment for the club, two U15 players have stepped up to the senior reserves, proving that the player pathway is firing on all cylinders.

“We’ve had so many firsts since 2019, and we’re so blessed to be here now,” Niemand said.

Reaching new bases

Last year, the club launched school outreach visits around Alberton, introducing the sport to young athletes and fuelling the next generation of players.

With the junior season set to kick off in August 2025, expect even more action from this high-energy club.
The club of the year title is not just a win for management. It’s a full-team victory.

The Stars are sending a huge shout-out to every coach, player, parent, and supporter who’s helped make this moment possible.

“For supporting us to get to this point and win this award, we thank you,” said Niemand.

A massive thank you also goes to Alberton Football Club, whose facilities became home base when the Stars needed it most. Their support has been instrumental in fuelling the club’s comeback.

Backed by believers

None of this would be possible without the club’s rock-solid sponsors.

Stars Baseball tips its cap to core backers AO Pay, Hooked Digital, and Feinschmecker Deli Meats, whose logos now shine proudly on the newly built backstop – a visual reminder of the community standing behind the team.

“Our dreams are not small ones, and we continue to reach for those dreams with the backing of our sponsors,” Niemand added.

Join the Stars

A powerhouse built on passion, resilience, and a love for the game and with their sights set high and their cleats firmly planted, the Stars are just getting started.

Want to join the team, bring baseball to your school, or back a club that’s going places?

Contact Shaun Niemand on 072 148 2535 or email chairman@sstarsbaseball.co.za