Aiden Schwartz, a talented, young baseball player, coach, and student from NewBridge Graduate Institute in Fourways, is setting his sights on World Cup aspirations, chasing his dreams of Olympic glory.

Aiden’s baseball journey began when he was 5, inspired by his father, Shawn Schwartz, who represented South Africa at 19 in an international tournament hosted in Italy. Under his guidance, Aiden was determined to excel in the sport. Aiden also has a twin brother, Kyle, who plays college baseball in the US for Chicago.

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Aidens was selected to play in the U18 Baseball World Cup in Orlando, Florida, USA in 2022, where the South Africans battled against 8 countries, showing the global baseball stage that SA has what it takes to make its mark on this exciting sport. “Representing my country in our green and gold has been my proudest moment. It’s something I worked really hard to achieve.”

Aiden will be representing his home country with pride for a second time in the upcoming Baseball World Cup, scheduled to take place from November 6 to 15 in Nicaragua. He will compete against some of the world’s best baseball talents.

Aiden is not only passionate about growing his own game, but also that of the youth in his surrounding community.

Aiden has made a commitment to growing baseball locally and inspiring young and aspiring players to grow in the sport. To this end, Aiden runs private coaching sessions for young baseball enthusiasts in the community.

“Giving back to the community and growing the game I love is important to me. The opportunities I’ve had through baseball are incredible, and I want others to experience that too.”

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Aiden is a full-time undergraduate student and coach. Training for competitions and balancing a full day study timetable requires dedication.

Aiden manages his busy schedule, which includes multiple weekly training sessions for fitness and attending class at Newbridge Graduate Institute at the Fourways campus, where he is currently a 2nd year student studying a Diploma in Sports Management to further supplement his sporting career.

Behind Aiden’s continued success is his support system. His parents have been hands-on, following his baseball dreams and helping him pursue opportunities, from attending his matches to assisting with travel and tournament expenses.

“My parents have been there with me every step of the way. Mom and Dad, thank you for everything. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Tim Michael Verne, national public relations and communications manager at NewBridge Graduate Institute, said the institution is looking forward to cheering Aiden on at the Baseball World Cup closer to the end of the year and is behind him all the way on his quest to achieve his Olympic dreams.

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