THE 1950s were considered the golden years for baseball before the popularity waned during WWII and then returned afterwards.
Baseball, often confused with softball, is played in all provinces with established leagues. Gauteng, Western Cape, and KZN lead the pack.
Players and teams have even represented the country globally.
Chairperson of eThekwini Baseball Federation Fritz Ackermann offered some insight into the sport, “There is genuine interest in baseball as a sport; however, the momentum is not as high as it used to be. Back in the day, we used to fill stadiums, and we enjoyed full support. The younger generation is not as keen, but we are consistent in planting efforts to revive it and keep it relevant through clinics and refresher coaching for players and umpires at the grassroots level.
“We often meet challenges of funding to take our efforts even further. Equipment and kits are expensive, and many young hopefuls come from disadvantaged backgrounds. But we’re hopeful,” said Ackermann.
He adds that the emergence of digital sports has contributed to youth showing less interest in baseball, or any other physical sport. “With the next Olympics, some KZN players will be part of the team representing the country. This is one way the youth can be motivated to take baseball as a sport. Some schools, though very few, have active baseball leagues, but the key to reviving the sport squarely lies with the support of parents and teachers, to plant the seed and be consistent in their support.”
Ackermann believes that the Department of Education can play an even bigger role by imposing legislation on baseball as a sports code in schools because “a lot of children are missing out”.
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He is positive that the introduction of Baseball5 (B5) will see the growth of interest and rope in fresh players and fans. B5 is a simplified, urban version of baseball and softball played by two teams of five players each, with the goal of scoring runs by hitting a ball and running around a diamond. It’s designed to be accessible, inclusive, and fun, particularly for youth, and can be played in various locations with minimal equipment, requiring only a rubber ball. Unlike traditional baseball, there is no pitcher, with the batter starting each play with the ball.
The South African baseball community remains actively involved in development and scouting, although limited resources and infrastructure can hinder the sport’s growth.
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