The South African U15 Baseball team is settling into its international tour programme in the United States after departing South Africa last week ahead of the U15 Baseball World Cup.
The team arrived in Atlanta on Friday and has received a fantastic welcome from its hosts. The South African delegation is being hosted by the International Sports Federation and John Kelso, who have put together a programme combining baseball preparation with memorable experiences for the young players.
The team held its first training session on Saturday at Hobgood Park in Woodstock, giving the players an opportunity to get back onto the field and adjust following the long journey from South Africa.
Their preparations also included a game against the U14/U15 Complete Sandy Plains team. South Africa had made a strong start and led 4–0 in the fourth inning when the game was brought to an early end because of lightning.
The team has now travelled to Tennessee for another game as the players continue their build-up and gain valuable game time in American conditions.
The programme continues with a clinic involving baseball scouts, giving the South African youngsters another valuable opportunity to learn and experience the baseball environment in the United States.
The team will also attend an Atlanta Braves game, adding another exciting experience to what has already been a memorable tour.
Away from the diamond, the players have been treated exceptionally well by their hosts and have already enjoyed a number of exciting excursions and activities, including supercar drives and welcome gift packs.
The tour forms an important part of South Africa’s preparation for the U15 Baseball World Cup and gives the players an opportunity not only to sharpen their skills, but also to experience baseball culture at a different level.
For the young South African players, the journey is already proving to be about much more than the games. It is an opportunity to represent their country, build friendships, experience a new culture and create memories that will last well beyond the tournament.
South African Baseball wishes the team well as they continue their preparations and move closer to representing South Africa on the world stage.
Team South Africa departs for Merida this week Wednesday for the U15 WBSC World Cup
