This week saw the arrival of Team South Africa for the World Baseball Classic qualifier in Regensburg, Germany, and play their first formal match against Spain.

After the conclusion of the first leg which saw South Africa preparing in Stuttgart where they were hosted by the Stuttgart Reds, the team traveled to Regenseburg to settle in for the first match against a tough Spanish outfit.

Having settled the various travel and accommodation matters the team departed to the Armin Wolf Stadium, Regensburg early Friday morning for batting practice before the day’s opening ceremony.

The team which was joined then joined by the South African Baseball administrative support team was welcomed to an incredible facility that is by many recognised as arguably the nicest stadium in Europe. The day saw South Africa decked out proudly in green and gold to go through the various formalities such as team pictures, followed by an emotional national anthem with fans watching live from all over the world before the first ball against Spain.

South Africa displayed incredible fighting spirit with typical South African pride, and the knowledge of the support from the South African fans carrying them into the game.

Although the first match which swung both ways several times ultimately saw South Africa lose narrowly 5-4, the general perception from commentators and fans has been the remarkable performance of the team with limited exposure and almost five years since their last international.

South Africa will now play their next match against the loser of the match between Great Britain and Germany, which plays out on Saturday.

All matches can be viewed via the World Classic YouTube Channel.

Please click here to add your well wishes for our South African Team