This past weekend saw the launch of yet another baseball club in South Africa as we witnessed the establishment of The Vaal Dodgers based in Van der Bijl Park, located in the Sedibeng Region of the Gauteng Province.
The club is the brainchild of Damion Lloyd, who, after attending the recent National Baseball Championships in Boksburg with his son Miguel, realized the need for baseball in the Van der Bijl Park area. With their nearest club in Alberton and fueled by Miguels new found passion for baseball the journey to launch in the area began at a rapid pace.
Coincidentally, baseball runs in the Lloyd family, with Damion’s father, David, being a former national South African baseball player. This connection made it easier for Damion to navigate the baseball structures and bring the Vaal Dodgers to life.
With the support of SA Baseball Schools represenative Thabo Langa and the President of Easterns Baseball Federation Gavin Bennet, the club was up and running within a matter of days. The result was a successful first baseball practice session on Saturday, with over fifty children and adults showing up to participate.
The club management, consisting of Chairman David Lloyd, Vice Chair Thabo Langa, and members Damion Loyd, Thembi Langa, and Zonique Lloyd, have hit the ground running. They have already secured sponsors for various club support systems and obtained a significant amount of baseball equipment, which they are offering for free to new members.
In an effort to promote inclusivity and eliminate financial barriers, the Vaal Dodgers have decided to provide free club membership to those interested in joining. This progressive approach aims to make baseball accessible to a wider audience and create opportunities for individuals who may have been previously unable to participate.
To get started in the exciting world of baseball in Van der Bijl Park, simply contact Damion Lloyd directly on email: sedibengbaseball@gmail.com
