And hey, be nice to Mario. Can’t you see he’s holding a bat?

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Listen to this, and you will understand why Gift Ngoepe, MLB’s first African-born player, worked his way to Mario to ask him to lead this non-profit mission.

Share Classic Baseball: for the kid in all of us

Africa Baseball Project has its own “organic” activities designed to organize and grow youth, college, and professional participation in baseball on the continent of Africa. But we are also able to act as an “umbrella” organization, working closely with other groups whose mission is aligned with ours, but where their efforts and ours are complementary.

We’d always rather collaborate than duplicate effort. That’s simply good business, especially in the non-profit world. So, here are some organizations we have developed a working relationship with in some form. We encourage you to learn more about them! And if you’d like to learn more about how we are working with them, contact us.

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• They play baseball in Africa? (Answer: YES, thousands do)

• Yeah, I remember when a Uganda team made it to the Little League World Series

2012 was the year, and this video captures the story very well.

But the story has been on hold since that time. Logistics, funding leadership beyond the local level and other factors have left a gap in the progress in youth baseball on the continent. But that’s changing.

The Africa Baseball Project, one of the organizations which we at ClassicBaseballWorld.com are proud to support and provide visibility to, is also assisting a separate group with a the very specific goal of adding several African countries to the long list of youth baseball and softball programs under the umbrella of Little League. The next step is to form teams from at least six countries, and have them compete in the Europe/Africa division, which frankly is nearly all European teams. But not for long.

See the separate post in this section of the site for more on the efforts to create a more organized and mission-driven Little League infrastructure on the continent of Africa.

DONATE TO AFRICA BASEBALL

Baseball has always been about dreams. It’s the dream of a kid with a tattered glove and a ball made of tape, pretending to hit a game-winning home run in the World Series. It’s the dream of a young prospect from an overlooked part of the world, hoping one day to hear the crack of a bat echo in a stadium filled with fans. And now, it’s the dream of a continent—Africa.

For decades, baseball has been America’s pastime, but its global reach has always been part of its magic. From the Dominican Republic to Japan, South Korea to Venezuela, and the rising powerhouses of Australia and Colombia, baseball has proven that its language—fastballs, curveballs, and line drives—transcends borders.

But one continent has remained an untapped wellspring of potential: Africa. That’s beginning to change, thanks to pioneers like Gift Ngoepe, the first African-born Major Leaguer, and Mario Signorello (a seasoned baseball executive who for more than 20 years has worked to expand the game around the world. They and their team of volunteers have spent the past four years working tirelessly to bring the game to the next generation of African athletes.

The African Baseball League: A Dream in Motion

The African Baseball League began as a dream: a vision of a continent-wide baseball infrastructure that could nurture young talent and create opportunities for athletes to compete on the world stage. With Signorello’s leadership and Ngoepe’s advocacy, the project has gained momentum, building partnerships with Little League International and other global baseball organizations.

The vision for the ABL is ambitious but achievable:

• Grassroots Programs: Establishing youth baseball leagues in countries like South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana, where interest in the sport is growing.

• Continental Tournaments: Creating a competitive structure that allows African teams to compete regionally, with the ultimate goal of sending teams to the Little League World Series and international tournaments.

• Professional Opportunities: Developing a professional league that provides African players with a pathway to careers in baseball, whether in the ABL itself or abroad.

The project has already seen success. In Uganda, Little League programs have produced competitive teams that have made waves on the international stage. In South Africa, more schools and communities are introducing baseball as part of their sports curricula.

Africa Baseball Project: Our “Why” Factor

The potential for baseball in Africa is immense. The continent is home to millions of young, athletic individuals with untapped talent. With the right infrastructure, Africa could one day rival baseball powerhouses like the Caribbean or East Asia.

Ngoepe and Signorello’s vision isn’t just about building leagues; it’s about building hope. It’s about showing kids that there’s a place for them in a sport that has room for everyone. “Baseball taught me resilience,” Ngoepe said. “It taught me that no matter where you’re from, you can dream big and achieve even bigger.”

As the African Baseball League grows, it’s not just creating opportunities for athletes—it’s expanding the story of baseball itself. The next chapter of the game’s history might be written on the fields of Lagos, Kampala, or Johannesburg, with kids who grew up idolizing Gift Ngoepe swinging for the fences.

The Project

The Africa Baseball Project (ABP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing organized youth and professional baseball leagues to Africa. After four years of establishing essential infrastructure, relationships, and planning, we are seeking funding to launch full-time operations. This plan outlines our mission, goals, progress to date, funding needs, and the impact our project will have on African communities and Major League Baseball (MLB).

Mission

Our mission is to develop baseball in Africa by:

• Creating a safe and organized environment for youth to play baseball

• Establishing sustainable leagues and infrastructure

• Providing opportunities for talented players to advance in the sport

Goals

• Launch a T-ball and Coach Pitch tournament across 15 African countries

• Establish the Africa Continental Baseball League (ACBL) with teams from eight countries

• Secure long-term funding to support operations and growth

Progress to Date

• Established relationships with baseball organizations in 15 African countries

• Secured commitments from former MLB players for coaching clinics and video messages

• Identified eight cities to host the inaugural ACBL season

• Secured initial donations to support equipment purchases and field maintenance

Funding Needs

• Funding is needed to support the following:

  • T-ball and Coach Pitch tournament expenses (equipment, travel, staff)

  • ACBL operations (uniforms, equipment, umpire training)

  • Administrative costs (staffing, shipping, marketing)

Impact

The ABP will have a significant impact on Africa and MLB:

• Africa: Provides educational and athletic opportunities for youth, promotes sportsmanship and community development.

• MLB: Creates a new market for fans and players, fosters international goodwill, and expands the sport's global reach.

Call to Action

We urge MLB and other potential donors to join us in making baseball a reality for African youth. Your investment will create lasting positive change for communities across the continent.

Business Model

The ABP will generate revenue through a combination of sources:

• Corporate sponsorships: Partner with companies looking to expand their reach into Africa and connect with a passionate fan base.

• Fundraising events: Host charity games, galas, and online campaigns to raise awareness and secure donations.

• Grants: Apply for grants from foundations and organizations that support youth development and international sports initiatives.

• Merchandise sales: Generate revenue by selling ABP-branded t-shirts, hats, and other merchandise.

Management Team

The ABP is led by a dedicated team of experienced professionals with expertise in baseball operations, fundraising, and non-profit management.

• Mario Signorello (President): Founder of the ABP, with decades of experience in professional and youth baseball.

• Gift Ngoepe (Board Member): First African-born player in Major League Baseball, passionate about promoting baseball in Africa.

• Rob Isbitts (Board Member): Former investment advisor, working on a book about baseball history and editor of ClassicBaseballWorld.com (this site).

• Jeff Lampert (Volunteer): Retired first responder, overseeing umpire training for the ACBL.

• Gavin Bennett (Volunteer): Technical Director, baseball scout, and leader in the South African baseball community.

Financial Projections

Financial projections will be included in a full business plan upon request.

Conclusion

The ABP is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of African youth and grow the game of baseball globally. We invite you to partner with us as we bring this vision to life.

DONATE TO AFRICA BASEBALL

We are so thankful for the generosity of the Miami Christian school. They pledged $2,500 to the Africa Baseball Project and designated the funds for the Zambia Baseball Federation. The funds will be used to build a backstop on the first-ever baseball-only field in that country, as well as a portable pitcher’s mound, T-shirts for Zambian players, and food and beverages for the first game played at that ballfield. Miami Christian’s team nickname is the Victors, and we thank them for exporting their winning attitude to one of many African nations hungry to enjoy playing the game on their home turf!

DONATE TO AFRICA BASEBALL

So far, 10 former MLB Players have recorded inspirational video messages that we have sent to several African countries. And, Gift Ngoepe made one generic that was sent to all countries we have initiated relationships with. In this age of video communication and worldwide connectedness, you can only imagine the impact these have made across the world! Here’s a list of the players who have donated their time to do this so far, and the countries we delivered these videos to:

Rick Ankiel (South Africa/Boksburg Cardinals)

Charles Johnson (Uganda)

Andre Dawson (Kenya)

Orlando Hudson (Zimbabwe)

Luis Alicea (Tanzania)

Derek May (Cameroon)

Mark Whiten (Zambia/Yamid Haad)

Jason Stanford (Mauritania)

Gift Ngoepe (generic video to all countries)

DONATE TO AFRICA BASEBALL

DONATE TO AFRICA BASEBALL

Opportunity? Check!

Enthusiasm? Check!

Live-changing? Check!

How can you help make it happen? Check! (or credit card, of course)

A Diamond in the Rough: Forging a Future for Baseball in Africa

"Don't look back, something might be gaining on you," the legendary Satchel Paige once wisely said. For the Africa Baseball Project (ABP), this sentiment rings especially true. While a moment of reflection is warranted to appreciate the strides made, the focus remains firmly fixed on the future—a future where baseball flourishes across the African continent. This is a story of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the power of sport to transform lives. It's a story that can only fully unfold with the necessary funding to fuel its ambitious goals.

The seed of this ambitious project was planted in 2020, amidst the global disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. A simple phone call between Gift Ngoepe, the first African-born player to reach Major League Baseball, and Mario Signorello, a seasoned veteran of professional and youth baseball, sparked a movement.

Ngoepe, witnessing the burgeoning love for baseball in his home continent, recognized a critical gap: while African children possessed the same dreams as their counterparts around the world, they lacked the fundamental resources to nurture their talent. Balls made of tape and gloves fashioned from old milk cartons were a stark reminder of the challenges they faced. This was a situation reminiscent of the Dominican Republic and other baseball hotbeds generations ago, where raw talent struggled to blossom without proper support.

This realization ignited the creation of the ABP, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing organized youth, developmental, and professional baseball to Africa. Over the past four years, the ABP has laid the essential groundwork: building relationships, establishing infrastructure, and meticulously planning for the future. Now, they stand at a critical juncture: funding. Securing sufficient financial resources is the key that will unlock full-time operations for both youth and professional leagues, transforming a promising vision into a tangible reality.

The cornerstone of the ABP's vision is the Africa Continental Baseball League (ACBL). This initiative is not merely a league; it's a symbol of hope, a pathway for aspiring African youth to convert their skills into opportunities that were previously unimaginable. The ACBL is poised to launch in eight cities across seven countries, creating a recognizable and competitive format that will attract donors, engage fans, and inspire players. The league's structure is designed to foster both local and international talent: 18-player rosters will include nine players from the host country, six from other African nations, and three from outside the continent, including a top-level player (from MLB or a Japanese league), a Minor League player, and a college player. This blend of experience and potential will elevate the level of play and provide invaluable mentorship opportunities.

But the ABP's vision extends far beyond professional baseball. Recognizing that the future of the sport lies in nurturing young talent, the organization is deeply committed to developing youth programs. A key component of this effort is the proposal to develop Little League in Africa. This initiative aims to establish and improve programs at the country level, host regional tournaments, and ultimately enable African teams to participate in European and African regional competitions.

This multi-stage approach focuses on identifying capabilities, overcoming barriers, and providing targeted support, including equipment, coach training, and organizational assistance. The ultimate goal is to send winning teams from East and West Africa to the European-African tournament, giving them a chance to compete on a larger stage.

The ABP understands that building a sustainable baseball ecosystem in Africa requires more than just leagues and tournaments. It requires building fields, providing equipment, and developing coaches. The story of Burkina Faso perfectly illustrates this point. Despite being one of the world's least developed countries, Burkina Faso has a passionate baseball community, even sending six players to Japan's minor leagues. However, their dream of a proper ballpark was hampered by a lack of funds to complete the outfield fence. The ABP, with the help of dedicated supporters like Orlando Rodriguez, is working to bridge this gap, demonstrating its commitment to even the smallest details that contribute to a thriving baseball environment.

The ABP's efforts have garnered support from various corners of the baseball world. Discussions with Major League Baseball (MLB) have opened doors to potential collaborations, including the possibility of MLB sponsoring a T-ball and Coach Pitch event, reigniting the Africa Elite player development camps, and supporting the ACBL. While these proposals are still under consideration, the ABP has already secured support from the MLB Players Alliance, who have pledged to sponsor ACBL uniforms, and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA), who are exploring the possibility of conducting playing and coaching clinics in Africa. The Japan-Africa Baseball & Softball Foundation (J-ABS) has also joined the growing network of partners, bringing their expertise in program and resource development.

The ABP's progress is a testament to the dedication of its volunteers and partners. From retired first responders like Jeff Lampert, who is leading umpire training for the ACBL, to experienced scouts like Gavin Bennett, who serves as the ABP's Technical Director, to dedicated individuals like Rob Isbitts, who is leveraging his expertise and passion for baseball to support fundraising efforts, the ABP is powered by a team of individuals committed to making a difference.

The impact of the ABP's work is already being felt on the ground. A trip to Nigeria by Mario Signorello and Jeff Lampert highlighted the enthusiasm for baseball in the country. They participated in a local tournament, ran a coach pitch game for children who had never played baseball before, and worked with volunteers on field maintenance. These experiences underscore the urgent need for resources and support to nurture the growing interest in the sport.

The ABP has also leveraged the power of video communication to inspire young players across Africa. Former MLB players like Rick Ankiel, Charles Johnson, Andre Dawson, and Gift Ngoepe have recorded inspirational video messages that have been shared with various African countries, creating a sense of connection and possibility.

The story of the Miami Christian School's donation to the Zambia Baseball Federation further exemplifies the ripple effect of the ABP's work. The funds will be used to build a backstop, a portable pitcher's mound, and provide T-shirts and refreshments for the first game played on Zambia's first-ever baseball-only field. This small but significant contribution will have a lasting impact on the development of baseball in Zambia.

The ABP's journey has been a bootstrap operation, fueled by the passion and dedication of volunteers. However, to truly realize its full potential, the organization needs substantial funding. This funding will not only support the ACBL and youth programs but also address critical needs such as equipment, field maintenance, staffing, and administrative costs. The ABP is actively seeking partnerships and donations to transition from a volunteer-driven organization to a fully operational entity capable of sustaining its impact for generations to come.

The ABP's vision is not just about creating baseball players; it's about building communities, fostering leadership, and providing opportunities for young people to develop valuable life skills. It's about creating a lasting legacy that will transform the landscape of baseball in Africa. This is a story of hope, a story of opportunity, and a story that is waiting to be fully written—a story that can only be completed with the necessary financial support. The diamond is there, waiting to be polished. With the right investment, it will shine brightly for all to see.

Burkina Faso is a southwest African nation that is home to 21 million people and one of the least developed countries in the world. But guess what? THEY LOVE PLAYING BASEBALL! The country has sent 6 of its native citizens to play in Japan’s minor leagues. They were given $87,500 by the Japanese Embassy to build a ballpark and ran out of money for the outfield fence ($9,000). Orlando’s idea: find 90 people to donate $100 each. Approximately 50 have pledged to date.

We welcome you to join them. Because while Fenway Park has survived for 113 years with just a 3-foot high wall in right field, we have a different plan for Burkina Faso!

This is one of many opportunities we will have in 2025 for anyone with a love for the game, a soft spot in their heart, and the resources to give at whatever level is comfortable for them.

DONATE TO AFRICA BASEBALL

ABP Partner Organizations: THIS is what progress looks like!

This past June, Mario and his friend Jeff Lampert, Chief Umpire of the Africa Continental Baseball League traveled to Nigeria at the invitation of the Ilorin Baseball Association. Our organization came bearing gifts…a substantial donation of equipment. They also participated in a tournament they held while there.

Highlight “Real”

Mario and Jeff’s trip was rewarding in so many ways, but perhaps none more than the day they ran a coach pitch game for 20 kids that have never played Baseball. It happened to be Father’s Day. Ilorin, a peaceful city with about 1 million residents, has the only stadium on the entire continent that is used exclusively for baseball. Capacity: 2,000 people.

Mario and Jeff spent the last day of their trip working with 10 volunteers on field maintenance, and met with the board on their future plans. The trip closed in style, when they were hosted for a dinner at the Governor’s home. Reportedly, Jay-Z made a guest appearance in Ilorin way back in 2006. But we bet he didn’t play baseball there!

The Rundown

An update on key developments from the Africa Baseball Project

The legendary Sachel Paige was once quoted as saying, “don’t look back, something might be gaining on you.” At the Africa Baseball Project, there’s so much ahead of us. But with so much momentum surrounding our non-profit mission to bring organized youth, developmental and organized league baseball to the world’s second largest continent, we thought we’d take a breath…just for a moment…to look back.

So as we say on the diamond, let’s go around the horn!

How it started

The Africa Baseball Project (ABP) began in 2020 during Covid. It began with a phone call. Gift Ngoepe, the first African-born player to reach the Major Leagues, contacted Mario Signorello, and asked him to apply his decades of experience in professional and youth baseball to solve a problem.

Gift’s home continent has fallen in love with baseball, and kids there have the same dreams of playing the game that so many of today’s Baby Boomers and other generations in the United States had when they were young. But as was the case in the Dominican Republic and elsewhere two generations ago, you can only get so far when the ball is made of tape, and the glove is an old milk carton.

How its going

After 4 years of establishing essential infrastructure, relationships, and planning, there’s one critical step in front of us: funding. Once we have that in place, full-time operations for both the youth and professional leagues will begin immediately.

We are finalizing a full business plan and proposal for funding, but we are commencing the “crowdfunding” phase now, in time for year-end. This is a non-profit organization, so donations are 100% tax deductible.

An idea becomes an action plan

We have had several informal and formal discussions with people at Major League Baseball. It started with Mario meeting MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who assigned Chris Marinak (Chief Operations and Strategy Officer) and Raymond Liu (Sr. VP of International Baseball) to take the conversation forward. Upon his request, we presented Mr. Liu with a list of African countries and affiliates we have relationships with, their number of participants and 10-year road map.

We also discussed the possibility of MLB sponsoring a one-day T-ball (ages 6-8) and Coach Pitch (ages 8-10) event, and re-igniting the Africa Elite player development camps MLB sponsored from 2011-2018. However, that proposal has yet to be addressed by MLB.

In addition, members of our board had initial meetings with the MLB Players Alliance, a group that receives significant funding from MLB which is intended to promote diversity in the game. The head of that group, 16-year MLB veteran Curtis Granderson told Gift Ngoepe they would sponsor African Continental Baseball League (ACBL) uniforms.

Our colleague and 10-year MLB veteran Derrick May contacted the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) about conducting playing and coaching clinics in Africa. Mario spoke to Clinic Coordinator Diego McCollum about potentially beginning in April, 2025, provided it is approved within their budget.

The Japan-Africa Baseball & Softball Foundation (J-ABS) is a non-profit organization who offers programs and resource development. They are now part of our expanding global circle.

A league of their own: The Africa Continental Baseball League (ACBL)

This ABP initiative is central to our short-term and long-term plans, as it provides a recognizable and competitive format for donors, fans and players alike. It also represents an important motivator for aspiring African youth, who will see it as a pathway to convert their skills into opportunities that previous generations on the continent did not have.

The league is ready to launch in 8 cities spanning 7 countries, playing games over 3 consecutive weekends. Four teams will host the first weekend, the other four the next, then all teams will gather in Johannesburg, South Africa for a knockout-style tournament and skills showcase.

18-player rosters will be constructed to include 9 from the host team country, while 6 more can be from another African country. The final 3 roster spots can be filled by players from outside Africa, including 1 top-level player (MLB or Japanese league), 1 Minor League player, and 1 college player.

The house that youth built! (and you can keep building with them)

These are the 8 Ballparks of the ACBL

Mending fences

Our organization is so thankful for proactive supporters like Orlando Rodriguez. “O-Rod” is a supporter of Mario’s longtime Caribbean Baseball Organization (CBO) and came to use through Albert Frimkong of Ghana, who is also the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) President for Africa.

Burkina Faso is a southwest African nation that is home to 21 million people and one of the least developed countries in the world. But guess what? THEY LOVE PLAYING BASEBALL! The country has sent 6 of its native citizens to play in Japan’s minor leagues. They were given $87,500 by the Japanese Embassy to build a ballpark and ran out of money for the outfield fence ($9,000). Orlando’s idea: find 90 people to donate $100 each. Approximately 50 have pledged to date.

We welcome you to join them. Because while Fenway Park has survived for 113 years with just a 3-foot high wall in right field, we have a different plan for Burkina Faso!

This is one of many opportunities we will have in 2025 for anyone with a love for the game, a soft spot in their heart, and the resources to give at whatever level is comfortable for them.

DONATE TO AFRICA BASEBALL