Africa Baseball Project in action
Mending fences: a trip that changed lives
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.
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!