Washirika wetu katika besiboli! (our partners in baseball, in Swahili)
Here’s our ever-growing list of ABP Partner Organizations in Africa
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.
