The latest episode of the Global Game podcast offers a new perspective on the inaugural Baseball5 African Championship and the development of the five-on-five version of baseball/softball in Africa.
Host Tyler Maun had a chance to interview Susan Wanjiiku Mwangi, the Kenyan Baseball5 National Team manager, and Alpherio Moris Nchimbi, the secretary-general of the Tanzania Baseball and Softball Association.
Mwangi spoke about her personal experience. She learned softball as a 19-year-old and participated in the Women's Softball World Cup 2016.
"We are happy we [Kenya] qualified for the World Cup," Mwangi commented. "We didn't finish first, as we were aiming. Still, we succeeded in putting Baseball5 in a better position in our country. Hopefully, qualifying for the World Cup will bring us more resources."
She spoke about Baseball5 in Kenya.
"Baseball5 players come mainly from baseball and softball clubs. We started introducing Baseball5 to U-12 children in schools, and so we are reaching through Baseball5 also kids who have no knowledge of baseball or softball".
She added a comment on the potential of the new discipline.
"Baseball and softball struggle in our country because of the lack of equipment. In Baseball5, you just need a ball. The speed of the game gives Kenyan athletes, who are very fast, an advantage."
Nchimbi explained how Tanzania earned the Baseball5 African Championship hosting rights, making a dream come true.
"It was challenging to convince sponsors that they would get visibility return if they put their money in a Baseball5 event."
He knows the potential of the five-on-five version of baseball/softball.
"You just need a ball to play Baseball5. Many people don't even have a proper Baseball5 ball and start playing using a tennis ball."
Nchimbi made an important announcement about the future of Baseball5 in Tanzania.
"We are working on having a street Baseball5 league. At the end of July, we will host a seminar for teachers. We want to spread Baseball5 through schools."
Nchimbi also said that the focus will be now on the 2026 Youth Olympics.
On a final note, he spoke about Blind Baseball: "Blind players from the University of Dar Es Salaam are going to travel to Bologna, Italy, to attend clinics."
