Baseball is not the national pastime in South Africa, even though its been played there since at least World War Two. Where baseball is played, most fields and teams are located in white and mixed-race communities in the big cities. The vast majority of South Africans have no exposure to baseball games or opportunity to play.

Ian Edelstein is an assistant coach to the South African Philippi Angels baseball team.  They were started last year by Nyameko Gabada, who grew up in Philippi Township.

In their inaugural season, the Angels had a strong showing: Their Under-12 team finished in 1st place and their Under-14 team was 2nd place in the B-League.

Their only diamond is a rocky drainage ditch full of broken glass and mud, so they always have to be the “away team”.

Ian is trying to gain support for providing his players with equipment, shoes, uniforms, food, transportation, and a safe place to play.

Related Links:
-Video of the Philippi Angels on YouTube
-Community Involvement on Ian’s Website