With the promise of a day packed with fun, learning and play, young baseball players from across Nairobi came to "Nairobi's Field of Dreams" at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja on Saturday, March 25th. The clinic was a one-of-a-kind opportunity for budding players to hone their skills and put them to the test on a regulation field. Organized by IfWeBuildit.org, a non-profit dedicated to creating the first baseball and softball multi-field complex in East Africa, and the first regulation fields in Nairobi, the day was filled with excitement and energy, from the first stretch to the final throw.
The day started off with rain, but the young players were not deterred. They eagerly gathered to participate in the clinic, which was set to focus on improving their skills and having fun. Volunteers from the JKUAT Generals baseball and softball teams, the Nairobi Wreckers, and the Nairobi/North American Buffaloes were present to provide instruction and guidance to the young players.
The success of the clinic was due in large part to the generous donation of the Africa Baseball Project, a non-profit organization led by prominent former MLB players. Their support for the day's activity provided for transportation, logistics, and food for the event, making it possible for these young players to have a day they'll never forget.
The clinic saw a fantastic turnout, with individual youth players from all over Nairobi coming together to participate in the event. The young players worked hard to develop their skills through stretching, fielding drills, batting, and base running sessions in the morning. In the afternoon, the players put their newly acquired skills to the test by participating in a 7-inning game.
The most exciting aspect of the clinic was the large number of young women who took part in the baseball training. Many of these women players came from the Maasailand Baseball Academy. Their involvement is a big part of the Baseball Federation of Kenya's goals for expanding access to the game. The BFK's president, Titus Mutwiri, is also the head coach of the Maasailand Baseball Academy, making this event an important step forward for the organization's vision of a more inclusive and diverse baseball community.
Despite the rainy start to the day, the weather eventually cleared up to reveal a beautiful sunny day in Juja, where the baseball field is being built. The young players put in a lot of hard work, practicing their skills and putting them into action during the game. But the event was also about building connections and friendships within the local baseball community. Everyone involved, from the volunteers to the players to the organizers, came away from the event with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.
IfWeBuildit.org and the Baseball Federation of Kenya are committed to continuing to provide opportunities like this for young people throughout Nairobi and beyond. Their dedication is helping to grow the game of baseball and softball and create a more vibrant and engaged community of players and fans. By coming together to support youth baseball in Nairobi, they are making a difference in the lives of young people and helping to build a brighter future for everyone.