The Ghana Baseball and Softball Federation on Saturday, June 28 launched its 2025 National Baseball League in grand style at the Koshien Baseball field at Labone SHS.
The ceremony which saw several dignitaries, including the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Richard Akpokavie Esq had 1 match played between Tema Giants and Tema Tigers.
In 5 innings, the Tigers opened their jaws wide enough to swallow the Giants, with a final score of 12-1.
Tema Tigers picked their first 2 points at the top of the innings, while the Giants scored 0. They increased their tally to 5, scoring 3 more in the 2nd innings but dropped to 2 and 1 point respectively in the 3rd and 4th innings, while the Giants picked their first and only point in the bottom of the second innings.
With everything possible in Baseball, Tema Tigers pushed for 4 points, while the Giants worked so hard to prevent their runs.
Both coaches are however hopeful of making it to the top at the end of the league.
The event saw the unveiling of the trophies at stake for the league that will be played once every two Saturdays at the Koshien Baseball field till December 2025.
President of the Ghana Baseball and Softball Federation, Ernest Danso in an interview with the media believes Baseball is back to life.
“I am so elated today. Seeing a lot of the old baseball players here today. This means, baseball is back to life.”
“We have been talking to a lot of clubs, not just developing partners. Dodgers and base stars from Japan have all been here and they believe Ghana has players to suit their various clubs. Now, we are praying for our partners to build academy. Because we an Academy here, we will go very far.” He added.
President of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation for Africa, Albert K. Frimpong who officially opened the league, revealed some plans for the players.
“I have signed an MOU, that is going to create a professional Baseball League in Africa for the next four years. Do not take anything lightly as you play, because in 2027 there will be the school’s league which will lead to the professional league. Baseball teaches discipline. Let us run on and off the field and enjoy baseball, but not walk. Prove to the Federation board that their sacrifices are not in vain and become the stars in future.”
President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Richard Akpokavie, who was flagged by some board members and committee heads emphasized the Olympic values, ‘Excellence, Respect and Friendship’ in his short speech. He further encouraged the players to continue to do sports.
“Sports has the power to make these young ones better human beings for themselves, for their families and their country. I encourage you to continue to do sports, because you have life-long skills when you get out of sports which will help you in other things you do in life.”
Horen Quarshiegah, representative of the Minster of Sports and Recreation, Hon Kofi Iddie Adams, emphasized the government’s commitment to developing sports for the benefit of all.
“I am happy that everyone is here to make the sport succeed. The government is assuring you once again that we will develop sports. We have taken initial steps to solve the challenge of resources. We will get cabinet approval to establish a sports fund, that will create a resource pool for all sports, regardless of whether you are new, old, big or small.”
The Mexican Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Norma Ang Sanchez, Second Secretary to the Cuban Embassy, Yamil Eduardo Martinez Marrero, Hon Nii Lante Bannerman, President of the Handball Association of Ghana, Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Africa and Ghana Arm-wrestling Federation, member of the Ghana Tennis Federation, Reps from the University of Ghana Sports Directorate and Chief Director of the Ghana Education Service, as well as Apostle Dr Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Ministry Director) from the Church of Pentecost, were other dignitaries that graced the launch of the league season.
In the not-too-distant future, Ghana Baseball will hit all corners of the country, in Africa and the World.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
