From humble beginnings to best club in region
The club started as a catholic youth baseball team at St Patrick's Catholic church with three teams.
When former New York Yankees infielder Leo Durocher said ‘baseball is like church, many attend but few understand’, he never envisaged that one of the best baseball clubs in South Africa, Benoni Indians, will have its foundations in a church.
Indians stalwart, Steve Burrage, shared with the City Times how the church laid a solid foundation, elevating the club to where it is today.
“The club has been part of the Benoni Northerns Sports Club (BNSC) since the early 1980s. It started as a Catholic youth baseball team at St Patrick’s Catholic Church with three teams.
“It then grew into the Swallows Baseball and Softball Club under the guidance of Keith and Carol Smith who played a critical role in the development of junior players from u-10 to u-18,” Burrage said.
He credits the Smiths for setting up a clear mandate that saw the club grow by leaps and bounds.
“Their goal was to develop these juniors and build a core of players that were good enough to play in the then Transvaal Baseball Association Major League.”
In 1990 the club changed its name to Benoni Indians with league teams in every age group.
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“The club plays using the well-known Indians name as our identity. Each team honours an American Indian tribe.”
Burrage attributed their success to the solid foundation laid by the founders and their motto of ‘play fair and strive to win’.
“The club has produced several players who have represented South Africa in international tournaments including the Olympic Games, along with international and African qualifiers.”
Burrage, who has been with the Indians since 1988, thanked the BNSC for contributing to the growth of baseball in Benoni.
“It has been an honour to wear the Benoni uniform all these years and to be part of Benoni Northerns Club’s 50th-anniversary celebration. The main club has always been supportive of the baseball section’s activities and without its support, baseball would not be where it is today.”
Youngster Robert White, who joined the club as a six-year-old in 2009, said the club is his second family.
“Every time I wear the Indians uniform, I feel a sense of pride because those colours got me where I am today. The coaching and support have been immaculate.
“I wish the BNSC all the best. I hope they continue to grow this amazing sport so that my children and grandchildren can be a part of this fantastic family.”
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