Benoni Indians honours players
They were rewarded for their successful season in the baseball league.
Kyle Schwartz walked away with the junior sportsman of the year award at the Benoni Indians Baseball Club’s prize-giving ceremony held at the Northerns Sports Club (BNSC) hall on March 15.
The 18-year-old also won the best batter and most valuable player (MVP) awards for the u-18 team. He told the City Times that although they had a short season, he was happy with his contribution to the team.
“It was quite a good season. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for their valuable contribution to my progress. I now hope to be selected to represent my country,” he said.
Pitcher Robert White won the coveted chairman’s award for ‘displaying good leadership qualities and grinding for the team in tough situations’.
A triumphant season
The Indians enjoyed a successful campaign, with the Cherokees winning the u-10 league and the Cheyenne dominating the u-12 division.
Clifford White told the paper they were reaping the rewards of years of hard work.
“It was a short season, as it started later than normal. Most of the teams played 13 games. The age group teams played league and knockout games.
“Our age group teams performed well. The u-8 team doesn’t play any competitive games. It’s a learning phase for them. We have two u-10 teams and the Cherokees won the league. They, unfortunately, lost to Boksburg in the cup final.
“The Cheyenne had a successful season, as they’ve won the u-12 league and cup after dominating all season. Both our u-15 teams had a fantastic season. They didn’t win the league, as their competition was strong.
“The u-18s only played league games in the first half of the season. They then joined the draft league, where they played with the major league players to prepare for the upcoming inter-provincial tournament (IPT),” said White.
The IPT takes place later this month, and several Indians players have been selected to represent Gauteng.
“We’ll have a good representation at the tournament. We have eight u-18 players, five from the u-15s and 10 players in the u-10 team. We have another 10 players in the u-12 team.”
The Indians’ diamonds were abuzz with activity all season, as they played hosts frequently. White said this was because of their facilities being one of the best in the province.
“We are in a building phase. For us to host, attracts and puts attention to the sport in Benoni. Our fields and facilities are fantastic. It’s a place where people want to be. To host all the time attracts people and helps us to attract sponsors, which the league needs,” he said.
Although they may have had a successful season, White has urged his charges to not sit on their laurels.
“We had a good year this year. There was a lot to learn. We are coming hard and fast. We’ve proved we can compete. We are building strong teams and the results will start showing.”
Northerns 50th homage
BNSC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. White has thanked the club for its contribution in keeping the Benoni community active and entertained.
“Long may it continue,” he said.
“Fifty years is a good achievement. Other clubs lose membership and revenue because it’s hard to maintain a club. But in Benoni, we are close knit and the entire community is wrapped around BNSC.
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“This keeps the community active and entertained. In the next 50 years, Benoni Northerns won’t be the best club in Ekurhuleni only, but the country as well.”
Most valuable players:
U-10
• Jarred Long – Cherokee
• Bronson Kirk – Chinook
U-12
• Joshua Cook – Cheyenne
• Keegan Brooklyn – Apache
U-15
• Caelum Stroberg – Dakota
• Kyan Botwood – Mohawks
U-18
• Kyle Schwartz – Braves
Also Read: Benoni Northerns Indians Ball Club, Winter baseball season prize-giving, September 7, 2018
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