South Rockies Baseball5 Club leads grassroots development of Baseball5 in Kenya

By Denis Mitei, South Rockies Baseball5 Head Coach

Since its formation, the club has been on a mission to establish Baseball5 as a dynamic, inclusive, and accessible sport across Kenyan communities, starting from the grassroots level.

A trailblazing journey from the ground up

Baseball5, a fast-paced urban version of baseball requiring only a ball and a small playing area, was introduced to Kakuma refugee camp in 2021 through a partnership between Vienna Hub and South Rockies Baseball5 Club. Their pioneering work began in Kakuma Refugee Camp, where the sport instantly resonated with the refugees in the due to its simplicity and high-energy gameplay.

Building on this early success, South Rockies Baseball5 Club turned its attention to broader national outreach. Since then, it has become the leading force in Baseball5 development across Kenya, actively engaging schools, community groups, and youth organizations.

Empowering communities through sport

Through structured training programs, weekend clinics, and demonstration matches, South Rockies has brought Baseball5 to both urban and rural areas. The club’s grassroots model emphasizes accessibility—no gloves, bats, or large fields required—making it ideal for under-resourced environments.

"Baseball5 breaks the barriers that typically limit access to sport," says a club representative. "It empowers young people, builds community, and promotes values of teamwork, agility, and fair play."

Global support for local impact

One of the club’s most significant boosts has come from international collaboration. Adrian Medina, Head Coach of the Australian Baseball5 National Team, has been a consistent supporter of South Rockies' efforts. Through virtual coaching sessions, mentorship, and donations of essential equipment, Medina has helped raise the technical level of local coaches and players.

"Adrian’s involvement has not only improved our training but inspired our youth to think globally," notes the club.

Looking ahead: partnerships for sustainable growth

As Baseball5 gains momentum in Kenya, the future looks promising. Nadeum Kenya Africa, a community development organization, has joined hands with South Rockies to strengthen the sport’s presence nationwide. Their partnership aims to build coaching capacity, create permanent play spaces, and expand access to more regions.

With support from international friends and a growing local base of talent and enthusiasm, the South Rockies Baseball5 Club envisions Kenya becoming a continental leader in the sport.

A new era for Kenyan sport

While Kenya has long been renowned for its dominance in athletics and football, Baseball5 is carving out a unique space—one built on speed, skill, and inclusivity. And at the forefront of this movement is the South Rockies Baseball5 Club, proving that with passion, community spirit, and strategic partnerships, a new sport can thrive from the grassroots.