It’s being billed as a day for champions; two Helderberg outfits, winners in their respective sporting codes for the season, going head to head at each other’s game.
Helderberg Pirates Baseball Club and Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC) will face one another on Saturday 30 April, when games are played from 10:00 in the morning at both the cricket and baseball fields at Radloff Park, followed by a social get-together and braai.
Chairman of Helderberg Pirates, Brett Leah, said the idea of a sports day between the two clubs had been brewing for some time.
He explained: “We’re always in contact with each other, as we share a field with different spaces, and often have to ask the cricket guys for space when we require it, and they’re always really accommodating. We just thought this would be a great way of just coming together and enjoying the day in good spirit and community, and perhaps this could become an annual thing.”
Leah added many of the baseball players haven’t played cricket since their school days, and most of the cricket guys have never played baseball before.
“We having the cricket players at our club on Tuesday (today) to introduce them to baseball and teach them the basics, and similarly we’ll go for cricket practice and coaching on Thursday in preparation for the weekend.”
Many baseball players are excited too. Said Justin Smith: “The Baseball vs Cricket day is an awesome opportunity to bring together two long standing clubs in the Helderberg, each to their own sporting discipline.
In my 26 years of being an active member of Helderberg Pirates Baseball Club I can only recall one such inter-sport day, so this is very exciting to be part of. I hope we make this an annual event.
“Looking forward to a great day of sport and friendships.”
Garth Burgess added: “Really just excited to play cricket for the first time in probably 30 years”.
It seems the impending encounters have given rise to some good banter. Daryn Chalmers said: “Excited to get my cricket skills dusted off and give Somerset West Cricket Club a run for their money.”
Devan Rolfe shared: “Expecting to hit three home runs and excited to show some cricketers how to play cricket and baseball”.
According to Somerset West Cricket Club, this event also serves as a thank you to the majestic Radloff Park for her beauty and unfailing service to the sporting codes she houses. “It’s also a celebration of camaraderie between the cricket and baseball clubs,” SWCC said in a statement. “We share a field and decided to take it further by getting to know each other, and how better than a friendly match up?
“One cricketer has raised his concern asking, ‘how do we get runs’ then panic struck, we don’t know a lot about baseball, we know absolutely nothing. Looking forward to playing and joining forces with the Pirates.”
SWCC player Ryno Venter advised his teammates: “Gents, please don’t celebrate when you catch the ball and, for the love of me, remember when you have the baseball bat in your hands, we do not block.
“I think the baseballers will finally find out what swinging the ball means.”
The community is welcome to attend and enjoy the day. Entrance is free and a fully stocked cash bar will be available. A braai will take place after the games.
Any new members who want to join Helderberg Pirates can find their contact on their Facebook page. An open day is also being planned for August.
