South Africa announce roster for WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024

World No. 34 South Africa announced a 24-player roster and five non-travelling reserves for the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024, which will take place in Shaoxing, China from September 6 to 15.

Manager Neil Adonis will count on seven players active in US collegiate baseball. Catcher Corbin Greenslade plays for Bethel University. Catcher Ethan Buckley is a freshman at Linn-Benton Community College. Infielder Darian Pretorius and right-handed pitcher Marcus Kriek play for the Minnesota North College at Rainy River. Right-handed pitcher Jaryd White plays for Tyler Junior College. Right-handed pitcher Joshua Tribe attends Crowder College. Infielder Kyle Schwartz is a freshman at Judson University.

Manager Neil Adonis represented South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, appearing as the designated hitter in three games. Born in 1969, he has been on South Africa’s National Team coaching staff since 2005 and participated in various international events, including the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He managed South Africa in the WBSC Europe Africa Olympic Qualifier 2019.

His staff includes assistant coaches Jacobus Scheepers, Lwazi Mlodndolozi and Theo Speelman.

South Africa Baseball's website stated that the team "is poised to make an impact at the WBSC U23 World Cup, representing the depth of talent and diversity of South African Baseball on the global stage."

"The selection process for the team and coaching staff follows a rigorous procedure," continues the statement, "considering players who participated in the 2024 National Baseball Championships, provincial selections, and various other criteria outlined in the South African Baseball selection process. As always, South African Baseball considers all these criteria, including the provincial Elite Training Camp Squad assessments, before reaching out to the players and making the final determination. "

“We are excited to introduce this talented group of athletes and coaching staff, who have earned their place through hard work, dedication, and exceptional skill,” commented Marc Moreau, President of South African Baseball

South Africa will compete in Group B and face No. 4 Korea, No. 5 Chinese Taipei, No. 6 Venezuela, No. 7 Netherlands and No. 20 Nicaragua.

Group A will include No. 1 and defending U-23 World Champion Japan, No. 11 Australia, No. 12 Puerto Rico, No. 13 Colombia, No. 18 Great Britain and No. 24 China.