Rough Diamonds

Starting in the late 19th century, South African baseball has established a fascinating and multi-layered history. Initially established by a small group of dedicated pioneers, the sport benefited from the contributions of a diverse and multi-national group of enthusiasts and opponents, including sailors, cricketers, missionaries, activists, businessmen and bureaucrats.

Established at a time of social and political segregation, the South African game eventually developed into a system of legislated racism under apartheid. Through its willing participation in official race-based events, the sport was stripped of its innocence, and South Africa was formally expelled from the world game, only to be readmitted in 1992 following the country's slow transition to democracy.

This book presents the history of South African baseball, from its inception, to its liberation from apartheid. Based on extensive archival research, this is the first integrated history of South African baseball's eventful past.