MOD Baseball’s Rising Star

The rise of 17-year old baseball star Sheldon Trosky is a success story made possible by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS). The department’s Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and Growth Programme (MOD) provides after-school support for sport, cultural activities and homework across the province. Sheldon has been selected for the South African national team that will be competing in the Under-18 World Cup in Japan in September 2015.

Sheldon was first exposed to baseball at the MOD Centre at Montagu’s Gift Primary School in Grassy Park. He was fortunate to go on to Fairmount Secondary School, where there is also a MOD Centre which offers baseball. This is where Sheldon’s talent became clear, said MOD Coach Maurice Roman.

Sheldon became an avid baseball player and, according to Roman, he never missed practice. He was spotted by coaches from Baseball Association of Western Province (BAWP) at the 2014 Human Rights Day inter-district games that was arranged by DCAS. He was selected to represent Western Province (Under 18) in the Inter Regional Tournament (IRT) in Boksburg. “Our team claimed victory at IRT games, it was an amazing opportunity to represent my province,” said Sheldon.

After being selected to represent South Africa, he said “It was a very big surprise to be chosen to be a part of the national team; definitely a dream come true”. This will be his very first overseas trip.

Sheldon’s hopes to play on the international stage, preferably for his favourite team the Cincinnati Reds. “The MOD Programme had a major impact on my life. It assisted me to make the right decisions.” he says.

“We are very proud of Sheldon”, said Roman. “He has tremendous talent and deserves all the accolades he is getting.”