Accra, Ghana – Global Sports Partners (GSP) recently returned to Ghana to conduct a baseball coaches and players clinic in partnership with the Ghana Baseball Softball Federation (GBSF). GSP brought Bo Gobin, former pitcher at Clemson University, Chad Bunting, former outfielder for Lamar University, Edel Heredia Riveron, Spain National Team coach, and GSP Baseball Director Justin Rhodes. Participants included approximately 20 coaches and 30 players from across the country.
The four-day clinic involved a variety of training. The first day included Transformational Coaching and theoretical baseball technique. The next two days included on-field coaches training. The last day consisted of a “Pro-Day” with players from the Ghana National Baseball League. They were evaluated based on quantifiable data, including 60-yard dash, throwing velocity from the outfield, throwing velocity from the infield, pitching velocity, catcher’s pop-time, and batting exit velocity. The players competed in a simulated game to finish out the clinic.
One highlight was the player evaluations on Day 4. The coaches were impressed with the numbers from several players, particularly those in the 16–18-year-old age group. Their performance is a testament to the commitment of the players to work hard and to the investment GBSF is making in the future of baseball/softball in Ghana.
Ghana is a special place. Not only is their Federation leadership bought in on investing in developing baseball/softball the right way, but their coaches and players have caught that vision and are hungry to grow their skills and knowledge every time an opportunity arises. Including the Pro-Day was an important addition to this year’s clinic because it gives GSP, the players, and GBSF objective data to measure the impact of such initiatives and the overall growth of the players’ development. – Coach Justin Rhodes
The returning GSP coaches enjoyed reuniting with players and coaches that they worked with last year. They were excited to see the continued improvement of the participants, as well as the commitment to the growth of baseball development in the country. During the simulated game, the GSP coaches had a front row seat to see the results of building a Transformational Coaching culture. Despite the different circumstances of the game, all the players were joyful and encouraging, and they were not quiet about it! They regularly cheered one another on, no matter what transpired, and that atmosphere is contagious.
GBSF is one of GSP’s closest baseball/softball partners, and special thanks goes to President Ernest Danso and Vice President Edmund Ackom. There are plans to continue this partnership into 2026 with a third annual coaches and players clinic. Moreover, as GSP looks to expand baseball/softball development throughout Africa, we see GBSF as a major contributor and influencer within the continent. GSP will work with GBSF on further development initiatives, potentially including those in which multiple federations and associations are gathered for a massive baseball extravaganza.