Counting on the Bratcher effect

Brighton Zhawi
VETERAN American baseball development coach Bart Bratcher comes to Zimbabwe at a time the country is eyeing Olympic qualification.

Bratcher has over four decades of coaching experience at high school level and runs Jet Baseball, a club that nurtures young players in Austin, Texas.

The 68-year-old coach has made several visits to Zimbabwe before, and the Zimbabwe Baseball Association reckons Bratcher’s two-week long (July 24-August 13) stay could yield profound effects.

“The aim is scouting for talent, skills development and looking for possible partnerships with American colleges,” said ZBA board member Winmore Mubariri.

“(Bratcher) is a Hall of Fame coach. He is the right candidate to help develop our baseball. He has been coming here for years and his influence has seen some of our players joining South African clubs and also our national team improving their standing on the African continent,” Mubariri continued.

Baseball returns to the Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020 after a 12-year absence.

“The African Championship tournament, which serves as the qualifying tournament to the Olympics is expected to be held in Kenya in December and preparations should start now. During his time in Zimbabwe Bratcher will conduct coaching clinics for high school and provincial coaches,” said Mubariri.

The American’s visit coincides with the high schools national baseball tournament in Harare from July 24 to 25.