Cullen Pieterse: South Africa’s Rising Baseball Star

Grade 11 learner Cullen Pieterse has recently returned from representing South Africa at the U23 Baseball World Cup in Shaoxing, China. At just 17 years old, Cullen was one of the youngest members of the team, marking a significant achievement in his baseball career and showcasing the depth of talent emerging from South Africa’s baseball scene.

Early Beginnings

Cullen’s love for baseball began in 2011 when he joined the U6 division at Benoni Indians Baseball Club. From the moment he stepped onto the field, it was clear that this young athlete had a passion for the sport. Over the next five years, he honed his skills, playing in both the U8 and U12 divisions.

First Provincial Appearance

In 2017, Cullen’s growing talent was recognised when he was selected to represent the Gauteng Province Baseball Council (GPBC) at his first provincial tournament. Playing for the U12B team, Cullen competed at Marks Park in Johannesburg, where his team finished in 4th place. This tournament would be the first of many for the young player, and it marked the beginning of his rise in provincial and national baseball.

Silver Success and National Exposure

2018 saw Cullen’s continued progression, as he made the U12A team and represented Gauteng at the provincial tournament held in Durban, where the team secured a silver medal. His steady development did not go unnoticed, and by 2019, he was representing GPBC in the U15B team at the Port Elizabeth tournament, where they placed 4th.

In 2020, Cullen reached a career milestone when he was selected for the South African Elite Training Squad, which aimed to qualify a national team for the World Cup in Florida. Unfortunately, the tournament was cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, but his selection for the elite squad was a testament to his growing skill and potential.

The COVID Setback and Return to Form

The year 2021 was another difficult period for athletes worldwide due to the pandemic. With limited opportunities to compete, Cullen, like many others, faced disruptions in his training and competitive schedules. However, he bounced back in 2022, earning a spot on the U18B Gauteng team that competed in Cape Town, finishing 3rd. That year, he was also named to the South African Elite Training Squad for the U18 division, though he narrowly missed the final cut.

In 2023 and 2024, Cullen continued his impressive form. Representing GPBC in both the U18A tournaments, his team achieved two consecutive silver medals, first in Johannesburg in 2023, followed by a strong performance in Port Elizabeth in 2024.

The U23 Baseball World Cup

Cullen’s journey reached a pinnacle in 2024 when, at the age of 17, he was selected to represent South Africa in the U23 Baseball World Cup held in Shaoxing, China, from September 6th to 15th. Competing against some of the best young baseball players from around the world, Cullen proudly wore the green and gold, marking a significant step in his baseball journey.

A Promising Future

Cullen Pieterse’s rapid rise through the ranks of South African baseball is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and love for the sport. From his humble beginnings at the Benoni Indians Baseball Club to representing his country on the global stage, Cullen’s journey is just beginning. With his talent and determination, the future of South African baseball looks bright, and Cullen Pieterse is certainly a player to watch in the years to come.