Milnerton player swaps local fields for US college baseball

Tyron Brickhill’s baseball journey has taken a major leap, with the Milnerton product now living the dream of playing and studying in the United States.

This move signals both personal progress and a significant moment for local baseball.

The 21-year-old has been recruited to Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he is already balancing life as a student-athlete while competing at a higher level of the game.

For a player who once quietly went about his business on local fields, the opportunity represents the kind of breakthrough many young South African baseball players aspire to.

Brickhill’s rise has been anything but overnight. Over the past two years, he has steadily developed into one of Cape Town’s standout talents, with his work ethic and determination setting him apart according to baseball coach Kevin Johnson.

After moving to VOB Macaws to accelerate his growth under Johnson, his game quickly reached new heights.

By last year he had emerged as arguably the top player on the local scene, a turning point that opened the door to the next chapter of his journey.

Now competing in the United States, Brickhill will experience a completely different level of exposure and intensity in collegiate baseball.

American college programmes train almost daily and play significantly more matches than local clubs, offering a fast-tracked development environment.

It also helps that the sport is massive in the US, which presents an opportunity to move to the paid division as a pro.

In a single year, Johnson says he is expected to play the equivalent of three local seasons, a workload that promises to accelerate his growth and sharpen his skills.

"His versatility as a two-way player, capable of pitching and playing in the field makes him an even more valuable asset to his new team."

The opportunity came through J.A.M Academy, a programme established in 2024 by Kevin Johnson, Andre Alexander and Moses Molaba to help talented baseball, softball and even soccer players access international pathways.

For the academy, Brickhill’s move is a milestone moment.

“Tyron was our very first success at getting a local player recruited to a USA college,” said Johnson.

“At J.A.M Academy we don’t only prioritise baseball, softball or soccer, we prioritise players’ lives. This means that having a good education in the event that anything happens on the sporting front is key,” said Johnson.

J.A.M Academy focuses on identifying talent early and developing not only athletic ability but character, ensuring players are ready for the demands of elite sport and education abroad.