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Historical Significance of Baseball United

 Aaliyan Mohammed - World Baseball Network  |    Feb 14th, 2025 8:45am EST
Baseball United CEO Kash Shaikh and the Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation’s Nayef bin Muhammad Abdul Mohsen bin Humaid. (Photo Courtesy of Baseball United.)

Baseball United is the first baseball league in the Middle East and is taking the initiative to grow baseball in the region. Two of their franchises will take the field for the first time in the UAE Series in Dubai at the new Baseball United ballpark. The UAE Series will be a three-game exhibition on February 14-16 between the Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons.

Baseball United held the ARab Classic in 2024, which featured national teams from nations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Pakistan won the tournament in dominant fashion, but ultimately, the Arab Classic showed that the countries in that part of the world have a passion for baseball.

The region has produced three major league players. Jeff Bronkey was born in Afghanistan and played from 1993-1995. Craig Stansberry and Alex Wilson were both born in Saudi Arabia and played for three and seven years respectively.

Baseball is regarded as a global game, but the Middle East and Southeast Asia have long been untapped markets. In a part of the world where Cricket dominates, and stars like Virat Kohli are well known, Baseball United is bringing MLB stars center stage to help grow the game.

Barry Larkin, Mariano Rivera, Adrián Beltré, Félix Hernández, Albert Pujol,s and Ronald Acuña Jr. Are all co-owners of the league. Players like Didi Gregorius and Robinson Cano will participate in the UAE Series in an effort to bring some star power to the region.

Baseball United built the first ballpark in the region last year and continues to make an effort to make baseball a thriving sport in the Middle East.

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Aaliyan Mohammed - World Baseball Network