Tomorrow, professional baseball is due to make its way to the Middle East for the first time. Baseball United is due to kick off its long awaited showcase featuring players from over twenty countries. For now, it will be just a two day All-Star showcase, a teaser of sorts for what is to come. Baseball is coming to Arabia, and that is a very exciting thing.
Exciting as well is the flurry of sponsorship agreements announced over the last few days. There have been agreements with broadcast partners, cricket legend Shohaib Akhtar for an ambassadorship, confirmations of both local Emirati and international performers, and the obligatory food sponsorships. The social media blitz has also been pronounced and the imagery on the advertising has been sleek and attractive. Founder Kash Shaikh has also been as visible as ever, projecting an image of high energy leadership required to bring such an ambitious vision to life.
Most importantly of all though, the collection of players assembled for this initial event is compelling and competitive. It includes famous MLB vets like Robinson Cano and the ageless Bartolo Colon. There are also prospects from the countries the league currently serves, India, Pakistan and the UAE. This is good because it is a league meant to celebrate their baseball talent and encourage the growth of the game there. Young talent from places as diverse as Finland and Uganda will also get a chance to shine, blazing important trails that future talents from their respective countries will no doubt traverse.
The stadium they will play in is also up to the task. It is a converted cricket arena, but it has been prepared well for cricket's younger American cousin. Tomorrow, it will be a field of historical importance; a starting point to which hopefully many important moments will trace their origin. I can't wait to witness history tomorrow and can hardly contain my excitement for what is to come.
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