Iran is a country of about 80 million. You have to figure that at least a fraction of them play baseball. I am happy to report that this is indeed the case. This article will be a look at how baseball has evolved in Iran and how the game can be expected to evolve in the country in the coming years.
Iran established a baseball and softball federation in 1993. Organized baseball in the country probably goes back a few years further than this though. According to a 2014 Washington Post piece, they are few but mighty, numbering about 500 or so registered baseball players. Funding is scarce and players have to pitch in their own money to play. They also work day jobs of course. Equipment is scarce and must be well taken care of. Sanctions add to the difficulty of procuring proper baseball equipment.
Much of the country knows little about the sport unless they have family abroad that has an interest in the game. Those who play do so mainly out of a desire for community and belonging. The Iranians that do know the sport have someone to look up to and feel represented by though. You see, all star pitcher Yu Darvish was born to a Japanese mother and an Iranian father, a fact not lost upon those Iranians who do follow baseball.
Since that article came out in the Washington Post, there have been some strides though. The clearest indicator of progress is the rather impressive Karaj Baseball Stadium which was given a major face-lift and re-inaugurated in 2018. The upgrade to the stadium, originally built in 2009, came on the heels of a 2016 visit by WBSC president Riccardo Fracacci. This venue has hosted the finals of the Iranian national league annually since 2010 when the league came to be. In its current state, it now meets the standard to host international competitions. It boasts advanced irrigation systems, revamped locker rooms, VIP boxes in the stands among other perks.
Speaking of international competition, Iran was supposed to host the 2021 Western Division Asian Cup tournament but Covid-19 ruined such plans. Iran does boast a silver medal and two bronzes from previous editions of said competition. As far as trying to further the game in Iran, they have found a partner in crime of sorts in neighboring Pakistan which seeks to do likewise. Both have an interest in finding more opportunities for their players to compete abroad and both are in similar stages of their baseball journey although Pakistan is slightly ahead on some fronts, even trying to qualify for the World Baseball Classic. A Pakistani baseball delegation was even formally invited to Iran in hopes of deepening ties and growing the game further.
Iran is in a very early stage as far as baseball development is concerned. As discussed before, equipment shortages (especially for lefthanders) is a big issue. Another is the simple fact that many Iranians are in no way acquainted with the game and there are few opportunities for them to see anything baseball related on television. Attracting highly experienced and knowledgeable coaches or former MLB players is another issue given the political situation with the United States. Baseball people have no control over this and can only hope for a change to occur. As far as TV deals, this becomes tricky as well due to politics and just plain old business.
For now, Iranian baseball fans and players will need to leverage these deepening ties between the Iranian and Pakistani baseball federations. They will also need whatever portion of the sizable Iranian diaspora in the US and Canada that is into baseball to help nurture the game back home with equipment, know-how etc. Government funding is unlikely to come any time soon and the best way to procure significant support will be through alternative methods such as online crowdfunding. Social media would also be of help to give the national team visibility and tangible public support. Hopefully, the time will come soon enough when that impressive Karaj Baseball Stadium is packed with fans anxious to see a ballgame.
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