Baseball United is on the horizon as an emerging professional baseball league set to kick off its inaugural season in Dubai in 2023. This unique league aims to bring baseball to the Middle East and South Asia, featuring four teams representing cities from India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. In a surprising turn of events, the draft for this Dubai-based league saw the selection of several prominent former Major League Baseball (MLB) players, some of whom are considered veterans in the sport.
Among these notable players were Bartolo Colon, Robinson Cano, and Pablo Sandoval, who made waves with their inclusion in Baseball United. Colon, at the age of 50, Cano at 40, and Sandoval at 37, stood out as the headlining picks in the draft. The selection process marked a significant step forward for Baseball United, the first professional baseball league in this cricket-loving region. Additionally, players like Didi Gregorius, Andrelton Simmons, and Steven Moya also found themselves selected to join this intriguing venture.
A new professional baseball league in Dubai had its first ever draft today
Bartolo Colon, Robinson Cano, Pablo Sandoval and Didi Gregorius were among the players selected
(via @BaseballUnited) pic.twitter.com/RHGtjZMrcE
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 23, 2023
Cano, an eight-time MLB All-Star, was chosen as the sixth overall pick by the Dubai Wolves, one of the four teams set to commence play next fall. The other teams in the league are the Karachi Monarchs, Mumbai Cobras, and Abu Dhabi Falcons. This exciting new league will also feature an All-Star showcase at the Dubai International Stadium next month.
Notably, Baseball United has garnered support from MLB Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera and Barry Larkin as investors. Kash Shaikh, the league"s President and CEO, has hinted at innovative rule changes to distinguish the league from MLB and make it more appealing to cricket-loving audiences.
The first draft pick for the Mumbai team was right-hander Karan Patel, who made history in 2017 as the first player of Indian descent to be selected in MLB"s amateur draft by the Chicago White Sox. Patel, a 26-year-old, spent the past season with the Billings Mustangs in the independent Pioneer League.
Colon, a former Cy Young Award winner and four-time MLB All-Star, was selected 16th overall by the Monarchs. The veteran right-hander last played in 2018 for the Texas Rangers, marking the end of his illustrious 21-year MLB career. He officially announced his retirement in a ceremony with the New York Mets in September.
Robinson Cano, who played for the Atlanta Braves in the last season, boasted a career spanning 17 years, with a batting average of .301 and 335 home runs, including a 2009 World Series title with the New York Yankees. His presence in Baseball United was confirmed in social media posts featuring him in the team"s uniform.
Infielder Didi Gregorius, aged 33, was chosen as the third overall pick by the Wolves. A Netherlands-born player, he enjoyed an 11-year career in MLB, including stints with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2019 to 2022, following five seasons with the New York Yankees.
Pablo Sandoval, known as “Kung Fu Panda" for his contributions to the San Francisco Giants" World Series victories in 2010, 2012, and 2014, was selected fourth overall by the Falcons. The Venezuelan player last took the field in 2019, playing 69 games for the Atlanta Braves.
Andrelton Simmons, a 34-year-old shortstop with four Gold Gloves and a Platinum Glove in 2013 for the National League, was chosen by the Cobras four picks later. Simmons earned these accolades during his time with the Atlanta Braves.
Steven Moya, aged 32, was the second pick by the Monarchs. He achieved a .250 batting average with five home runs and 11 RBIs during his time with the Detroit Tigers from 2014 to 2016.
