Cincinnati Reds legend, Barry Louis Larkin, and several other Hall of Fame players like Mariano Rivera, Adrian Beltre, and some other businessmen including a former P&G employee, co-founded a professional league in Dubai that just got underway. It’s called Baseball United. Subscribe to our Newsletter to have news and updates sent straight to you!
Baseball United Structure
According to Baseball United’s Website, there will be four teams to start and there will be two months worth of baseball before there’s a 3 game (if necessary) championship game. The four teams consist of the Mumbai Cobras, Arabia Wolves, Mid-East Falcons, and the Karachi Monarchs. Here’s the schedule for the league.
There’s several renowned baseball guys behind this league, Barry is just one of them. New York Yankees legend, Mariano Rivera, is also in on it, and longtime Ranger’s legend, Adrian Beltre, is also in on the league. There’s two businessmen, one that used to work at Cincinnati based Proctor & Gamble, likely where Barry came into play here with this league.
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First Pitch Of League Was A Homer
How exciting, right? The first pitch of the professional league was a bomb to right field. Judgmental on the crowd’s reaction – it shows why Barry & Kash are trying to bring professional baseball to the Middle East, because, guys…when there’s a homerun, you get up, and you get excited. Come on. You would’ve thought they were in a church. At least the announcers made it a little interesting, eh!?
What’s The Point Of This League?
It’s simple. Barry Larkin and the other guys behind this pro league want to expand the game of baseball. Asia, as a continent, has grown accustom to loving baseball over the years. Just look at Japan, look at Korea…both of these countries have established themselves with some serious, professional leagues where millions of fans attend every year. Dubai offered to host these events as they continue to try to bring the Middle East into the world of professional sports.
The Baseball United family is going as far as ensuring fans in Pakistan can watch these games. They’re very serious about bringing the love for baseball to those in the Middle East and beyond. Will they be able to capture the hearts of those who prefer futbol? That remains to be seen. As evidenced, there’s a whole lot to learn for the fans in Dubai when it comes to baseball – but the league launching is a GREAT start.
Barry Larkin Remains My Favorite
Barry Larkin will always be my favorite player next to Joey Votto, so anything he does…I’m in. I’ll be rooting for him to succeed with this league, that’s for sure. No one is as nice and passionate about baseball than Barry Louis Larkin, a homegrown, Cincinnati Reds legend. Now, time to pick a team to support…who you guys rockin?!
