News DeskDubai, UAE – In a historic announcement today, Baseball United, the pioneering professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, unveiled its latest ownership group, featuring a star-studded lineup of former Major League Baseball (MLB) legends. This impressive roster of co-owners includes Robinson Cano, Hanley Ramirez, Robinson Chirinos, Shane Victorino, Matt Barnes, and Bartolo Colon, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and accolades to the league.
The existing group of early investors, including baseball luminaries like Barry Larkin, Mariano Rivera, Adrian Beltre, Felix Hernandez, Elvis Andrus, Nick Swisher, and Ryan Howard, now stands as one of the most prestigious ownership collectives in professional sports. Together, these baseball icons boast an astonishing 222 MLB seasons, 70 All-Star game appearances, and 14 World Series Championships.
Kash Shaikh, Chairman, CEO, and Majority Owner of Baseball United, expressed his enthusiasm for this momentous development, stating, “Today is a monumental day for Baseball United. With the addition of Robbie (Cano), Hanley, Robinson (Chirinos), Shane, Matt, and Bartolo, we’ve now put together an incredible league of legends.” He emphasized the on-field accomplishments of this ownership group and their significant impact off the field through community work, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Shaikh underlined the league’s unique character, being “built by players, for players.”
Robinson Cano, one of the most renowned second basemen in MLB history, voiced his excitement about joining Baseball United as an investor and co-owner. Cano, whose career spanned 17 years and featured over 2,600 hits, five Silver Slugger Awards, and two Gold Gloves, expressed his dedication to the game and the investment’s role in his journey. Cano also highlighted the league’s potential to expand the reach of baseball internationally.
The list of co-owners continues with a roster of players boasting an impressive array of awards and accomplishments:
Hanley Ramirez, hailing from the Dominican Republic, secured the Rookie of the Year award in 2006, setting records with the Florida (Miami) Marlins. Ramirez’s 15-year MLB career included two Silver Slugger Awards and over 1,800 hits.
Robinson Chirinos, who spent 11 years in MLB with various teams, played in three Postseasons, including the 2019 World Series with the Houston Astros. He is also known for catching Justin Verlander’s third career no-hitter.
Shane Victorino, a two-time World Series Champion, is a four-time Gold Glove Winner and a recipient of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for character and integrity. He was the first Hawaiian-born positional player to be named to an All-Star team.
Matt Barnes, a relief pitcher with ten years in MLB, was part of the 2018 Boston Red Sox team that clinched a World Series title. Barnes recorded 24 saves and had 84 strikeouts during his All-Star season in 2021.
Bartolo Colon, a Dominican Republic native, achieved nearly 250 wins and over 2,500 strikeouts during his remarkable 21-year MLB career. His career included an American League Cy Young Award in 2005, and he pitched over 3,400 innings in the MLB.
Baseball United’s Dubai-based league is set to launch this fall with a Showcase event from November 10th to 12th at the Dubai International Stadium. The event will feature the league’s first four franchises, including the Mumbai Cobras and the Karachi Monarchs, each playing two games over a three-day period.
John Miedreich, Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, and Co-Owner at Baseball United, expressed his excitement about this monumental moment in baseball history and the league’s mission to bring professional baseball to new horizons.
The addition of these legendary co-owners solidifies Baseball United’s position as a groundbreaking force in the world of professional sports, poised to revolutionize the landscape of baseball in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.
