News DeskDUBAI, UAE – In a historic moment for the region, Dubai-based Baseball United has unveiled the official rosters for its inaugural All-Star Showcase, set to take place on November 24th and 25th at Dubai International Stadium. This two-game series, featuring 44 players split into Baseball United East All-Stars and Baseball United West All-Stars, promises to be a major spectacle for baseball enthusiasts in Dubai and beyond. Tickets for the event are now available for purchase on the Baseball United website at baseballunited.com/tickets.
“We are honored to bring many of our best players to Dubai for our first-ever professional games,” stated Kash Shaikh, Chairman, CEO, and Majority Owner of Baseball United. “Our All-Stars come from 16 different countries and have played at the highest levels of professional baseball. This is truly something the region has never seen. Our fans will get to witness history. It’s the perfect way to launch our league.”
The participating All-Stars are an impressive group, with 75 percent of them having experience in Major League Baseball (MLB), alongside players who have competed in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball Organization and other international leagues and tournaments.
Baseball United East All-Stars
The East All-Stars, captained by MLB legend Bartolo Colon, who turned 50 earlier this year, will be an exciting team to watch. Colon, a four-time MLB All-Star and the winningest Latin American-born pitcher in MLB history, will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the East team on Opening Night, November 24th.
The East team’s starting infield boasts a combined 32 years of MLB experience, featuring players from the Dominican Republic, the United States, Curaçao, and Venezuela:
- First baseman, Jefry Marte, who has previously played for the Los Angeles Angels and in Japan’s Nippon League.
- Second baseman, Shed Long, who played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Seattle Mariners.
- Shortstop, Andrelton Simmons, an 11-year MLB veteran with multiple Gold Glove awards.
- Third baseman, Pablo Sandoval, a 14-year MLB veteran with three World Series Championships.
The East team’s outfield includes former MLB players, such as Dwight Smith Jr., Jacob Robson, and Dillon Thomas, while the starting catcher is Hector Sanchez. The Designated Hitter is Courtney Hawkins.
Baseball United West All-Stars
The West All-Stars, led by eight-time MLB All-Star Robinson Cano, who also co-owns Baseball United, promise a competitive performance. Former MLB All-Star Jair Jurrjens will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the West All-Stars on Opening Night.
The West team’s starting infield features:
- First baseman, Alex Liddi, the first Italian-born player to compete in MLB.
- Shortstop, Didi Gregorius, an 11-year MLB veteran, primarily with the New York Yankees.
- Third baseman, Brandon Laird, who played in MLB and the Nippon Professional Baseball League (NPB).
The West team’s outfield is comprised of Justin Williams, Phil Ervin, and Steven Moya, all U.S.-born stars. Wilin Rosario, a five-year MLB veteran, will serve as the starting catcher, and Alejandro De Aza will be the Designated Hitter.
Both teams include a roster of talented reserves and pitchers, further highlighting the depth of talent on display during the All-Star Showcase.
The Baseball United All-Star Showcase is a unique opportunity for baseball fans to witness a blend of international and MLB talent competing in the heart of Dubai. Tickets are available now, with affordable options for fans to be part of this historic event.
The East All-Stars will be managed by retired MLB veteran Dennis Cook, while the West All-Stars will be led by long-time MLB coaching veteran John McLaren, alongside Co-Manager Chris Sabo, a three-time MLB All-Star and World Series Champion.
For ticket purchases and additional information about the All-Star Showcase, please visit baseballunited.com/tickets. Early bird tickets start at 49 AED ($13) for Outfield Boxes and 199 AED ($54) for luxury Diamond Club seats behind Homeplate. Don’t miss this historic event in the world of baseball.
