Dubai, UAE (May 22, 2023) - Baseball United, the first-ever professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, announced today that league co-owner and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Barry Larkin, will serve as the Honorary General Manger (GM) for its first franchise, the Mumbai Cobras. The Mumbai franchise, which was introduced last week, is also the first professional baseball franchise in the history of India and the surrounding region.

The Mumbai franchise will compete in Baseball United’s Dubai Showcase in November alongside three additional yet to be announced franchises. The league’s first full season will begin in late 2024.

The Honorary GM role will include input into player selection, coaching hires, and baseball strategy, as well as participation in sponsorship and community events within both the UAE and India.

“I am very excited to be named Honorary GM of the Mumbai Cobras,” said Larkin. “I’ve spent my whole life in and around this great game, including investing most of my time in my post-playing days focused on developing players, analyzing the game, and growing the game at the international level. I’m passionate about providing opportunities for young people and communities across India by building out a true baseball ecosystem. There is a lot to do, and I’m looking forward to helping wherever I can.”

Larkin will partner with Baseball United’s executive team and Mumbai’s first Manager, who will be announced later this week, to help select the initial roster of the Cobras during the league’s inaugural draft. The Baseball United draft is slated for later this year.

“Lark is the perfect person to serve as first Honorary GM for our first franchise,” said Kash Shaikh, President, CEO, and Co-Owner of Baseball United. He’s been one of the pioneers of this journey, and he has all the credentials both on and off the field. I am looking forward to being on the ground together soon in Mumbai as we build support for this team at the grassroots level.”

Additional Baseball United franchises will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Baseball United
Baseball United is the first-ever professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, beginning play November 2023 in Dubai, UAE. Our mission is to inspire one billion new fans to fall in love with baseball. The ownership group includes award-winning business leaders and inspiring baseball legends, including Mariano Rivera, Barry Larkin, Adrián Beltré, and Felix Hernandez. In addition to our professional league, the Baseball United ecosystem spans youth development, federation partnerships, media and content production, merchandise, and non-profit outreach. With over 30 nationalities represented on our team rosters and a new suite of entertainment-based game changes, Baseball United is working to create a new future for baseball in one of the fastest growing and most culturally rich regions in the world.

Media Contacts:
Allison Baker, VP BSB Group International – allison@bsbgroupintl.com, 513.607.0911