DUBAI, UAE (March 16, 2026) - Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and South Asia, today announced a new leadership structure designed to accelerate the league’s next phase of growth, deepen regional partnerships, and elevate the fan and player experience across its global platform.

The league’s Board will now be led by an ownership group comprised of some of the most accomplished players in Major League Baseball history:

• • Barry Larkin : National Baseball Hall of Famer, 12-time MLB All-Star, three-time Gold Glove Award winner, 1995 National League MVP, and World Series champion, has been appointed Chairman.
• • Adrián Beltré : National Baseball Hall of Famer, 19-year MLB veteran, four-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove Award winner, and member of the 3,000-hit club, has been named Vice Chairman.
• • Robinson Chirinos : 11-year Major League veteran and Baltimore Orioles Special Assistant has also been named Vice Chairman.

This structure positions Baseball United among a small group of global professional sports leagues where former players play a leading role in governance, ownership, and long-term strategy.

Baseball United’s new leadership group is aligned around a shared vision to build a sustainable professional baseball ecosystem across the Middle East and South Asia. “We are focused on strengthening the organization for long-term success with the right structure, the right partnerships, and a clear strategy for growth,” said Chairman Barry Larkin. “This is about creating a permanent home for professional baseball in the region.”

Vice Chairman Adrián Beltré added, “Baseball United represents a meaningful opportunity to expand the game globally by developing talent and creating a true pathway for players in a new part of the world.”

Vice Chairman Robinson Chirinos emphasized the league’s broader impact, saying, “Our goal is to connect with fans and communities, grow the game at the grassroots level, and create opportunities for young players to be part of the sport’s future.”

As part of this evolution, John Miedreich, a co-founder of Baseball United and former Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

In his previous role at Baseball United, Miedreich oversaw Baseball Operations, fundraising, government relations, investor relations, and the building of Baseball United Ballpark. Miedreich brings more than two decades of leadership experience from the New York City Police Department, where he managed complex operations, led large-scale international initiatives, and built strategic partnerships across multiple regions, including the Middle East.

“Baseball United has established a historic foundation over the past three years,” said Miedreich. “Our focus now is disciplined execution and scalable growth. We will work in close collaboration with our partners across the UAE and the broader region to deliver an even more dynamic 2026 season this November enhancing the on-field competition, growing our global broadcast reach, and creating engaging fan and partner experiences.”

The leadership team shares a unified long-term vision: to unlock one of the world’s largest untapped markets for baseball through elite professional competition, youth development programs, grassroots participation, and community engagement.

Building on the momentum of its inaugural season, the UAE Series, and the Arab Classic, Baseball United’s 2026 season will feature:

• • Expanded game schedule
• • Elevated broadcast production
• • Heightened on-field competition
• • Enhanced fan experiences
• • Strengthened community initiatives

More details about the 2026 season will be announced later this year.

For more information on Baseball United, visit baseballunited.com and follow @BaseballUnited on all social media platforms.

About Baseball United
Baseball United is the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Our mission is to inspire one billion new fans to fall in love with baseball. Our ownership group includes 20 baseball legends, including Barry Larkin, Adrián Beltré, Robinson Chirinos, Mariano Rivera, Felix Hernandez, Robinson Cano, Ryan Howard, and Ronald Acuña Jr. 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 strong focus on creating an engaging and immersive fan experience, Baseball United is working to create a new future for baseball in one of the fastest growing and most culturally diverse regions in the world.

Media Contacts:
Herbie Pallotta, Executive Vice President, Corporate Operations, Baseball United
herbie@baseballunited.com