7.12.24

Episode 15

Didi Gregorius Helping Ignite Professional Baseball In The Middle East

In this episode of the Baseball United podcast, host Liam Skiffington sits down with Baseball United Co-Owner and MLB veteran Didi Gregorius. They discuss Didi's recent experiences in the Caribbean Series and the Mexican League, his love for baseball, and his journey to the major leagues. Didi shares insights on playing under different managers, handling pressure, and competing in the postseason. He also talks about the experience and challenges of taking over as the New York Yankees shortstop after Derek Jeter. He reflects on representing his home country in the World Baseball Classic and the growth of baseball in Curaçao and globally. Didi emphasizes how baseball unites people, allowing for the sharing of knowledge and experience. He reminisces about his time in last year’s All-Star Showcase and reveals what motivated him to invest in Baseball United. Gregorius discusses the vital role of fans, the significance of community, and the opportunities for young players. He praises Baseball United's leadership for their vision, determination, and resilience, expressing confidence that the league will become one of the premier leagues in the world, offering a unique experience for players and fans alike.

What We Discuss

• 0:30 Introduction
• 1:11 Playing in the Caribbean Series & Mexican League
• 3:46 Falling in love with the game of baseball
• 5:06 First experience in professional baseball
• 6:31 Getting called up to MLB
• 11:29 Taking over for Derek Jeter as the shortstop for the New York Yankees
• 14:30 Staying relaxed during the postseason
• 17:46 Representing Curaçao in the World Baseball Classic
• 19:12 The rapid growth of baseball throughout the world
• 19:46 How Didi got involved with Baseball United
• 22:19 Baseball’s ability to unite people
• 26:28 Didi’s motivations for investing in Baseball United
• 27:48 The visionary leadership of Baseball United
• 28:58 Emphasizing the league's role in providing opportunities
• 30:56 Constant learning in the world of baseball
• 33:57 Didi’s message to the Baseball United fans
• 34:46 Advice for the younger generation of players
• 36:58 Didi's optimism about Baseball United becoming a top-tier global league
• 37:50 The perseverance of Baseball United Chairman and CEO Kash Shaikh