8.23.24

Episode 21

Dillon Thomas Welcomes Exciting Opportunity with Baseball United

Mid East Falcons outfielder Dillon Thomas joins the show to offer his compelling insights into his journey through professional baseball. Dillon reflects on his recent experience playing in the Mexican League, and learning Spanish. He discusses the biggest differences between affiliated baseball and the independent leagues and shares what it was like to make his MLB debut after 11 seasons in the minor leagues. Dillon also talks about playing alongside Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, giving an inside look at Shohei’s preparation. He explains how he adjusted to being a role player at the MLB level and what it means to him to help grow the game with Baseball United. As one of the first players to play professional baseball in Dubai, Dillon describes the immersive fan experience at the All-Star Showcase and highlights the passion of Baseball United’s leadership. He also touches on his role as a mentor to young prospects. Dillon expresses his excitement to compete in Dubai during the Baseball United Cup (February 22, 2025- March 1, 2025) and Baseball United Season 1 (October 23, 2025 - November 23, 2025), and he mentions the interest other players have shown in getting involved with the league.

What We Discuss

• 0:30 Intro
• 2:00 Recent experience playing in the Mexican League & learning Spanish
• 4:38 Dillon’s approach to making mechanical adjustments to his swing
• 5:57 Biggest difference between affiliated baseball and the independent leagues
• 7:00 Making his MLB debut after 11 seasons in the minor leagues
• 11:08 Playing with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani
• 12:21 Shohei Ohtani’s preparation
• 15:43 Adjusting to being a role player at the MLB level
• 20:30 Getting the opportunity to grow the game with Baseball United
• 21:50 Being one of the first to play professional baseball in Dubai
• 24:31 The immersive fan experience at the All-Star Showcase
• 25:52 The passion of Baseball United’s leadership
• 28:24 Being a mentor to young prospects
• 30:43 Excitement to compete in Dubai in the Baseball United Cup & Season 1
• 31:34 Other players wanting to be involved in Baseball United
• 34:03 Baseball United providing opportunities for players to revitalize their careers
• 35:05 Message to the fans