12.6.24
Episode 31
Eddie Diaz On Baseball’s Breakthrough In The UAE
Eddie Diaz, manager of the UAE National Baseball Team, brings years of leadership experience to the game. In this episode, he discusses the historic Arab Classic tournament, the rapid construction of Baseball United Ballpark, and the journey of the UAE National Team. Diaz explores the challenges of building team chemistry, the strategies used during the tournament, and the future of baseball in the UAE. He shares his insights on player development, the importance of creating opportunities for young athletes, and the impact of fostering a thriving baseball culture in the region. Diaz concludes with reflections on the team’s growth, the significance of this milestone for the UAE, and his vision for the sport’s expansion in the Middle East.
What We Discuss
- 0:30 Intro
- 1:42 Initial thoughts upon seeing Baseball United Ballpark
- 10:37 Why Eddie embraced the opportunity to manage the UAE National Team
- 11:42 Building brotherhood and fostering camaraderie within the team
- 13:01 Eddie’s powerful message to his team ahead of the Arab Classic
- 19:15 Crafting a winning strategy for a high-stakes tournament like the Arab Classic
- 20:54 How the Arab Classic creates opportunities for players to be scouted and signed
- 24:15 Reflecting on the UAE’s monumental upset victory over Palestine
- 27:09 BU Chairman & CEO Kash Shaikh’s relentless passion and leadership in growing the game
- 28:35 Key reflections on the Arab Classic championship game
- 35:34 Biggest lessons and takeaways from the Arab Classic
