10.25.24
Episode 30
The Future of Saudi Baseball With Jean-Michel Mayeur
Jean-Michel Mayeur, Technical Director for the Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation, has over 25 years of experience in the game. In this episode, he shares his journey from player to coach, the challenges of developing baseball in Saudi Arabia, and the importance of grassroots initiatives for growing the sport. Mayeur delves into youth development, the potential for baseball in Saudi Arabia as part of the kingdom’s broader sports strategy, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Arab Classic. He also discusses the significance of the Saudi national team's participation, the impact of the new Baseball United Ballpark, and how Baseball United's unique approach to development is setting the stage for a bright future. Mayeur also emphasizes baseball’s unifying power and its role in bridging cultures, while laying out a vision for the sport’s continued growth in the region.
Tickets to the Baseball United Arab Classic can be found exclusively at Platinumlist.
What We Discuss
- 0:30 Intro
- 1:19 Jean-Michel’s journey in baseball
- 2:09 Transitioning from player to coach
- 2:50 Representing France on the international stage
- 4:18 Coaching's impact beyond the game
- 5:24 Balancing technical coaching with emotional development
- 7:49 Challenges of coaching youth players
- 9:10 Jean-Michel’s role as Technical Director of the Suadi Baseball & Softball Federation
- 14:13 Grassroots baseball: teaching the game in schools
- 15:08 Vision for baseball’s growth in Saudi Arabia
- 17:07 Baseball United’s partnership with the SBSF
- 18:47 The value of professional baseball in the Kingdom
- 19:32 Impact of the Baseball United Arab Classic on the region
- 20:28 Saudi National Team’s potential impact
- 21:14 Excitement for the Baseball United Ballpark
- 22:00 Baseball United’s Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder Kash Shaikh’s passion and leadership
- 22:51 Baseball United’s Ownership group instilling confidence in the continued growth of the sport
- 23:25 What sets Baseball United’s approach to talent development apart
- 24:04 Excitement for the Arab Classic
- 25:04 Baseball’s power to bring cultures together
- 25:52 A message to Saudi Arabian fans
