Episodes
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 C...
Published 10/25/24
Arabia Wolves infielder Chris Beyers shares his remarkable journey, from growing up in Saudi Arabia to becoming one of the first players selected for the UAE’s inaugural national baseball team. As the Baseball United Arab Classic approaches (November 7-10), Chris reflects on his recent professional season in Germany and his childhood memories of representing Saudi Arabia in the 2007 and 2008 Little League World Series. Born in South Africa, he also touches on the pride of representing his cou...
Published 10/11/24
The 2024 Baseball United Arab Classic is set to take place from November 7th to November 10th at the new Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai. This historic tournament will showcase national teams from nine nations across the Middle East and South Asia, including the debut of the UAE national team. With limited seating and tickets starting at 49 AED, fans are encouraged to secure their spots early. Tickets are available exclusively through Platinumlist. Stay in the Loop: Follow Baseball Uni...
Published 10/09/24
Arabia Wolves outfielder Connor Panas joins the show to share insights from over a decade of professional baseball. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015, Connor reached Triple-A before transitioning to the independent leagues. As a longtime member of the Canadian National Team, he discusses the meaning of representing his country in international tournaments and the added pressure that comes with it. Connor reflects on last year’s All-Star Showcase, highlighting how Baseball United succes...
Published 10/05/24
Mid East Falcons infielder Alex Liddi takes center stage in this episode as he shares his remarkable journey from Italy to becoming the first Italian player in Major League Baseball. He discusses the cultural nuances and challenges he encountered along the way and reflects on how his journey has paved the path for other players from Italy to pursue their dreams. With unwavering confidence, Alex talks about the promising direction of Baseball United under its leadership and ownership, ex...
Published 09/27/24
Vishnu Kalel, Baseball United’s Development Specialist for India, joins the show to share his inspiring journey from school teacher to nurturing some of the country’s top baseball prospects. He reflects on the moment he fell in love with the game and expresses deep gratitude for how Baseball United has enabled him to fulfill his dream of coaching young players. Vishnu provides insight into his role within the organization and shares his strong connection with Baseball United's Manager of Base...
Published 09/20/24
Mumbai Cobras pitcher Robbie Ross Jr. joins the show to reflect on his experiences in the Major Leagues and beyond. Robbie discusses his time with the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox, sharing memorable stories of playing alongside legends like David Ortiz and Mookie Betts. He highlights his experience at the All-Star Showcase in Dubai and the potential for baseball’s growth in the UAE. Robbie dives into the unique atmosphere of playing in Dubai, the unity among players from diverse backgroun...
Published 09/13/24
Baseball United has announced a historic milestone with plans to build the first-ever professional baseball ballpark in the Middle East. Located at The Sevens sports complex in Dubai, this groundbreaking field will be a hub for the region’s growing baseball community. The playing field will be named Barry Larkin Field, in honor of the Baseball United Co-Founder and MLB Hall of Famer. The ballpark will feature cutting-edge technology, a modular seating configuration, and dimensions modeled aft...
Published 09/04/24
Karachi Monarchs outfielder Steven Moya joins the show to share his journey from playing vitilla on the streets of the Dominican Republic to the Major Leagues. He discusses being scouted by MLB teams at 16 and his transition to professional baseball after signing with the Detroit Tigers in 2008. Steven reflects on his MLB debut, the lessons he learned from legends like Miguel Cabrera and Torii Hunter, and his current pursuit of the Triple Crown with the TSG Hawks in the CPBL. He also highligh...
Published 08/30/24
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 i...
Published 08/23/24
Dwight Smith Jr., former first-round draft pick and Arabia Wolves outfielder, joins the show to reflect on his journey through baseball, from his early career to his impact on the game today. He reflects on his father, Dwight Smith Sr.’s, memorable 1995 World Series win with the Atlanta Braves and his own journey from being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays to making his major league debut against his hometown Braves. Dwight delves into his thoughts during the 2018 trade that sent him to...
Published 08/16/24
Baseball United's #1 overall draft pick, Karan Patel, joins the show to share an exclusive look into his historic journey. Karan discusses his childhood, where he developed a love for both cricket and baseball. He reflects on his experience as one of fourteen players chosen to represent the USA Cricket U-19 team for the World Cup qualifiers. Selected by the Chicago White Sox in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Karan shares valuable lessons from his time in the organization and the sig...
Published 08/09/24
Baseball United has announced its schedule for the league's inaugural full season running from October 23,2025 to November 23, 2025, highlighting an exciting year of events. In addition to the season, the league will hold a professional tournament, the Baseball United Cup, and a national team competition—the Baseball United Arab Classic—which will feature eight national teams from countries across the Middle East and South Asia. For more details, visit www.baseballunited.com/eventsStay in the...
Published 08/01/24
In this episode of the Baseball United Podcast, host Liam Skiffington sits down with Baseball United Co-Owner Nick Swisher. A 12-year MLB veteran and World Series champion, Swisher brings his unmatched energy and passion to the show as he reflects on his journey from being a first-round draft pick by the Oakland A's to winning a World Series with the New York Yankees. He shares insights on what made that Yankees team so great and learning 'how to be a Yankee' from legends like Mariano Rivera,...
Published 07/26/24
In this episode of the Baseball United Podcast host Liam Skiffington sits down with 2018 World Series champion and Baseball United Co-Owner Matt Barnes to discuss the global expansion of baseball. Matt discusses his childhood as a die-hard New York Yankees fan and his decision to play for the University of Connecticut under legendary coach Jim Penders. He reflects on being drafted 19th overall by the Boston Red Sox in the 2011 MLB Draft and making his big league debut. Barnes reminisces about...
Published 07/19/24
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 shortsto...
Published 07/12/24
Join host Liam Skiffington as he welcomes Carlos Mirabal, Baseball United’s Manager of Baseball Operations, for an exclusive deep dive into his fascinating baseball career. From his beginnings with the New York Yankees to becoming a star in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball League, Carlos shares his enduring passion for the sport and his current role with Baseball United. Carlos discusses his journey into coaching and scouting, and emphasizes the importance of developing baseball cultures ...
Published 06/28/24
In this episode of the Baseball United Podcast, host Liam Skiffington sits down with longtime MLB coach John McLaren. With over five decades of experience in professional baseball, John has coached around the globe and impacted countless players' careers. Currently the manager of the Arabia Wolves, John reflects on what made players like Roger Clemens, Ichiro Suzuki, and Barry Larkin so great, and discusses his experience coaching with Lou Piniella. John also talks about his time coaching in ...
Published 06/21/24
In this episode of the Baseball United Podcast, host Liam Skiffington welcomes Baseball United Co-Owner Elvis Andrus. With 15 years of MLB experience, Elvis offers a unique perspective on the game and his new role in ownership.Elvis shares how he was inspired by his older brothers and fellow Venezuelan shortstop Omar Vizquel. He talks about achieving his dream of making it to the majors at just 20 years old and the incredible experience of playing in back-to-back World Series. Elvis provides ...
Published 06/15/24
In this episode of the Baseball United Podcast, host Liam Skiffington sits down with 15-year MLB veteran and manager of the Mid East Falcons Dennis Cook. Cook opens up about his early passion for baseball and his memorable journey through the big leagues. He shares insights on his versatile roles, transitioning from starting pitcher to a formidable reliever, and his experiences during the intense steroid era.Dennis also takes us into his coaching career, highlighting his managerial roles for ...
Published 06/07/24
Baseball United proudly welcomes two-time MLB All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner Starling Marte to its esteemed ownership group. Marte, currently the starting right fielder for the New York Mets, brings his impressive career accolades and passion for the game to Baseball United. He joins a growing roster of baseball legends, including Barry Larkin, Mariano Rivera, and Adrián Beltré, and becomes the fifth active MLB player to invest in the league, joining fellow All-Stars Elvis Andr...
Published 05/30/24
Baseball United Co-Owner Jair Jurrjens joins the show to discuss his love for the game, his career in MLB, and his international playing experience. He talks about the ups and downs of baseball and the importance of perseverance. Jurrjens shares his journey from growing up in Curacao and being influenced by his family and Andruw Jones to playing in the MLB and representing the Netherlands in international tournaments. He also discusses the growth of baseball globally and the impact of interna...
Published 05/22/24
In this episode of the Baseball United podcast, host Liam Skiffington sits down with co-owner of Baseball United, Ryan Howard. They discuss Ryan's extensive MLB career, his involvement with Baseball United, and his children's book series. Ryan shares his enthusiasm for expanding professional baseball to the Middle East and South Asia, emphasizing the sport's potential to unite countries. He also highlights the importance of investing in passionate leaders and the necessity of transparency and...
Published 05/15/24
In this episode of the Baseball United podcast, host Liam Skiffington sits down with Eddie Diaz, the Vice President of Baseball Operations at Baseball United. Eddie shares insights from his remarkable 40-year journey in professional baseball, transitioning from player to executive. He reflects on his experiences in the minor leagues, managing teams in Mexico, and his current role focusing on recruiting global talent while promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sport. Highlighting the ...
Published 05/10/24