DUBAI: Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, has announced that league co-owner and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin will serve as the honorary general manager for its first franchise, the Mumbai Cobras.
The Mumbai franchise, which was introduced last week, is also the first professional baseball franchise in the history of India and the surrounding region.
The Mumbai franchise will compete in Baseball United’s Dubai Showcase in November alongside three additional yet-to-be-announced franchises. The league’s first full season will begin in late 2024.
The honorary GM role will include input into player selection, coaching hires and baseball strategy, as well as participation in sponsorship and community events within both the UAE and India.
“I am very excited to be named honorary GM of the Mumbai Cobras,” Larkin said. “I’ve spent my whole life in and around this great game, including investing most of my time in my post-playing days focused on developing players, analyzing the game and growing the game at the international level. I’m passionate about providing opportunities for young people and communities across India by building out a true baseball ecosystem. There is a lot to do, and I’m looking forward to helping wherever I can.”
Larkin will partner with Baseball United’s executive team and Mumbai’s first manager, who will be announced later this week, to help select the initial roster of the Cobras during the league’s inaugural draft. The Baseball United draft is slated for later this year.
“Lark is the perfect person to serve as first honorary GM for our first franchise,” said Kash Shaikh, president, CEO and co-owner of Baseball United. He’s been one of the pioneers of this journey, and he has all the credentials both on and off the field. I am looking forward to being on the ground together soon in Mumbai as we build support for this team at the grassroots level.”
