Baseball United and Tokyo Broadcasting System launch reality show to find Japan's next baseball stars

Arab News

2 days ago

DUBAI: A partnership between Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and South Asia, and leading Japanese broadcaster Tokyo Broadcast System will give young baseball players a shot at becoming professional stars.
The reality show, 'Tryout: Plan D,' will feature hundreds of hopefuls competing for two roster spots on the Mid East Falcons, one of Baseball United's founding franchises. The winners will play for the Falcons during the inaugural season in Dubai, which begins on Nov. 14.
Participants will compete in several stages of the competition, starting in July and ending in November. Ultimately, one pitcher and one batter will be selected after a series of intense challenges measuring skill, mental toughness, physical fitness and passion for the game.
The partnership will be anchored by TBS's long running and widely respected show, バース・デイ('Birthday'), a documentary series that has chronicled the triumphs and struggles of athletes across Japan for the last 20 years.
Airing on Friday nights, it explores its subjects' personal transformations and emotional journeys. 'Tryout' will bring to life a compelling mix of reality television, human interest and competitive action, while providing real opportunities for Japanese baseball prospects.
'Japan is one of the greatest baseball nations in the world,' said Kash Shaikh, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Baseball United.
'Baseball is engrained into the culture, history and future of this country. And we know there are a lot of talented players that just need an opportunity to showcase their ability. 'Tryout' is more than just a competition — it's a celebration of culture, a catalyst of opportunity and a testament (to) resilience. We are honored to collaborate with TBS and the legendary 'Birthday' team to bring this vision to life.'
Tryout will begin airing on TBS in July, with behind-the-scenes content and exclusive footage shared across Baseball United's global channels. The two winners will be officially introduced as members of the Mid East Falcons before the team's game against the Karachi Monarchs on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
'Our program バース・デイ has always sought to showcase the untold stories behind athletic greatness,' said show producer Hidemitsu Takahashi.
'Partnering with Baseball United allows us to elevate that mission by offering young Japanese players the opportunity of a lifetime — to transform their lives through sport, and to do so on a truly international platform. We can't wait to have our two winners take the field in Dubai.'
Baseball United was co-founded by Shaikh, John Miedreich, and MLB Hall of Famers Barry Larkin and Mariano Rivera in November 2022. Its ownership group now includes 20 MLB legends, including Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre and stars Felix Hernandez, Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols, Ronald Acuna Jr., Robinson Chirinos, and Matt Barnes. The league currently has four franchises, the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons, who will all compete in the league's first season from Nov. 14-Dec. 14. All games will be played at Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai.