Dubai Little League Baseball: It’s no longer a hidden gem
We are seeing genuine success but funding is a challenge
The American sport is gaining in popularity in the UAE with the arrival of NBA and Roger Duthie, President of the Dubai Little League, says baseball is booming in this market and is confident of seeing a UAE-born player to be drafted in the big leagues after Ollie Duthie complete in his first season of college baseball in the USA and Canada.
Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us about your history in Dubai with the Dubai Little League?
It is my fifth year as President and my 17th year volunteering, from coaching to various roles to finally getting voted in by the Board five years ago to become President. I had three main goals when I first took over: 1. Get more sponsors on board because without the financial support we can’t play baseball. 2. Give those kids who have the potential of playing at the next level an opportunity to do so. 3. To improve the facilities on and off the field.
Is baseball growing in Dubai?
As Major League Baseball (MLB) season gets under way
Stateside, it’s becoming more evident each year that this sport is no longer just America’s pastime. A total of 275 players represented 21 different countries and territories outside of the 50 United States on 2022 Opening Day. In Dubai, we have been growing and expect to surpass the pre-Covid season in terms of number of players. Baseball is booming in this market.
Are the Youngsters in Dubai progressing to the next level?
One day in the future, we expect there to be a UAE-born or raised player drafted in the big leagues who started out in Dubai Little League. Dubai recently saw the first UAE-born player, Ollie Duthie, complete in his first season of college baseball in the USA and Canada. We have had many kids who grew up playing baseball in Dubai
Little League play college ball over the years. Those early success stories really spurred on Ollie and the others from last season. Jack Chapleski and Mattia Sparincino also play baseball in America. All three boys grew up together playing baseball in Dubai Little League.
What is your biggest challenge with the Dubai Little League?
Although the game itself is hugely popular, our constant issue and challenge is funding. We need more funding for our facilities as we are the most expensive Little League organisation to operate in the world. As baseball is growing in the Middle East and Dubai is leading the way, sadly our sponsorship and funding is dwindling, and I would hate to have to close the gates due to funding.