MUMBAI: Major League Baseball and Disney Star have collaborated with IMG and Amped Pictures to supply ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’, a docuseries that tells the story of first-generation Indian American Arjun Nimmala. Nimmala was drafted within the first spherical of the MLB beginner draft in July by the Toronto Blue Jays, making historical past because the first-ever first-generation Indian American to be drafted at such a excessive place throughout any of the 4 main U.S. skilled sports activities.  

The docuseries takes viewers alongside Nimmala’s journey to additional discover his roots in his dad and mom’ hometown of Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) and to uncover India’s sporting tradition – assembly up with Ajinkya Rahane for a little bit of pleasant cricket, the game Nimmala grew up training. Throughout the docuseries, Arjun meets India’s personal budding baseball abilities whose tales are additionally featured.

The four-part documentary might be launched on October 18th, 2023, on Star Sports Select 1 & Star Sports Select 2 and the ultimate episode might be aired on October twenty first, 2023, with repeat telecasts persevering with till October 26TH, 2023. Additionally, ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’ will launch nationwide on Disney+ Hotstar in November.

This docuseries is a part of an expanded partnership renewal between MLB and Disney Star. Along with broadcasting the World Series because it has performed since 2020, Star Sports is airing extra rounds of the Major League Baseball Postseason reside all through October and November for the primary time on Star Sports Select 1 and a couple of. These telecasts are produced particularly for the Indian marketplace for the primary time, and have MLB’s greatest groups as they chase a World Series title.  

“Indian Baseball Dreams follows Arjun Nimmala, a 17-year-old Indian American baseball prodigy, as he aims to make history by becoming the first first-generation Indian American athlete selected in the first round of a major US sport. This series highlights Arjun’s exceptional talent, dedication, and the growing influence of baseball beyond borders. It’s a captivating journey that bridges cultures, showcasing the universal power of sports to inspire triumph and heritage. Don’t miss this incredible story of breaking barriers and developing connections between India and baseball.”, mentioned a Star Sports Spokesperson.

Manish Batavia, who has referred to as the video games in India, spoke on the expertise of bringing reside baseball to the Indian viewers.

“The similarities between India’s biggest obsession Cricket and America’s favourite indulgence Baseball are what make it a joyride to be commentating on MLB! Drawing parallels between the two sports to build a certain familiarity and relatability with and around MLB for Indian fans has been the key objective for us,” Mr. Batavia mentioned.

Major League Baseball, since establishing an workplace in India in 2019, continues to develop curiosity within the sport of baseball, together with by working its flagship MLB Cup program, a youth match that has grown to incorporate 154 groups in 2023 from throughout the nation.  

Ryo Takahashi – Business Development Manager, MLB India commented, “We at MLB India continue to find ways to connect with our audience in India, where we really believe in the opportunity to grow interest in baseball. Star Sports has been a strong partner of ours to expand baseball’s reach while we continue to provide opportunities to play the game of baseball through our youth events.”