The rise of baseball in india

Indian Baseball Dreams is a documentary that tells the story of first-era Indian-American Arjun Nimmala, who became drafted inside the first spherical of the 2023 MLB Draft (No. 20 overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The four-part documentary aired as one consolidated function on MLB Network on Sunday, Feb. Four, and is now available in its entirety at no cost on MLB.Com and MLB.TV.

Nimmala's choice made history as he became the primary first-era Indian-American to be drafted at this type of outstanding slot throughout any of the 4 predominant U.S. Professional sports leagues.

The documentary follows the 18-yr-vintage's adventure -- going back to his roots in his parents’ hometown of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh -- and explores India’s carrying subculture, which in large part revolves around cricket.

The Rise of Baseball in India: Grassroots to Global Dreams

Born and raised inside the Tampa, Florida place, Nimmala developed into a standout shortstop at Strawberry Crest High School and was No. 11 on MLB's Draft prospect listing closing 12 months.

The 6-foot-1 proper-surpassed swinger refers to himself as a “affected person-competitive” hitter and absolutely does not get cheated on the plate. The Blue Jays' No. 3 prospect made his seasoned debut in the Rookie-stage Florida Complex League shortly after making history at the Draft and appeared in 9 games, going five-for-25 with a triple, a double, seven runs scored, three RBIs, 14 walks and a stolen base.

For a country synonymous with cricket, the rise of baseball in India may seem like an underdog story. Yet, quietly and consistently, baseball is carving out a niche for itself—starting from the grassroots and dreaming big on the global stage.

While still far from mainstream, the sport’s growing popularity, strategic grassroots development, and increasing international exposure are turning heads and inspiring a new generation of Indian athletes.

The Humble Beginnings: How Baseball Took Root in India

Baseball has had a sporadic presence in India since the 1940s, introduced by American soldiers stationed in the country during World War II. However, its structured growth only began in the late 20th century.

The Amateur Baseball Federation of India (ABFI) was founded in 1983, with the aim of promoting and developing the sport throughout the country. Despite minimal funding and infrastructure, dedicated individuals laid the foundation by organizing local tournaments and encouraging youth participation.

Grassroots Development: Schools, NGOs, and Community Programs

In recent years, baseball has made significant inroads into Indian communities through grassroots programs. Organizations such as Grand Slam Baseball, Dream Big India, and First Pitch are introducing the game to school children across urban and rural areas. These programs focus on:

Basic Skills Training: Teaching the fundamentals of pitching, hitting, fielding, and base-running.
School Leagues and Camps: Encouraging competition through inter-school tournaments and summer camps.
Youth Empowerment: Offering life skills training, character development, and education alongside sports.

One standout initiative is theMLB First Pitchprogram, introduced by Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2019. With operations in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities, the program aims to introduce baseball to school children through structured clinics and coaching workshops.

Infrastructure and Investment: Building the Backbone

One of the biggest challenges for baseball in India has been the lack of proper infrastructure. Unlike cricket, which enjoys widespread public and private investment, baseball has historically struggled to secure playing fields, equipment, and professional coaching.

That’s slowly changing.

Key Developments:

MLB’s Investment in India: In 2019, MLB opened an office in New Delhi and began investing in talent identification and development.
Baseball5 Facilities: A faster-paced, urban-friendly version of baseball calledBaseball5is gaining traction in India. Its minimal equipment requirements and compact playing area make it ideal for urban schools and public spaces.
Emerging Baseball Academies: Private academies in cities like Gurugram, Pune, and Hyderabad are beginning to offer baseball as part of their sports curriculum.

These developments are gradually professionalizing the sport, providing young athletes with access to better training, exposure, and competitive opportunities.

The Role of Technology and Media

Social media, YouTube, and OTT platforms have played a crucial role in spreading awareness of baseball in India. Indian sports fans now have easier access to live MLB games, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content. This digital exposure is helping demystify the game and generate interest among a new audience.

Fantasy leagues, mobile games, and baseball-themed web series are also contributing to a cultural shift. As more people learn the rules and appreciate the strategic depth of the game, the sport is becoming more relatable and exciting.

Indian Talent on the International Radar

India's baseball journey hit a major milestone in 2023 when Delhi’sDinesh PatelandRinku Singh(yes, the real-life inspiration for the movieMillion Dollar Arm) paved the way for Indian players on the international stage. Although Singh has since transitioned to WWE, their story proved that Indian talent could compete globally with the right training and support.

Since then, MLB and independent scouts have started taking Indian prospects seriously. Several players have participated in MLB development camps and international showcases.

Future Stars in the Making

Youth Programs: A growing number of Indian children are participating in international Little League events.
Scholarship Opportunities: Talented players are being scouted for baseball scholarships in American high schools and universities.
Professional Ambitions: With enhanced training and exposure, India could soon produce players capable of signing with minor league or even major league teams.

Government and Federation Support

While baseball is still not a part of India's Olympic sports funding structure, there are signs of growing institutional support. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has acknowledged baseball’s potential, and the ABFI continues to work towards better representation in national sports policy.

State-level federations are organizing regional championships, and some states have started integrating baseball into school sports curriculums. With India preparing bids for major international sporting events, showcasing non-mainstream sports like baseball can help demonstrate diversity and inclusivity.

Baseball5: A Shortcut to Olympic Dreams?

Baseball5, the street version of baseball, is a five-on-five, mixed-gender game requiring no bats, gloves, or specialized equipment. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Baseball5 is set to debut at the Youth Olympic Games and is being seen as a potential vehicle for countries like India to fast-track their way into international competition.

Baseball5’s appeal lies in its:

Accessibility
Speed of play
Gender inclusivity
Urban adaptability

Indian teams have already participated in Asian qualifiers, and with continued effort, could become competitive on the world stage.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, several hurdles remain:

Awareness: Cricket still dominates mindshare and media attention.
Funding: Baseball lacks the sponsorship and government grants that mainstream sports enjoy.
Infrastructure: Most cities don’t have dedicated baseball fields or trained coaches.
Cultural Familiarity: Baseball's rules and pacing are unfamiliar to many Indian sports fans.

Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from stakeholders across sectors—government bodies, educational institutions, private investors, and international federations.

The Road Ahead: India’s Global Baseball Dreams

As India continues to rise in the global sporting arena, baseball could be the next frontier. The sport’s blend of athleticism, strategy, and global appeal makes it a promising fit for India’s youth, especially those looking for alternative paths to international sports careers.

Strategic Priorities:

Scaling School Programs: Expanding reach through public and private school partnerships.
Coach Education: Creating a pipeline of certified Indian coaches trained by international experts.
International Collaboration: Partnering with MLB, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), and other governing bodies for exchange programs and competitions.
Talent Scouting: Identifying and nurturing athletes from non-cricket-dominant regions like the Northeast, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.

Conclusion

Baseball in India is no longer a fringe curiosity—it’s an evolving movement. From dusty playgrounds to dreams of MLB stadiums, the journey is just beginning. With strategic investment, grassroots enthusiasm, and a generation of passionate players and coaches, India’s baseball story is poised to make a powerful pitch on the global stage.