Japanese Players Headline Mid East Falcons Roster for Baseball United’s First Season
Baseball United is making waves in its inaugural season this November and December in Dubai by featuring a strong Japanese presence on the Mid East Falcons roster. Out of 23 players, 13 are Japanese, highlighting nearly 60 percent of the team, including nine athletes who have competed in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Japan’s top professional league.
Japan’s dominance in baseball is undeniable. Ranked No. 1 globally by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, Japan’s baseball heritage stretches back to the 19th century. The NPB is often seen as the world’s second-best league after Major League Baseball (MLB). Japanese baseball’s international success is demonstrated by multiple World Baseball Classic championships, and the country continues to produce elite talent like Shohei Ohtani, the reigning MLB MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The passion for baseball in Japan is immense; it boasts the highest per capita viewership worldwide. The 2023 World Baseball Classic games in Japan saw viewership numbers soar, with each of the seven games watched by 30 million or more fans. Similarly, the 2024 MLB World Series attracted an average of 12.9 million viewers in Japan, marking it as the country’s most-watched Fall Classic ever.
Baseball United has been deepening ties with Japan over the past year, notably through a partnership with the Tokyo Broadcasting System. This collaboration includes a reality TV series aimed at discovering new baseball talents in Japan. The top performers from this competition will earn a spot on the Falcons’ roster, with winners set to be announced before the season begins.
Kash Shaikh, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Baseball United, expressed pride in the Japanese representation on the Falcons. He emphasized that Japan’s elite professional leagues, strong grassroots engagement, competitive minor leagues, and passionate fan base combine to produce exceptional baseball talent. According to Shaikh, this rich baseball culture brings experience and vision to the Falcons on and off the field, inspiring fans across the world.
The Japanese contingent is a mix of proven international stars, seasoned NPB players, and promising young prospects. Among the veterans is Munenori Kawasaki, 44, an infielder with a rich career spanning Japan’s NPB, MLB, Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League, and the independent Route-Inn BCL in Japan. Kawasaki’s illustrious journey includes representing Japan in two victorious World Baseball Classic tournaments and playing for MLB teams such as the Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs.
Another notable player is Hiroyuki Nakajima, 43, who made his mark as a shortstop for several NPB teams, including the Seibu Lions and Yomiuri Giants. Nakajima also had a stint in the US with the Oakland Athletics and earned multiple Best Nine and Golden Glove awards. He represented Japan in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Despite announcing his retirement in 2024, Nakajima is returning to play in Baseball United’s inaugural season, bringing invaluable experience to the team.
The roster also features outfielder Shuhei Fukuda, 36, renowned for his defensive skills and speed. Fukuda retired in 2024 but returned to compete in the Baseball United UAE Series in early 2025. He has the unique distinction of serving as a special assignment coach and consultant for the Seattle Mariners despite not having prior MLB playing experience.
Highlighting the team’s youth and potential is 18-year-old Manato Tanai from Hiroshima. Drafted by the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in 2024, Tanai is a promising infielder known for his speed, strong arm, and solid defense. He spent his rookie year in the Eastern League, Japan’s farm system, and was selected for the 2025 Fresh All-Star Game.
The Mid East Falcons will compete alongside the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, and Arabia Wolves in Baseball United’s debut season. The Falcons are set to open their campaign on Wednesday, November 19, facing the Karachi Monarchs. The season features 21 games played over four weeks at Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai, with broadcasts available worldwide. The season will conclude with the United Series championship, a best-of-three final, scheduled from December 12 to 14.
