Robinson Cano seeks redemption in the unlikeliest setting

Over the course of his 17 seasons in the professional baseball arena, Robinson Cano has accumulated a wealth of experiences and achievements that encompass nearly every aspect a seasoned player could aspire to attain.

However, the eight-time Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star is now venturing into uncharted territory as Robinson Cano embraces a novel chapter in his career, participating in a burgeoning baseball league located in a region not conventionally linked with the sport.

Robinson Cano seeks redemption

At the age of 40, Robinson Cano joined the ownership consortium of Baseball United, a professional baseball league based in Dubai, in September. He was chosen as the sixth overall pick in the league’s inaugural draft the following month.

This involvement not only offers Robinson Cano a chance to contribute to the development of Baseball United but also provides him with a renewed opportunity to showcase his skills on the field, potentially reshaping the concluding phase of his illustrious career.

Robinson Cano explained to The New York Post that in today’s competitive landscape, baseball players, upon reaching the ages of 32 or 33, may not receive opportunities in the major leagues unless they are consistently performing at a high level. While not directly addressing his own circumstances, he emphasized the need for players to explore alternatives, such as playing in Mexico, if they are unable to deliver immediate results, as failure to do so may result in being released.

Robinson Cano boasts an impressive record of 2,600 hits, along with five Silver Slugger Awards, two Gold Gloves, and a World Series title.

However, the concluding chapters of his career were marred by controversy, notably marked by two suspensions for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) — one during his tenure with the Mariners and another with the Mets. In his ultimate season in 2022, Robinson Cano participated in 33 games, dividing his time among the Mets, Padres, and Braves, ultimately culminating in an unceremonious release.

The emerging league

Possibly, Robinson Cano’s personal experiences played a role in inspiring his desire to engage with Baseball United.

This emerging league not only aims to introduce baseball to the Middle East and South Asia but, for Robinson Cano, it represents a chance to contribute towards offering fellow ballplayers opportunities to prolong their careers.

The roster of Baseball United features several recognizable figures, including Bartolo Colón at 50, Didi Gregorius at 33, and Pablo Sandoval at 37. Robinson Cano expressed that the league presented a significant opportunity for individuals who have a passion for baseball but haven’t had the chance to actively participate for an extended period. Furthermore, he mentioned that he sees himself as facilitating opportunities for many players who are eager to continue their baseball careers.

He elaborated on the perspective of a baseball player, emphasizing that getting another chance to play the game holds special significance, particularly for individuals from the Caribbean who have dedicated themselves to the sport. According to Robinson Cano, players from the region, driven by a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to baseball, always strive to give their best and aim to excel. When presented with the opportunity to be a part of Baseball United and witness the potential it offered, he readily accepted.

Baseball United is set to commence its activities this week, featuring two showcase games on Friday and Saturday in Dubai, showcasing all-star teams. Subsequently, the official inaugural “season one” is scheduled to take place in November and December 2024, as conveyed by the league’s vice chairman, John Miedreich.

Baseball United marks the inception of the first professional baseball league situated in the Middle East. The league aspires to capitalize on the popularity of cricket and leverage the pre-existing interest in baseball within the region, as noted by Miedreich.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Kash Shaikh, Baseball United is confident in its ability to orchestrate the success of the league.

Among its initial stakeholders are esteemed figures such as Yankees legend and Hall-of-Famer Mariano Rivera, Hall-of-Famer Barry Larkin, Adrian Beltre, Felix Hernandez, Elvis Andrus, Nick Swisher, and Ryan Howard. Robinson Cano has actively engaged in collaboration with them, contributing ideas and participating in efforts to recruit players for the burgeoning league.

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