Arjun Nimmala: First Indian American MLB Player Docuseries Premieres
The new project highlights the expanded partnership between Major League Baseball and Disney Star Major League Baseball (MLB) and Disney Star have collaborated with IMG and Amped Pictures to produce ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’, a docuseries that tells the story of first-generation Indian American Arjun Nimmala. Nimmala was drafted in the first round of the MLB amateur draft in July by the Toronto Blue Jays, making history as the first-ever first-generation Indian American to be drafted at such a high position across any of the four major US professional sports. According to MLB, its no. 11 draft prospect Nimmala’s age and offensive upside make leeway for him to play the shortstop position for a long time. The docuseries takes viewers along Nimmala’s journey to further explore his roots in his parents’ hometown of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, and to uncover India’s sporting culture – meeting up with Ajinkya Rahane for a bit of friendly cricket, the sport Nimmala grew up practising. Throughout the docuseries, Nimmala meets India’s budding baseball talents whose stories are also featured. The four-part documentary will be launched on 18 October 2023, on Star Sports Select 1 & Star Sports Select 2, and the final episode will be aired on 21 October 2023. Additionally, ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’ will launch nationwide on Disney+ Hotstar in November. The docuseries is part of an expanded partnership renewal between MLB and Disney Star. Along with broadcasting the World Series as it has done since 2020, Star Sports is airing additional rounds of the Major League Baseball Postseason live throughout October and November for the first time on Star Sports Select 1 and 2. These telecasts are produced specifically for the Indian market for the first time, and feature MLB’s best teams as they chase a World Series title. “Indian Baseball Dreams highlights Nimmala’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.” Star Sports Spokesperson. Nimmala’s content series is an extensive part of MLB’s plan to enter the Indian market. MLB, which described India as an exciting growth market, earlier in 2023 opened career opportunities for freelance roles to develop a series that resonates with the Indian audience and helps them establish a market for MLB in India. Sports like baseball, such as cricket, generated a revenue of Rs 20-22 bn this year, according to Elara Capital.
