The game often referred to as “America’s Pastime” is not limited to geographical borders. Baseball is a global game with an estimated 65 million athletes playing baseball or softball in over 140 countries worldwide.
‍
Additionally, baseball has re-emerged as an Olympic sport for the 2020 games in Tokyo, Japan. The decision to reintroduce baseball as an Olympic sport has ignited baseball interest among countries around the world. However, the majority of baseball’s resources and expertise are housed in a few primary countries including the United States, Japan and South Korea.
‍
This resurgence has also awakened an interest from a region of the world short on resources but BIG on desire. Southeast Asian countries specifically are underserved and underdeveloped when it comes to baseball.
‍
Therefore, ABI was created to utilize American baseball resources and expertise to build baseball infrastructure in these developing baseball nations.

Malaysia is ABI’s first area of emphasis. Malaysia has shown a special interest that coincides with a major shift in government. The recent change in administration has ushered in an initiative called the “New Malaysia.” This initiative has opened wide the door for innovative and unique development efforts.
‍
The Malaysian government is committed to baseball as a part of it’s “New Malaysia” campaign. There is hope for the next generation of Malaysian youth to play a game that teaches character, teamwork, determination, and mental fortitude.
‍
Baseball bridges cultural and racial divides. Malaysia is a diverse nation and the game is already uniting people groups that have historically been segregated. The Malaysian government is looking to ABI to forge a path forward and help them achieve their dreams.
‍
ABI has already built a strong partnership with the Baseball Federation, under the authority of the Olympic Council of Malaysia. ABI is committed to working alongside the Baseball Federation and Olympic Council to build the necessary baseball infrastructure so that America’s pastime becomes Malaysia’s future.
‍
Malaysia will serve as the epicenter of ABI’s development efforts within Southeast Asia.
‍
The future is bright for Malaysia baseball and for the entire region.
‍
Opportunity has knocked and ABI has answered!

noun noun: infrastructure
‍the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise."the social and economic infrastructure of a country"

ABI’s vision is to ignite a global baseball movement, not roll in for a few one-off events or publicity stunts. These will do little for the longevity of the sport in this region of the world. Instead, we know that proper systems and opportunities must be established.

‍
So, we go to the root.
‍
Baseball infrastructure includes all the elements required for baseball to operate and flourish in a society. We have identified such elements as fields and facilities, sustainable player development systems, and equipment outlets.
‍
These are 3 major components of baseball infrastructure needed in Southeast Asia and addressing these 3 areas is necessary for baseball to have the best chance to take root, grow, and thrive. We are committed to doing the hard things needed right now in order for baseball to become a generational mainstay.

Here is a snapshot of what we have been up to over the last year:
>> ABI has helped facilitate tremendous participation growth (from just a few guys  a year ago to an adult league of 8 fully formed teams)
>> This league has become the farm system for the Malaysian National Team
>> The National Team was just formed to compete in the upcoming Southeast Asia Games
>> ABI has worked alongside Japanese, Chinese, and Malaysian coaches to raise the level of performance in order to compete on the International stage
>> ABI has worked to bring in quality equipment (including cleats, gloves, balls, and bats) for players since no baseball equipment retailers exist in the country
>> Strategic connections have been made with current and former MLB players including Matt Wieters, Chris Coghlan, Mike Wright Jr., Terry Evans, and Louie Medina, to name a few
>> ABI has made strategic connections across Southeast Asia and has nearly unlimited opportunities to implement baseball infrastructure projects regionally once Malaysian operations are established

Great question  😁
‍
ABI has a program called “Advance Athletes”.
‍
ABI is looking for former and current baseball professionals who are willing to leverage their resources, networks, experience, and love of the game to help spark a baseball movement in Southeast Asia.
‍
These types of partnerships will serve to exponentially expand and accelerate the establishment of baseball infrastructure within our initial location, Malaysia.
‍
The future of baseball in Malaysia hinges on ABI’s ability to leverage American baseball resources to establish a lasting baseball movement. Connecting Malaysia to the highest level of baseball in the world is the #1 priority.
‍
If you are interested in hearing more contact Lee Sullens, lee@advancebaseball.org.

YES! Current and Former MLB players/coaches/advisors on board with the movement:
‍
>> Matt Wieters
>> Mike Wright Jr.
>> Chris Coghlan
>> Roy Silver
>> Chance Sisco
>> Louie Medina
>> Terry Evans

While we have been hard at work laying the groundwork for baseball development since mid 2018 ABI has officially launched on June 5, 2019.

Part of our inaugural First Field Malaysia Project will be constructing Malaysia’s first Little League sized field. This field will provide a location for consistent training and development opportunities for local youth, the future stars of the game.
‍
ABI understands the need for a strong grassroots movement among the youth of Malaysia. There is no hope for the sport taking root if this is not well developed. ABI will offer a baseball academy for students ages 5 to 14. ABI will also facilitate league play for local public and private schools, international schools, and Universities.