The contest will take place in Mumbai on March 8, and Shinde is keeping his fingers crossed: “Let’s see how does it go. I think I can win,” Shinde says.

Baseball has never been a pure Indian sport but it did catch Shinde’s fancy ever since he was a youngster. He can recollect how he would the ground in Indore and gaze at players who indulged in a game that looked similar to cricket. He knew he had to play the game, and Shinde achieved his dream by playing for the national team in the 90s.

He represented India in the second Asian Cup Baseball held at Bangkok in 1997 and also donned the Indian colours in the third Asian Cup Baseball held at Chandigarh (India) in 2000.

Speaking about the future and scope of baseball in India, Shinde said, “Earlier, the game was new to India and there weren’t too many incentives but now efforts are being made to provide better opportunities to the players with specialized training. There are a lot of options available now and we are getting offers to play in America, Canada and Japanese Leagues. Playing with international players will certainly enhance our game and provide good money too.”

His thoughts were echoed by Vijay Fathrod, the current Indian captain. He said, “It is good for the game that the Baseball Federation of India is making serious efforts to promote the game and the players.”

Shinde and Vijay are here to take part in the senior baseball National tournament, playing for Madhya Pradesh.