New Delhi: Karan Patel, an Indian origin PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) has been picked up by Major League Baseball (MLB) team Chicago White Sox, making him the first ever player of Indian origin to be drafted in the MLB.

The 22-year-old is the son of Kuldeep Patel – former cricketer for the United States team. Kuldeep had left for North Carolina 35 years back to help his uncle with his restaurant.

“It’s very special for the Indian community here. Many kids are now starting to believe they can excel in American sports too. The senior players in the MLB are starting to know that I am the first of Indian origin to be among them and they are quite in awe,” Karan was quoted as saying in a The Times of India report.

According to the newly signed player, the Indian in America push their kids into academics and not allow them to play sports besides cricket.

In 2008, Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel became the first Indians to be associated to the MLB after they were picked through a talent hunt programme, unfortunately, neither could make an impact in the sport.

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