When 13-year-old Thinley Jamtsho first donned a catcher’s mitt at his school’s under-15 league in 2021, the future path of Bhutan’s budding baseball scene was anyone’s guess. Four years on, the teenager has not only found his niche on the pitcher’s mound but also earned a place among the world’s most promising young players—becoming the first Bhutanese to break into the Major League Baseball (MLB) China Development Center Summer League.
Drawn in by the crack of the bat and the camaraderie of the diamond, Thinley’s early dedication caught the eye of his coaches, who saw that his strong arm and steady nerves would serve him better on the mound. Under the guidance of American mentor Mervin Moore in 2022, he refined his delivery and command, setting the stage for an even greater opportunity.
“I feel deeply honoured,” Thinley said of his selection. “This is my first visit to China, and I hope to make a real impact for my team.” Between July 17 and August 5, the Shanghai-based Summer League will feature 16 games pitting youth squads from Korea, Australia, the United States, China—and now, Bhutan—against one another.
At 17, Thinley’s leadership extends far beyond his own ambitions. As captain of Bhutan’s inaugural under-18 national side, he balances rigorous training with his studies at Dechencholing Higher Secondary School. He also shares his expertise with the next generation, mentoring under-12 and under-15 players at his alma mater.
Earlier this year, a two-week development camp led by Paul Benoit, a coach affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals’ Double-A team, drove the final spark. Impressed by Thinley’s poise on the mound, Benoit enlisted BBSA’s international head Ramon Alex Riesgo to seek global avenues—first aiming for Japan before pivoting to MLB China. A scouting video sealed the deal.
Crystal Tian, Business Operations Manager at MLB China, applauded the pick in an official letter: “Thinley’s presence will elevate competition and underscore the universal passion that unites our participants.” Beyond on-field action, players will take part in cultural excursions, promising a blend of athletic challenge and cross-cultural exchange.
Thinley’s ascent illustrates the rapid growth of baseball in the Himalayan kingdom. Since the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association affiliated with the World Baseball Softball Confederation in 2021—and gained Bhutan Olympic Committee recognition in 2023—the sport has drawn some 400 under-15 athletes, fielded an under-18 national roster of 45, and nurtured 64 younger academy prospects.
From his hometown of Trashigang to the international stage of Shanghai, Thinley Jamtsho’s journey embodies both personal tenacity and the burgeoning spirit of baseball in Bhutan. As he prepares to step onto the mound in July, he carries the hopes of a nation eager to see its flag fly among the world’s baseball elite.
