A Class 11 student from Dechencholing Higher Secondary School in Thimphu is about to make history in a sport that’s still pretty new to Bhutan, baseball. He is going to China next month. He has been selected to play in the upcoming Major League Baseball (MLB) China Development Center Summer League 2025. It is a big deal in the world of baseball, where young talent from across the globe gets a chance to shine.
17-year-old Thinley Jamtsho is one of the rising stars of Bhutan’s under-18 National Baseball Team.
Thinley’s baseball journey kicked off back in 2021, when the Bhutan Baseball & Softball Association held its very first U15 School League.
He started off as a catcher, but things took a quick turn when his team’s pitcher got injured. That’s when his coach asked him to give pitching a try. And guess what? Thinley didn’t just fill in, he shined.
Since then, he’s been making waves as a standout pitcher, and he’s just getting started. Today, he is going to be a pitcher on the international stage.
“My goal is to perform well in MLB China League and make the MLB members proud and let them select more from Bhutan. And make way for Bhutan to go in MLB and make opportunities for younger ones.”
He was just 13 when he first picked up a glove and started throwing a baseball.
His mother Dorji Wangmo said “Thinley has been passionate about baseball since he was very young and has been playing for many years. He’s had the opportunity to travel outside Bhutan twice because of the sport. I believe this is a great chance for him to pursue his dreams.”
With a little help and guidance from a few coaches along the way, his skills quickly started to grow.
Last year he earned a spot among 12 young athletes selected for a U.S. tour, where his raw pitching talent left a strong and lasting impression.
Jigdrel Wangchuk, coach said “He notices that he has a potential to play in higher level. So, he contact with one of the coach of MLB China Summer League who is in need of a pitcher so we sent some videos of him pitching. ”
The league will have 16 games against top teams from Korea, Australia, and China. It’s all about giving young players a real taste of high-level international baseball, a chance to compete and get noticed.
Thinley’s journey is just beginning, and his success could open the door for many more young Bhutanese players to shine on the world baseball stage.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
