The Saitama Seibu Lions made history on July 27 by inking pitcher Akshay More to a developmental contract, making him the first Indian-born player ever in Nippon Professional Baseball.

The signing is the latest result of the Lions’ global scouting initiative to unearth talent in regions without deep baseball roots.

The program also led to the NPB’s first-ever player signings from Slovenia and Uganda last year.

More, 22, is a 194-centimeter-tall right-hander who brings a unique athletic background as a former runner-up in India’s national judo championships.

Despite playing baseball for only six years, his fastball is clocked in the low-90 mph range and he possesses a noteworthy forkball.

“I am sincerely grateful to the Lions for giving me this wonderful opportunity,” More said in a statement. “I will remain humble, work hard every day, and continue to grow so that I can become a player the fans can trust.”

Lions’ General Manager Koji Hiroike said the club was impressed by More’s character as much as his arm.

“He showed great potential during a tryout this past June,” Hiroike noted in a statement, adding, “We hope that he will grow significantly with the Lions and become a star of hope for those who play baseball in India.”