By Janina Nuno Rios and Angelica Medina
MEXICO CITY, April 25 (Reuters) – Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas said bringing MLB to Mexico is vital to growing the game globally, as his side get set for a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Mexico City this weekend in front of a passionate crowd.
American-born Thomas, who has represented Mexico at the World Baseball Classic through his mother’s side of the family, said playing in the capital carries personal weight.
“It’s definitely important,” Thomas told reporters on Saturday. “Getting the game all across the world is a big part of what MLB is trying to do… so everybody can see some of the best players in the world.”
He described a strong connection with local fans in the build-up, saying representing Mexico had deepened that bond.
“There’s been a lot of people that came up to me,” he said. “I feel like the Mexican fan base has always been very supportive.
“It’s an honour to represent Mexico and my mom’s side of the family,” he said. “After those games, the hugs were a little bit tighter… you could see how proud they were.”
With both his parents in attendance for the series at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu, Thomas called the experience “really special” and said he was eager to win over what is expected to be a Padres-heavy crowd.
“I’m looking forward to the crowd reaction,” he said. “Hopefully we can sway them a little bit.”
TATIS JR. PRAISES DOMESTIC BASEBALL
San Diego’s Fernando Tatis Jr. pointed to the rapid development of Mexican baseball, noting the rising quality of the domestic summer league, where his father Fernando Tatis Sr. is currently managing the Algodoneros de Union Laguna.
“It’s very nice to see the quality of baseball being played here,” Tatis Jr. said. “It’s a league that’s growing… you can see the investment and the work that’s being put in.”
Teammate and fellow Dominican Manny Machado said Latin American fans change the game entirely.
“Latinos play the game differently… and a big part of that is the fans,” Machado said. “They give us energy. You’re going to see that here again.”
For the Padres, who have long enjoyed strong support in Mexico, the series reinforces a connection MLB is increasingly leaning into as it expands internationally.
“It’s something the sport has needed for a long time,” manager Craig Stammen said.
With both teams challenging the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, attention now turns to the field, where a high-scoring series is expected at altitude in front of a sell-out crowd.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico CityEditing by Toby Davis)
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