Diamondback player Paul Goldschmidt arrived with club President and CEO, Derrick Hall for a media meet and greet at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and a chance to familiarise themselves with the grounds and meet members of the Australian Cricket Team.
The Diamondbacks first baseman tested his skills, pitching and batting against Aussie cricketers Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc, as both baseball and cricket balls were pitched around the grounds of the SCG.
“I’m excited to be in Sydney and to visit the Sydney Cricket Ground, such an historic sporting venue to host the Opening Series next March. It was amazing to test out the pitch today, and also see what these Aussie cricketers have to show us!” Mr Goldschmidt said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing everything Sydney has to offer after hearing so much about it all year. I can’t wait to return in March and see the SCG transformed for the Opening Series.”
The pre-match tour of Goldschmidt and Hall will be followed by a second promotional tour, when further representatives from both the Arizona Diamondbacks and LA Dodgers arrive in Sydney later in the month.
Both sides have expressed their excitement at coming ‘down under’ to see Australia’s largest and most famous city, ahead of the two matches at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March 2014.
Diamondbacks pitcher, Patrick Corbin will then visit later in November along with representatives from the LA Dodgers.
"Sydney is known as one of the best cities in the world and I'm really excited to visit next month and then come back again for the Opening Series,” Mr Corbin said.
LA Dodgers pitcher, Kenley Jansen said, “I couldn’t be happier that Major League Baseball and the Dodgers are opening in Australia next season. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I can’t wait to take the mound in Sydney.”
When they return in March, the LA Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks will be in Sydney for six days, including the two games at the Sydney Cricket Ground and pre-match training sessions.
The Sydney Cricket Ground will be transformed into a Major Baseball League field, with the construction of an infield clay area, pitcher’s mound, dugouts and additional grandstand.
Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase said it is fantastic that MLB teams are making an extra trip to Sydney. These pre-tours are a great way to promote the diverse nature of Australia’s sporting capital and prepare sporting fans for what they should expect comes March next year.
“We welcome the Arizona Diamondback representatives to Sydney and look forward to showcasing our fantastic harbour city to Major League Baseball representatives next month.
“We have no doubt they will love all that Sydney has to offer, taking back some great experiences that will get their team mates excited for the official tour next year,” she said.
Earlier this year the NSW Government through Destination NSW, its tourism and major events agency, won the rights for Sydney to host the Opening Series of Major League Baseball in 2014 – the first time such a match will be held in Australia and only the sixth time it’s been held outside the United States.
“It’s estimated the matches will deliver a direct visitor impact of more than $13 million for the local economy, as well as attract visitors from interstate and overseas.
“As the Sydney games will be broadcast live to the United States on ESPN, the focus of baseball fans will be on NSW in March 2014 ensuring we can showcase Australia’s global city and NSW as the natural home of major sport in this country,” Ms Chipchase said.
Elsewhere, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, Treasurer Mike Baird and Minister for Sport and Recreation Gabrielle Upton this week joined players and fans for the official Sydney Blue Sox Season Launch at the SCG.
Mr O’Farrell said the upcoming Australian baseball season was being eagerly anticipated ahead of the first ever Major League Baseball matches to be staged in Australia in March.
“This is an exciting time for baseball in Australia and I’m sure the Sydney Blue Sox will be riding a wave of popularity this season,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“Baseball fans from around the globe will have their eyes trained on the SCG when the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the LA Dodgers in March next year.
“These Major League Baseball matches will deliver a direct visitor impact of more than $13 million for the local economy and expose Sydney to a massive worldwide television audience – as well as being a great boost for the sport locally.”
For more information visit www.mlbsydney2014.com
For more information on what to see and do in Sydney, and other great short-break destinations across New South Wales, around the event dates, visit www.sydney.com
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