Bringing MLB to Panama for the first time since 1947, the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins have scheduled a two-game series at Panama City’s Rod Carew Stadium on March 15-16.
Dubbed the “Legends Series,” the games were pushed by former Yankee great and Panama native Mariano Rivera, the game’s all-time saves leader. Rivera is one of the promoters of the event in his native country, along with Magic Dreams Productions and Patricia Lynch. The Legend Series will include charitable events away from the field, including a gala featuring representation of both teams on Friday, March 14 that will benefit the Mariano Rivera Foundation. Proceeds from the dinner will go to Children’s Hospital in Panama City, the largest pediatric hospital in the country.
“As long as I can remember, it has been my dream to bring my team, the Yankees, to play baseball in Panama,” Rivera said. “I grew up playing in Puerto Caimito, where I developed my passion for baseball and began a journey that brought me to New York. It is my hope that this legacy series will inspire other young players to pursue their dreams. I am very grateful to Major League Baseball, the Players Association, the Yankees and the Marlins in making this dream become a reality.”
“The Yankees recognize that the sport of Baseball truly belongs to the world,” said New York Yankees President Randy Levine. “It makes our organization proud to support Major League Baseball and the Players Association in spreading the excitement of the game in the international community. Visiting Panama, the homeland of the great Mariano Rivera, will be a privilege for all those involved in this historic endeavor.”
“The Marlins are extremely pleased to be playing in Panama and we look forward to introducing our team to our neighbors in Central America,” Marlins President David Samson said. “Teaming up with a baseball legend in his home country will be a great experience for our players and fans alike. The Marlins are excited to support MLB’s and the MLBPA’s continuous efforts to promote our great game internationally.”
—-
Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Are you a subscriber to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter? You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!
Follow Ballpark Digest on Google + and add us to your circles!