Yankees, Marlins to play in Panama
By Jeff Adcox
A two-game series from March 15-16 between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins will bring Major League Baseball to Panama for the first time since 1947. The “Legend Series” will be played at Panama City’s Rod Carew Stadium and will honor the legacy of newly retired Yankees great Mariano Rivera, the game’s all-time saves leader.
“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.”
Rivera will serve as 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 that will benefit the Mariano Rivera Foundation.
“It is only fitting that one of our game’s greatest ambassadors, Mariano Rivera, could help us bring Major League Baseball back to his beloved Panama,” said Paul Archey, Senior Vice President, International Business Operations for Major League Baseball. “We look forward to partnering with the Marlins and the Yankees to deliver a groundbreaking sporting event to the fans of Panama, particularly the young fans who looked up to Mariano during his historic career.”
The two-game set is part of the 2014 MLB Spring Training.
“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.”