MLB COMES TO SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

These flags went up all over  Sydney, advertising the MLB Opening Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sydney was buzzing for it, and it seemed like everyone was wearing MLB baseball caps all over the CBD.

Rebel Sports at Mid City Centre had an Autograph signing the Friday before game 1, and I went along and met Miguel Montero, who is the starting catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Normally a Seattle Mariners fan, I assured him I was backing the D'backs for this one. In turn he was stoked to be able to cross "Meet Dan" off his bucket list. Happy to help, Miguel!

Here is the Autographed card I got. I admit I didn't know who he was specifically before hand, but I found out Miguel plays in number 26 and that's my number and he plays catcher which is my favourite position, so I figure he must be alright. Later that weekend he threw out Yasiel Puig stealing 3rd base, so now I really think he's pretty cool ;)

We decided to take Ryan with us to the Saturday game. Apart from the poo explosion that came out of his nappy and on to my shirt in the parking lot, he was really well behaved. Judging by his smile below, he even had fun. The game started late due to some really dark clouds delaying first pitch, which is why you can see Tarps over the infield in the picture. 

Given the amount of down time waiting for the game to start, I tweeted the above photo to the Mariners to let them know they were represented on Opening Day in Sydney.

#TrueToTheBlue RT @ObiDan26 They aren't playing here at Opening Day in Sydney, but we're representing @Mariners. pic.twitter.com/7NrmK7Owza
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 22, 2014

@ObiDan26 What a great experience. Hope you two had fun. Thanks for representing!
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 22, 2014

Apparently people think Ryan is cute...

And a little thanks from my first choice MLB team

I have a tradition of taking a photo of my food when I'm at a ballpark. If I'm at a Sydney Blue Sox game it's usually a Whitto's pizza, but at MLB it's a Hotdog shot. So this was my dinner. I heard there was more exotic food selections, but with Ryan there, I didn't really want to do much exploring, so this humble hotdog would have to do.

 

Side Note: Here is where the tradition began, one of my hotdogs from Safeco Field in Seattle.

Anyway, back the game in Sydney. You know how the story went, the Diamondbacks, despite getting everything right in the PR Department in the leadup, just couldn't get the score right, going down 5-0 on the back of some strong pitching by Clayton Kershaw.

We even got a special appearance from Brian Wilson and his Beard.

Thisgame really made me BallparkHomesick, so I gotta save to go "Home" to Safeco Field again one day. Overall, the 3 of us had a great night at Ryan's first MLB game. The Yankees fan sitting next to us said "So obviously this is your son's first baseball game, right?" to which I proudly responded, "Nope, he's a regular at Sydney Blue Sox games" to which I was met with a blank look... but that's a blog for another day.