Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas emphasized the significance of Major League Baseball’s expansion into Mexico as his team prepares for a weekend doubleheader against the San Diego Padres in Mexico City, where enthusiastic fans are expected to pack the stadium.
Thomas, born in the United States but eligible to play for Mexico through his mother’s heritage, expressed that competing in the nation’s capital holds special meaning for him personally.
“It’s definitely important,” Thomas shared with media 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.”
The outfielder spoke about his strong connection with Mexican supporters leading up to the series, noting that his representation of Mexico in international competition has strengthened that relationship.
“There’s been a lot of people that came up to me,” he explained. “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 continued. “After those games, the hugs were a little bit tighter… you could see how proud they were.”
With both of his parents attending the series at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu, Thomas described the opportunity as “really special” and expressed hope to win over what’s anticipated to be a crowd favoring the Padres.
“I’m looking forward to the crowd reaction,” he said. “Hopefully we can sway them a little bit.”
San Diego star Fernando Tatis Jr. highlighted the impressive growth of Mexican baseball, specifically mentioning the improving standards of the country’s domestic summer league, where his father Fernando Tatis Sr. currently serves as manager for the Algodoneros de Union Laguna.
“It’s very nice to see the quality of baseball being played here,” Tatis Jr. commented. “It’s a league that’s growing… you can see the investment and the work that’s being put in.”
Fellow Padres player and Dominican Republic native Manny Machado emphasized how Latin American supporters transform the atmosphere completely.
“Latinos play the game differently… and a big part of that is the fans,” Machado explained. “They give us energy. You’re going to see that here again.”
For the Padres, who have cultivated substantial Mexican support over the years, this series strengthens a relationship that MLB continues to prioritize as part of its international expansion strategy.
“It’s something the sport has needed for a long time,” noted manager Craig Stammen.
Both teams are currently competing with the Los Angeles Dodgers for National League West supremacy, and focus now shifts to on-field performance, where high-scoring contests are anticipated due to the altitude, with a capacity crowd expected to attend.
