For the first time in history, the Boston Red Sox are visiting Mexico to play a two-game series against the Sultanes de Monterrey. This event marks a milestone in the relationship between Major League Baseball (MLB) and Mexican baseball, showcasing the sport’s growth in the country and Monterrey’s infrastructure that allows it to host such major league teams.
The joint effort of MLB in Mexico and the Sultanes was essential to make this event a reality. It also serves as a testament to the progress Mexican baseball has made in positioning itself on the international stage. José ‘Pepe’ Maiz, owner of the Sultanes, highlighted that the construction of the Mobil Super Stadium was pivotal in bringing MLB teams to Mexico, starting with the 1996 series between the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets.
Since then, Monterrey has hosted teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, and San Francisco Giants, cementing the city as a key location for baseball in Latin America. Rodrigo Fernández, director of MLB’s office in Mexico and Latin America, emphasized that the increasing willingness of MLB teams to play in Mexico has made events like this possible, with more games expected in the future.
Fernández also noted the unique atmosphere provided by Mexican fans, describing it as similar to the excitement of the World Baseball Classic, filled with energy and passion that surprises players during previous visits.
The series against the Sultanes also serves as a preparation event for the Red Sox, who took advantage of Monterrey’s proximity to Arlington, Texas, to play their final preseason games before the regular season begins. This type of event highlights the quality of the facilities in Mexico, such as the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium in Mexico City and the Mobil Super Stadium in Monterrey, which are steadily reaching MLB standards.
In conclusion, the series between the Red Sox and Sultanes offers Mexico a chance to further establish itself as a significant venue for global baseball, showcasing its infrastructure, passion, and ability to host top MLB franchises.
