Baseball pro Damon bats for Thailand
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American-Thai baseball professional Johnny Damon will next week star in his motherland's bid to qualify for the World Baseball Classic. Qualification takes place in Taiwan from November 15 to 18.
Thai Amateur Baseball Association deputy secretary general Chaiyawat Chaiwannajinda said the former Cleveland Indians’ hitter agreed to represent Thailand in the event. The 38-year-old star started training with the national team at the practice venue in Klong 6 yesterday.
“Johnny will not only play for our team but will also take part in a lot of activities, including charity events, in Thailand,” said Chaiyawat.
Born to a Thai mother in 1978, Damon, a two-time American All Star player in 2002 and 2005, is to visit the US Embassy in Bangkok before conducting a clinic at Kasetsart University tomorrow. He will also donate money for disabled infants at the Bann Fuengfah Home.
Damon, who has played for leading MBL teams such as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, will join the Thai team for the trip to Taiwan on November 12. Thailand are placed in Group 4 of World Baseball Classic qualification alongside the Philippines, New Zealand and hosts Taiwan.
