Yankees squad heads to Mexico City for historic exhibition face-off
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Follow UsThe New York Yankees are set to play exhibition games in Mexico City in March. The games against Diablos Rojos del México are scheduled for March 24 and 25, marking the first time since 1968 that the Yankees will play exhibition matches in Mexico. The announcement was initially reported by Puro Beisbol and confirmed the Bronx Bombers.
Yankees set to play historic exhibition games in Mexico City
Since the Yankees‘ spring training schedule concludes on March 25, the team will need to split its squad for these two games, both of which will take place at the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium.
In a statement released this afternoon by the Diablos Rojos (Red Devils), they confirmed the venue for the matches. The Yankees and the Diablos Rojos share a distinguished history of victories; the Yankees have clinched 27 World Series titles, while the ‘Pandilla Escarlata’ has secured the championship 16 times in the LMB – Mexican Baseball League.
With these exhibition games, the New York Yankees conclude their Spring Training encounters before commencing the season on March 28 in Houston. Meanwhile, the Diablos will embark on their journey towards the LMB championship on April 11.
For those interested in Mexico, please note that ticket sales information for the Diablos Rojos will be confirmed in the coming days.
The last time the ‘Bronx Bombers’ played a game on Mexican soil was in Mexico City in March 1968. It was a two-game series against the Diablos Rojos, held at the unforgettable Parque del Seguro Social. The outcome of that occasion was one win for the Diablos and one win for the Yankees.
Get to know the Mexican stadium
As the Yankees prepare to grace the picturesque stadium in Mexico City, Latin America’s rich contribution to Major League Baseball is worth noting. The sport, though, isn’t always associated with the players’ home countries. When Mexico City’s Diablos Rojos team decided to build a new stadium, they aimed to create an iconic venue. Designed by FGP Atelier and Taller ADG, the stadium stands out for its striking features, notably its soaring roof and pyramid-inspired public spaces.
Located in the heart of Mexico City within the historic Magdalena Mixhuca Sports City, the stadium offers breathtaking views of the Félix Candela-designed Palacio de Los Deportes arena and the Formula One racetrack. With the dormant Volcán Xaltepec on the horizon, the stadium embodies the fiery spirit of the Diablos.
The stadium’s highlight is its dramatic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) roof system, extending over 11,500 seats and a vast public forecourt. Evoking a devil’s tail or pitchfork, the roof unifies the stadium’s smaller structures. Beneath, six truncated pyramids pay homage to Mexico’s indigenous architecture and volcanic landscape, providing gathering spaces and amenities.
Beyond aesthetics, the stadium benefits the community with affordable seating options and support for local markets and youth baseball. Addressing water scarcity, it boasts a net-neutral water system. Repurposing construction scaffolding for city-wide projects underscores its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
As the Yankees grace this iconic stadium, they join a tradition of excellence and innovation, enriching the vibrant tapestry of baseball in Latin America.
A look at the Mexican connection in Yankees History
Although Alex Verdugo has the opportunity to play in front of his home crowd, it’s highly probable that the Yankees will feature their Mexican player prominently on the field.
Alex Verdugo’s transition between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees intensifies one of baseball’s most heated rivalries. In a trade deal involving pitchers Greg Weissert, Richard Fitts, and Nicholas Judice, the Mexican outfielder joins the Yankees, contributing to their quest for a 28th World Series title.
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Verdugo departs the Red Sox after a four-year stint, showcasing a .264 batting average, 13 home runs, and 54 RBIs in the previous season, coupled with impressive defensive prowess.
Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014, Verdugo became part of the trade to Boston in 2020, which involved Mookie Betts and David Price. With arbitration eligibility, he could command a $9 million salary, eyeing free agency in 2024.
Expected to cover left field, Verdugo’s arrival marks the eighth trade between the Red Sox and Yankees since 1969. Notably, the Yankees recently acquired Greg Allen for minor-league pitcher Diego Hernández.
Mexican players who have donned the Yankees’ uniform include Celerino Sánchez, Carlos Rodríguez, and Alex Verdugo, among others. The occasion holds significance not only for Verdugo but also for the Yankees’ fans across Latin America, who have always been an integral part of the club’s history.
The Yankees will kick off their regular season at home against the Houston Astros on March 28.
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