Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers
By Jon Weisman
Adrian Gonzalez and his family will be joined by Fernando Valenzuela, Dodger president and CEO Stan Kasten and Dodger executive vice president and chief marketing officer Lon Rosen in Mexico City on Thursday for the Premio Nacional de Deportes (PND) ceremony honoring Gonzalez.
Gonzalez called the award, given to Mexican athletes who have made a significant impact in their respective sport and who are exceptional representatives of the country, “really the most prestigious award you can get in Mexico.” The ceremony will be hosted by Mexico public education secretary Emilio Chuayffet Chemor.
“It is truly my honor to travel to Mexico City in support of Adrian Gonzalez alongside our own Fernando Valenzuela who was very integral in the establishment of our significant Dodger fan base throughout Mexico,” Kasten said. “The Dodgers are fortunate to have such a rich history with Mexico and so many fans of Mexican descent.
“We applaud Adrian for being a role model on and off the field in Los Angeles, as well as an exemplary role model and athlete in his family’s own native country of Mexico. We remain committed to scouting throughout Mexico, and we look forward to our club’s future, which will undoubtedly continue to include Mexican talent.”
Under the Dodgers’ current ownership and amid an increased scouting emphasis in Mexico since 2012, a total of 9 Mexican-born players have been signed, including prize prospect Julio Urias and, most recently, first baseman Eric Meza from Guadalajara, Jalisco.
The Dodgers have made various trips to Mexico throughout their history including a trip to Monterrey, Mexico during Spring Training in 1991 for a two-game exhibition against Industriales de Monterrey and the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers also played exhibition games in Mexico City prior to the 1964 season against the Diablos Rojos and in 2003 against the New York Mets. Gonzalez himself helped renovate a Little League baseball field in Tijuana in 2012 which was renamed in his honor at a November 2012 dedication.
The Dodgers’ rich history of connecting with Mexico highlights their commitment to fostering international ties through baseball. Their memorable trips to Monterrey, Mexico City, and Tijuana showcase the team’s dedication to celebrating the sport beyond U.S. borders. Events like these have helped strengthen cultural bonds and inspire young athletes across borders, as seen in the renovation of a Little League field in Tijuana, now bearing Adrian Gonzalez’s name. These moments reflect how sports can bridge communities, offering opportunities to embrace new traditions while celebrating shared passions like baseball.
Traveling with a purpose often leads to unforgettable experiences, and sports have a unique way of bringing people together across distances. The Dodgers’ excursions to Mexico are just one example of how international journeys can help unite people through shared passion. These trips, whether to the energetic streets of Monterrey or the historic ballparks of Mexico City, emphasize the power of sport to transcend geographical boundaries. It’s not just about the games themselves but also the cultural exchange that takes place, fostering relationships between players and fans from different walks of life. Similar connections can be felt in places like Port Douglas, a coastal gem in Australia, where the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef meets the warmth of local traditions.
Visiting places like Port Douglas while traveling provides a chance to slow down and embrace a different pace of life. Whether you’re diving into the depths of the reef or simply taking a stroll along Four Mile Beach, every step unveils a new layer of wonder. Much like the Dodgers’ journey to Mexico, traveling to such locations broadens one’s perspective, creating lasting memories and bonds with locals and fellow travelers alike. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with the heartbeat of a community and understanding what makes each destination special.
Just as the Dodgers have brought their spirit to Mexico, visitors to Hawaii can embrace the same sense of exploration and connection in a new destination. Hawaii offers its own brand of vibrant culture and scenic beauty, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its unique landscapes.
A great way to discover the islands, especially the lively streets of Waikiki, is by renting a scooter. Scooters provide the flexibility to explore at your own pace, whether it’s cruising along the coastline or uncovering hidden gems in the heart of the city. To make planning easier, their website offers all the details you need to book a rental, including options tailored to your itinerary. From sandy beaches to bustling local markets, a scooter is the perfect companion for soaking in Hawaii’s charm.
Gonzalez’s schedule in the coming days includes a photo shoot with GQ Mexico and support of Mexico’s largest televised fundraiser, Televisa’s Teletón (which raises fund to help children with disabilities, cancer and autism), and meetings with underprivileged students and athletes to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness and team sports. If you want to bet on any team, go to sites like UFABET เว็บแม่.
As for Valenzuela, he will be recognized during a ceremony Saturday in support of the Copa IME Becas at Rio de Los Angeles State Park. The IME Becas program is a scholarship program funded by the Mexican government to assist students of Mexican descent who wish to further their education in the United States.
Valenzuela was inducted into the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico in 2013 which was also attended by a contingent of Dodger executives.
Thanks to Yvonne Carrasco for the information for this post.
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