Flushing NY- After playing three games in three straight days to start off their pre-worlds tour, the JNT spent their off day travelling to New York to watch the New York Mets host the Atlanta Braves. The JNT were treated to a great day that included meeting Mets slugger Jason Bay (Trail, BC), watching batting practice from field level and of course taking in a Big League game from beautiful Citi Field.
Upon arriving at Citi Field hours before the start of the game, the team was escorted to the Mets dugout where they were greeted by Bay who welcomed the entire group to his place of work. Bay then lead the team on a behind the scenes tour that included the video room, hitting tunnels and a look at the clubhouse. Afterwards Bay signed autographs and posed for pictures with members of the JNT.
“It was a really cool experience,” said JNT catcher Chris Robinson (Uxbridge, ON). “It was great seeing someone come from our background and go through the college ranks and become a Big League star.”
The JNT had VIP access behind the batting cage at Citi Field for a front row look at batting practice, and a chance to see players like Chipper Jones and Troy Glaus up-close.
Notes: Back to business July 12th for the JNT as they travel to Danbury, CT to take on the Danbury Westerners of NECBL, first pitch is set for 6:30pm ET. ...It was also Jason Bay bobblehead day on July 11th. ... Bay did not play in the game. ... MLB held its Future’s Game on July 11th in Anaheim, 3 Canadians took part in the game. Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC), Philippe Valiquette (Montreal, QC) and Trystan Magnuson (Vancouver, BC) were all members of the World Team that fell to Team USA by a score of 9-1.
The 2010 IBAF World Junior (18U) Baseball Championship will host national teams from Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Korea, Netherlands, Panama, Venezuela and the United States. Teams will begin qualifying games on July 23rd and the tournament will culminate in the Gold Medal game on August 1st at the Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Visit the website at www.worldbaseball2010.com. For tickets, please call Toll Free 1-877-422-3201.
