The D-backs and “El Tri” Welcome WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, Who Threw the Ceremonial First Pitch Ahead of Arizona Exhibition Game

Boxing and baseball celebrated each other this Tuesday with the participation of Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the World Boxing Council, throwing the ceremonial first pitch during the exhibition game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Mexican National Team.

“Today we traded boxing gloves for baseball mitts, and it was a great honor for me to have been invited to be part of such an emotional moment,” Sulaimán said. “Baseball is the sport of the Sulaimán family; it meets boxing in that surrender, passion, courage, and dedication necessary to triumph, knowing that in a second, everything can change.”

The encounter was also highlighted by great moments prior to the pitch, such as Sulaimán’s speech to “El Tri” in the locker room before the game, which Mexico ultimately won 6-3.

“The WBC represents us and supports our athletes. Mauricio is a huge baseball fan, just as his father used to be, and it is a complete honor to have his support,” said Benji Gil, manager of Team Mexico, before yielding the floor to Mauricio in front of his players.

“Baseball taught me everything I need in life to keep moving forward. I follow you with admiration, and this is an important moment for Mexico. I am sure you will show grit and heart, just as Chávez did, as Canelo does, and all the great warriors who put Mexico at the very top with the Green and Gold belt,” Sulaimán told the Mexican players.

Sulaimán also presented a custom WBC belt featuring the Diamondbacks logo to the team’s President and CEO, Derrick Hall, and met with D-backs luminaries who also love boxing, such as manager Torey Lovullo and local legends Luis González and Orlando Hudson.

“This is incredible. It is a complete honor, and we deeply thank Mauricio Sulaimán and the WBC for this gesture,” Hall stated.