In the middle of the bottom third inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ road game vs. the Athletics, a fan in a Mexico jersey was extremely loud after his team scored, just not one of the ones on the baseball field.
With the Dodgers up 5-1 on the Athletics, Justin Wrobleski was winding up to deal as one of the fans from the stadium erupted.
The fan got loud and waved his arms in a green jersey, which was indeed a Mexican National Team jersey.
At the same time, Mexico scored the first goal in their Round of 32 game against Ecuador, taking them ahead 1-0.
Shortly after an opening goal on a majestic strike from forward Julian Quinones, Mexico followed up with a second to secure a 2-0 advantage, with Raul Jimenez hitting his own amazing shot.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, have been running things down in Sacramento, putting the finishing touches on two straight wins against the Athletics.
It is hard to know if the fan in the Mexico jersey was a Dodgers fan, but there is no doubt that the Mexican community and the Dodgers have a long relationship.
The Dodgers-Mexican connection
Los Angeles is home to a huge Latino population, much of which consists of Mexican-Americans. Additionally, one of the franchise’s true legends, Fernando Valenzuela, is a Mexican native who helped usher in a wave of Spanish-speaking fans.
Adrian Gonzalez is the most recent Mexican fan favorite to serve a role similar to Valenzuela’s, embracing his Mexican roots in LA.
In preparation for the World Baseball Classic, the Mexican team had an exhibition game at Camelback Ranch against the Dodgers, with Fernando Valenzuela Jr. throwing out the first pitch.
Mexican Heritage Night, among other special nights at Dodger Stadium, has become a massive occasion when thousands of Dodgers fans with Mexican roots come together to celebrate their culture at the ballpark.
Without a doubt, there are plenty of Dodgers fans who are rooting hard for “El Tri,” especially with a squad that has inspired so much hope.
