The opening ceremony of the third WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup was delayed 90 minutes by heavy rain, but ended in impressive fashion with spectacular fireworks.
The ceremony was filled with emotion. The Sonora State Symphonic Orchestra performed the Mexican National Anthem, sang by tenor Christopher Roldan. The armed forces displayed the Mexican National flag. Mexico's captain Javier Salazar pronounced the player's oath, while Puerto Rico's Ruben Ramos pronounced the umpire's oath.
"The King of Sports wears its best dress tonight," said Ana Guevara, the General Director of the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport. "Sport is capable of uniting the world, and tonight the world is in the Sonora State. I hope you will enjoy 50 great games of the King of Sports."
WBSC vice president Willi Kaltschmitt added: "In the middle of difficult times for the entire world, the next ten days will send a message of hope for our sport and the baseball fans all over the world."
The Governor of the State of Sonora Alfonso Durazo declared the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup open and added: "We thank Ana Guevara and the WBSC for honouring us as hosts of this great event. We will be up to the task. The world will confirm how beautiful the Sonora State is."
Governor Durazo officiated the ceremonial first pitch, with Ana Guevara acting as catcher.
