The Tartan Army once again piped their way to a baseball game as hundreds of Scotland fans marched to the Miami Marlins' LoanDepot Park on Monday. The procession recreated scenes from Fenway Park in Boston last week, with supporters in kilts and bagpipers leading the way ahead of Scotland's crucial Group C World Cup match against Brazil on Wednesday.
March to the Stadium
Fans gathered at the Ball and Chain pub in the Calle Ocho area before heading to the stadium for the Marlins' game against the Texas Rangers. At 4:45 PM local time, pipers, led by team mascot Billy the Marlin, marched towards LoanDepot Park. The sound of bagpipes echoed through the streets as excited locals waved from windows. Despite sweltering heat, fans wore heavy kilts, drawing cheers from passers-by.
Robert Dickie, 69, a retired piper from Hamilton, told the Daily Record: "The march was very warm - but very musical. There was various pipers, it was great. It was very sociable. I've got a light kilt on so it wasn't too hot. It was good fun." He added: "It was a one off experience. When you come on these things, it's a one off experience to be here with the Tartan Army. It doesn't get any better than this, coming out here to watch the baseball. We're here for the atmosphere, and for the buzz. All the Tartan Army together in a song and dance mode, enjoying the atmosphere and the people."
Baseball Game Festivities
The Texas Rangers won the game 4-3. Before the match, fans drank beer and danced outside the stadium, singing traditional chants. Inside, festivities included a pre-game march, a performance by Nick Morgan (who released "No Scotland, No Party" ahead of the Euros), and a ceremonial first pitch from injured Scotland star Billy Gilmour.
Alan Hinnrichs, 48, a recovery worker from Dundee, said: "I always think it's good that a country like Scotland - that has so many baseball bats - has now, all of a sudden, taken up an interest in baseball! The march was absolutely fantastic. It was all good natured. The Cubans didn't know what to make of it. It reminded me of being in Saint Etienne in 1998. It felt like a liberation army coming through. They were just so bemused, but so happy that we were here."
Continued Presence in the US
Up to 10,000 Scotland fans attended the Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park last week, where the Rangers also played. The Tartan Army's colourful presence has been a highlight of the World Cup build-up, with fans embracing American culture while showcasing Scottish traditions.
