Johnny Damon Visit

Johnny with a group of adoring young fans at the Rajvithi Home for Girls

The U.S. Embassy was proud to host Johnny Damon, the Thai-American New York Yankees baseball star and his family during his recent visit to Bangkok, Thailand.  Johnny, who was accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and Thai mother, Khun Yome, spent an action packed day on November 27 meeting and greeting new friends and excited fans here in Bangkok.  Following a warm-hearted meeting with members of the U.S. Embassy community, Johnny and his family shared a generous Thanksgiving holiday lunch with more than 100 wide-eyed orphans at the Rajvithi Home for Girls.  Later, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin welcomed Johnny and made him an honorary citizen of Bangkok.  The Thai-American major leaguer presented the governor with a special autographed baseball and New York Yankees cap.  In the afternoon, Johnny shared his baseball secrets with young players at the International School of Bangkok and threw out the first pitch in a friendly game between the Thailand Sanuk and Bangkok SEA little league teams.  Johnny ended his day with a reception hosted by U.S. Charge d’Affaires James F. Entwistle, where the baseball star mingled with fellow Thai elite athletes, fans and several dozen other special guests.  Throughout the day, Johnny spoke about his pride in being of Thai descent and how happy he was to return to his mother’s homeland.  He also reminisced about his early years as a young baseball player and encouraged Thai youth to participate in sports.  It was a fun-filled day packed with lots of laughter, smiles and sport!