Sydney Swans champion Adam Goodes, Sydney FC’s Italian import Alessandro Del Piero and Sydney Roosters’ star Sonny Bill Williams welcomed Dodgers’ pitcher Clayton Kershaw and Diamondbacks’ first baseman Paul Goldschmicht onto the almost unrecognisable SCG pitch, which has been transformed for the historic opening series.
From left: Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans), Alessandro Del Piero (Sydney FC), Paul Goldschmidt (Arizona Diamondbacks), Clayton Kershaw (LA Dodgers) and Sonny Bill Williams (Sydney Roosters)
A huge media contingent gathered in the outfield for Wednesday afternoon’s opportunity, which among many photos also saw Goodes try his best to teach his American counterparts some of the skills of Australian football.
While Kershaw and Goldschmicht struggled to master the oval ball skills, they both showed plenty of promise with the round ball provided by Del Piero.
The Dodgers and the Diamondbacks will take on Team Australia on Thursday and Friday respectively, before playing off against each other in the first two games of the 2014 MLB season on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
Following the series, the SCG will be transformed again for the football season, with the Swans’ round four clash with North Melbourne the club’s first game back at the redeveloped Moore Park venue.
