Wed 16 July 2014, 21:15
Tottenham HotspurAll-Star baseball player Daniel Murphy flew to London to watch his beloved Spurs in October – but he's going to miss us on his doorstep!
The second baseman is enjoying the season of his life for the New York Mets but the MLB’s busy regular season - where teams play 162 games before the play-offs - means he’ll be in action as we take on Seattle Sounders (Saturday), Toronto FC (Wednesday, July 23) and Chicago Fire (Saturday, July 26) over the next fortnight.
To make matters worse, Daniel will finish a three-match series against the Padres in San Diego on Sunday before travelling to Seattle to face the Mariners on Monday - arriving just 48 hours after our Tour opener against the Sounders!
Mets took a five-day break for this week's All Star game but to give an idea of their schedule, they will now play 10 matches on the road in 10 days - three in San Diego, three in Seattle and four in Milwaukee - befoe returning to New York for three games against Philidelphia, making it 13 matches in 13 days!
But as far as watching Spurs, it's so near yet so far for Daniel! “It’s really disappointing, especially being that close!” said Daniel, who took in two matches at White Hart Lane as part of his European vacation at the end of the 2013 MLB campaign.
“To miss the team in Seattle, it's such a shame! I’ve never even been to Seattle! So it’s a bit frustrating for me but the cool part is that with you guys coming over, all the Spurs fans and soccer fans over here get to see a world-class team.
“It’s a really good opportunity for the MLS and the Americans to see a different brand of football. Having watched the English Premier League close up, the one thing I noticed was how it’s more physical to say Italy or Spain and that really appeals to the American spirit. I’m sure it will be a great tour!”
Below: Daniel hits a three-run home run for Mets against New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in May
Daniel sat in the West Lower at the Lane and one thing took him by surprise. “I wanted to be close to the game and I knew it was fast, but not that fast," he admitted.
“I didn’t realise there was so little time on the ball. To be that close and to see how quickly the guys in possession are closed down, the close control they need, the skill - television just doesn’t do it justice.”
Daniel is flying high in the MLB stats for 2014 and after an up and down run, Mets are also starting to turn the corner.
His performances were rewarded with a place in the MLB’s All-Star game for the first time, representing the National League against the American League in Minessota on Tuesday night.
“In baseball, the All-Star game is all about the players, the fans and the coaches voting for who represents the two teams, so it’s a real honour to mix it with the guys who have enjoyed a great first half of the season,” he added.
“To be mentioned in the same breath as those players is a true honour, a blessing.”
The team flew out to the States on Wednesday and we’ve plenty of events taking place in Seattle - including Open Training and Supporters’ Events - ahead of our first Tour match against Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field this Saturday, kick-off 1pm local time (9pm UK time).
Plus, you can follow every kick of our Tour by registering for our free Tour 2014 Spurs TV Pass - giving you access to all our exclusive video content from the other side of the Atlantic, wherever you are.
