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Scottish Fans Light Up Miami Ballpark with Billy Gilmour’s Pitch

BBC Sport Football •
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Miami’s Marlins game against the Texas Rangers turned into an unexpected Scottish celebration. Fans gathered at Loan Depot Park’s third‑floor concourse where a woman’s “Looking for a Scot” sign drew a Tartan Army soldier. The crowd erupted, and the sight of Scottish flags beside Cuban symbols made the night unforgettable for fans from all over the season to this night was a surprise.

The event peaked when injured Scotland and Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour appeared on the field. Clad in a Marlins top, he hobbled to the mound and threw the ceremonial first pitch, sparking cheers that matched a statue’s coronation. The attendance hit 20,008, the largest Monday night turnout since 2017, boosting local beer sales and street‑food buzz for fans and vendors.

Meanwhile, the Tartan Army’s presence energized the game’s atmosphere. A St Andrews Pipe Band blared as the Marlins rallied to close the gap, and the crowd sang the Proclaimers during the eighth inning. Though the Rangers ultimately won, Scotland fans left Loan Depot Park having witnessed more Rangers victories than their national team at the World Cup, a bittersweet takeaway.