WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - MEXICO VS UNITED STATES

March 12, 2023

Taijuan Walker

Chase Field

Team Mexico

Pregame Press Conference

Q. Could you tell us about your Mexican heritage, your background about your parents?

TAIJUAN WALKER: Yes, my mom, she's half Mexican. My grandma, my family, they're from Chihuahua. I don't know a lot. My grandma passed away when I was a lot younger, so I didn't get a chance to really learn about that side of my family.

I thought it would be special for my mom and that side of my family for me to represent Mexico.

Q. Tell us about your feeling for wearing the Mexican uniform, it's special for you? Tell us about that?

TAIJUAN WALKER: It's very special. I get goosebumps. Yesterday, the first game, I'm doing the intros, and just to be able to wear the jersey, the Mexico jersey and to really represent, for the whole country of Mexico. Like I said, my family.

I know my mom's really proud of me. She texts me every day. I send her pictures and she's excited to come and watch me.

Q. How did you receive the invitation to be part of this team?

TAIJUAN WALKER: I kind of asked. I don't think a lot of people know that I am Mexican. So I think a lot of people are surprised I'm playing for Team Mexico. But it's one of the things I really wanted to do, to really represent Team Mexico and, again, that side of my family.

Q. What have you seen from the rival that you see today that you're going to open Tuesday versus Great Britain? What have you seen from the team? What's the expectations for the fans of Mexico so that they can advance to the next game?

TAIJUAN WALKER: I think it really starts today, big game for us today. Obviously yesterday was a tough loss for us. But it was a good game. Today we have to focus on today and keep playing the way we've been playing.

We played really well yesterday. And I think before we can really focus on the next one, we have to take care of business today.

Q. How did you adapt to this team? How did the boys welcome you?

TAIJUAN WALKER: It was easy. I played against some of these guys, but it was easy. We're all here to do one job, and that's to win the whole thing and make our families proud.

Q. Tell us about the atmosphere yesterday. I don't know if you (indiscernible) similar about the game yesterday, almost 30,000 fans in the stands, mostly for Mexico. How do you feel in this game yesterday and your respect for the game (inaudible)?

TAIJUAN WALKER: Yes, it was fun. It was electric. When Randy hit that homer to tie the game, it was wild. It's one of those atmospheres where -- I always tell people -- it's kind of like the World Cup -- you've got the instruments going, the fans are really prideful of their country. And yesterday was a lot of fun, but I think tonight's going to be a good one tonight.