Report: Johnny Damon to Play for Thailand As Country Attempts to Qualify for World Baseball Classic

by Ricky Doyle on Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 4:39PM

Johnny Damon has bounced around in recent years, but he is really venturing out to join his next team.

Damon will play for Thailand as the country attempts to qualify for the World Baseball Classic, Thai Amateur Baseball Association deputy secretary general Chaiyawat Chaiwannajinda told The Nation.

Damon, whose mother is from Thailand, last played for the Cleveland Indians — batting .222 with four home runs and 19 RBIs in 224 at-bats over 24 games in 2012. The 39-year-old has enjoyed plenty of success in the past, however, earning two All-Star Game selections and winning two World Series titles — one with the Red Sox and one with the Yankees.

The veteran outfielder reportedly started training with the Thailand squad on Tuesday, and he’s expected to take on an even bigger role with the club going forward.

“Johnny will not only play for our team but will also take part in a lot of activities, including charity events, in Thailand,” Chaiyawat reportedly said.

Thailand is placed in Group 4 of the World Baseball Classic qualification alongside the Philippines, New Zealand and Taiwan. The actual World Baseball Classic tournament kicks off in March.