While in New York City to address the UN on climate change, Prime Minister Christie and his delegation attended a congratulatory dinner for the newest Bahamian Major League baseball player, Antoan Edward Richardson who plays Center Field for the New York Yankees. The dinner was held in New York on 24th September 2014. Pictured from left are Youth, Sports and Culture Minister, Hon. Daniel Johnson; Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Fred Mitchell; Prime Minister Christie; Environment and Housing Minister, Hon. Ken Dorsett; Bernadette Christie, wife of the Prime Minister; Rev. Jesse Jackson; Antoan Richardson; and Tourism Minister, Hon. Obie Wilchcombe. (BIS Photo / Peter Ramsay)

NEW YORK, NY - Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe has dubbed Bahamian Major League Baseball (MLB) player Antoan Richardson “Ambassador for The Bahamas,” a role the New York Yankees outfielder gladly accepted.

The tourism minister hosted a congratulatory dinner for Richardson at The Sea Fire Grill restaurant in New York following the Yankees home game against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, September 25.

“You are now in a position to get people to come to our country, which you’ve done already. Every time you do that you’re providing opportunities for Bahamians, helping put food on their tables, and a roof over their heads. We thank you for the role you play in tourism,” Minister Wilchcombe said.

Prime Minister Perry Christie and several Bahamian dignitaries joined Richardson’s family and friends to celebrate his accomplishment.

The prime minister congratulated Richardson for not only representing The Bahamas well on the world stage, but also for inspiring and mentoring young Bahamians.

“You are now a defining personality in our country, one who will be looked at, respected, and admired. You must be the best that you can be at all times,” Prime Minister Christie said.

The 30-year-old made his Yankee debut on September 3. Richardson said it took a lot of hard work and support from Bahamians to make it to the big leagues. He vowed never to forget where his journey began.

“Hopefully this moment will be an inspiration to a lot of young men and women in our country. This is not just about baseball, it’s about achieving your goals and dreams, whatever they might be,” Richardson said.

“I look forward to being an ambassador for the country and will continue to promote The Bahamas in any way that I can.”

Richardson’s mother Mauri Glendia Huyler and coach Senator Greg Burrows were also recognized for the important roles they played in his career.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Danny Johnson presented Richardson with an Islands of The Bahamas baseball cap to wear when he travels to games.

While in New York for the Antoan Richardson celebration, Minister Johnson joined representatives from the Ministry of Tourism’s Sports Tourism department in a meeting with New York Yankee executives.

Director of Sports Tourism Greg Rolle says the goal is to establish a partnership with the Yankees franchise that has more than 25 million fans.