The estimable Bob Hohler wrote me a nice e-mail a few days back asking about Damon’s popularity over in these here parts. I guess this quote in the article “Johnny Damon, Superstar” must’ve been what sparked the question:
‘‘Puma has been pushing me big overseas," Damon said. ‘‘I think 90 percent of America knows who I am and probably 75 percent of the world knows me. It’s pretty much a global thing." (Link)
Um, sadly for Damon, I think not enough people follow baseball in the world to make it even close to 25 per cent recognition. As I wrote back:
You know, I wish Damon were more popular, given that he’s one of the only baseball players I know with Southeast Asian blood in him (along with Danny Graves), but the sad fact is that baseball isn’t popular enough in this part of the world for Damon to make that much of an impact. (They do show the Wednesday and Sunday games on ESPN Asia, but only “live” i.e. around 8am in the morning.) Even in Bangkok and Thailand I can’t say I ever saw many mentions of baseball in the papers, so I’m afraid unless the “Baseball World Classic” opens some eyes to the world of baseball, Damon can probably walk the streets of Singapore and Southeast Asia unmolested.
To further the point, I pass by sneaker stores regularly here in Singapore, and I can’t say I’ve ever seen Damon’s mug - or any baseball player’s face - advertising shoes here. Or anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Or in the UK. Or in Australia. Oh well, it’s not like Damon’s penchant for putting his mug out there isn’t well known. As long as he’s hitting at the rate he is, he can be a superstar for all I care…