Scottish Fans and Billy Gilmour's First Shot in Miami
June 24, 2026
Scotland fans were welcomed with a warm atmosphere at the baseball game in Miami. Billy Gilmour's first shot and the enthusiasm of the Tartan Army provided unforgettable moments.
Love can be found in the most secret places. A romantic connection can start with a few excited swipes on an app or a shy look in a crowded bar. According to Rihanna, if you look hard enough in a hopeless place, you can find love.
But on a humid summer evening in south Florida, Cupid's arrows were flying like Hank Aaron past the food stands on the third floor of LoanDepot Park. While chants of "We Got McGinn..." echoed during the game between the Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers, a woman was smiling at her target audience and holding a banner. This simple message, "Looking for Scots," accompanied by a salt flag and a Cuban flag, had an immediate effect.
In recent years, Scotland's Tartan Army has attended the second baseball game with great enthusiasm. This time, instead of Boston's historic Fenway Park, they gathered in this modern stadium in the heart of Miami. Outside, Nick Morgan played "No Scotland No Party" for thousands of Scottish fans. Inside, the name that caught the attention of those watching the match was not the giant mascot Billy the Marlin, but little Billy Gilmour.
Despite being injured, Gilmour, a midfielder for Scotland and Napoli, slowly walked onto the field and took the first shot of the ceremony. The moment was greeted with enthusiasm, like placing an orange traffic cone on top of a statue. Smiling and waving to the crowd, he returned in his wheelchair.
A cynic might think this is an opportunity to cash in on the city's football-watching crowds. However, this event still offered a unique experience. It wasn't just another baseball game, it was a memory that will last a lifetime. This night was full of football, friends, long hot dogs and interesting first downs.
The food kiosk had a Scottish menu. A man with a Dundee United tattoo said his 'mince and tattie' hot dog got a 9 out of 10, but it wasn't as good as the football at Tannadice. DJ CP, who was playing the music, stated that he was excited to play songs for the crowd. As the sun set over the large glass wall, Scottish fans added to the atmosphere.
After the sixth inning, Miami's St. Andrews Pipe Band played so loudly that a Marlins run was inaudible in the background. In the eighth inning, a hitter brought the crowd to its feet, putting Miami back within one point against the Rangers. As the final half entered, the Proclaimers played music to lead the Marlins to victory. However, as the Tartan Army left LoanDepot Park after losing the match, they remembered that Rangers had more wins in the World Cup.
But there is still time for change, and in this extraordinary journey, Stephen McGinn had a beautiful moment when he caught a baseball that bounced over the metal fences. Another city, another stadium and another Tartan Army love. Scotland's clash with Brazil on Wednesday for their final Group C game could mark another chapter in this holiday novel.