Bermuda will feature prominently at the beginning of this year’s baseball season after New York Yankees star Curtis Granderson spent three days on the Island, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.The all-star centre fielder’s experience in Bermuda will be the topic of a story in the Opening Day issue of Yankees Magazine, the official publication of the Yankees.Before joining the Yankees in 2010, Granderson played for the Detroit Tigers. He is a three-time MLB All-Star (2009, 2011—2012) and won the Silver Slugger Award in 2011.But besides being one of professional baseball’s big name players he has also been recognised for his commitment to the community through outreach and charity work.Many of his charitable endeavours support inner city children. He has also served as an ambassador for MLB abroad.In 2009, he won the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award for his on-field performance and contributions in the community.Granderson’s visit was organised as part of the Department of Tourism to “utilise media and consumer influencers to increase exposure for the destination with potential visitors,” according to a statement issued by the Department yesterday.“We are focused on creating opportunities for Bermuda to be featured as an ideal vacation destination in media that reaches a targeted audience,” said Shawn Crockwell, Minister for Tourism Development and Transport.“The New York Yankees are arguably the most recognisable and influential brand in the world of professional sports and Mr. Granderson is an extremely popular member of the franchise. I had the pleasure of meeting him during his visit and he was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience Bermuda and learn that we offer so much more as a destination.”Granderson’s tour included stops in St. George’s, Hamilton and the Dockyard.“The Department of Tourism created opportunities for Granderson to get a sense of Bermuda’s culture and heritage by arranging visits to local shops, restaurants, galleries, visitor attractions, water sports, as well as a boat cruise to see Bermuda’s unique architecture and experience the beauty of Bermuda from the water. He even took in some of Bermuda’s nightlife on Front Street,” added Crockwell.He said the Department would continue to target media influencers throughout 2013 in conjunction with the National Tourism Master Plan.“Our goal is to help highly recognisable and influential people such as Mr. Granderson to discover what a fantastic destination we have here and to share those positive impressions with others, whether through the media or via their own network of influence,“It is all about building buzz and a positive momentum for our island and letting our natural beauty, incredible people and culture help tell the story.”