Bermuda will be thrust into the limelight when Premier Ewart Brown takes to the pitcher's mound at Shea Stadium next month to toss out the ceremonial first pitch.

But whether or not he can break the ball square or burn leather remains to be seen when he winds up for the Department of Tourism ¿ who recently struck a $500,000 sponsorship deal with the world famous New York Mets whose "official" destination this season is Bermuda.

"It will be a baseball party for all ages," Premier Brown told The Royal Gazette. "I'm not prepared to just give these tickets to anyone, they have to be earned. To get your hands on a pair of tickets you must send us a photograph proving your home team spirit for the New York Mets."

Premier Brown will take centre stage at Shea Stadium on May 12 to toss out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Mets' home clash with Washington Nationals.

"On the night of the game I will have the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch as a 'pitchman' for Bermuda Tourism and I am looking forward to it," he said. "Throwing out the first pitch and being interviewed on SNY (SNY.TV.) is specifically designed to get baseball fans thinking about Bermuda, about choosing us as a travel destination.

"I've thrown out the first pitch before ¿ at a Nationals game in Washington. I didn't embarrass myself too much so I think I should be okay. I'm looking forward to it. It should be a good night for Bermuda Tourism and I fully expect it to be a truly memorable event.

"Bermuda has plenty of reasons to be excited about this new partnership between the Mets and the Department of Tourism. When the Mets do well, Bermuda Tourism stands to do well."