PHOENIX — More than 100 Arizonans were sworn in on Independence Day to become United States citizens at South Mountain Community College.
Oscar Soria, the official play-by-play voice for the Diamondbacks Spanish broadcasts, was among the sea of faces at the ceremony.
Soria who is from Sonora, Mexico joined the Diamondbacks team in 1999 on a work visa and obtained his residency in 2004.
"My dream was to be a baseball announcer in MLB," Soria said. "In the process I have seen a lot of amazing things from this country."
Soria is also one of the voices for Naranjeros de Hermosillo, a baseball team based in Hermosillo Sonora Mexico, and has received national recognition for his broadcast skills.
He said part of what influenced him to become an American citizen was his admiration for people in the U.S. and his family.
"I have family in Mexico and family in the United States [and] I [wanted] to have the opportunity to be on both sides," Soria said.
Soria emphasized his gratitude and that this step would bring opportunity and also a responsibility for him to contribute to the U.S.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.