In an exciting move to expand baseball’s global reach, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are set to face off in a captivating two-game series in London next season.
Rob Manfred, the commissioner of the MLB, officially announced the highly anticipated games, scheduled for June 8-9, at the esteemed London Stadium. This announcement comes ahead of the ongoing series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, adding to the growing enthusiasm for international matchups.
Recognizing the allure of traditional rivalries, Manfred expressed the league’s commitment to showcasing the pinnacle of baseball to the London audience. The aim is to provide fans in London with a firsthand experience of the sport at its finest.
In 2019, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox participated in the inaugural Major League Baseball (MLB) series held in London, marking the first time an MLB series took place in the British capital and in Europe.
Commissioner Manfred expressed the significance of showcasing their best performance in a special city like London, emphasizing the strategic importance the league attached to the location.
While reports about the Mets-Phillies series had circulated earlier, the league officials waited until the eve of the Cardinals-Cubs series to make an official announcement.
Mets manager Buck Showalter expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion of baseball, stating that it was a positive development for the sport.
Prior to the game between the Cardinals and Cubs, Commissioner Manfred held a news conference, and players from both teams practiced on the artificial turf at West Ham, the home stadium of a Premier League soccer club.
Looking ahead, the Yankees are actively advocating for a game to be played in Paris in 2025. Although the league has not yet confirmed the French capital as a host, the players’ association has already given its approval for MLB to organize a game in Paris as part of the collective bargaining agreement reached last year.
“In response to a question from a French journalist, Manfred revealed that our focus is currently on Paris in 2025,” stated Manfred. “While we have not reached the stage of making a commitment or formal announcement, the planning process is underway. This initiative aligns with the broader program outlined in the basic agreement.”
When Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, hailing from Landes de Bussac, was asked about the potential participation of his team, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I would be thrilled to manage that game. Paris holds a special place in my heart. Count me in for that one. It would be an amazing experience.”
