All articles tagged with #international baseball
Major League Baseball has announced the venues for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with Miami’s loanDepot Park, Japan’s Tokyo Dome, Puerto Rico’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium, and Houston’s Minute Maid Park set to host games. This marks the first time Houston will host WBC games, while Puerto Rico returns as a host for the first time since 2013. The tournament will feature 20 teams, with the final stages taking place in Miami.
Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball star, is embroiled in a scandal involving his interpreter's alleged sports gambling activities, casting a shadow over his highly anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the MLB's efforts to reach a global audience. The controversy has raised questions about Ohtani's knowledge and involvement, potentially tarnishing his image and the game itself. Despite the potential for increased interest due to the scandal, experts emphasize the need for the MLB to refocus on genuine on-field excitement to sustain long-term fan engagement.
Shohei Ohtani's Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres in a 5-2 victory in the first game of the Seoul Series, marking the opening of the MLB season in South Korea. Ohtani, a two-way Japanese star, delivered an impressive performance, drawing thousands of fans to the stadium. The game showcased the international appeal of baseball, with Asian stars like Ohtani and Kim Ha-seong garnering significant attention. The event also featured between-innings entertainment with K-pop routines, highlighting the global nature of the sport.