by Australian Baseball Federation
Team Australia will take on Major League Baseball powerhouses, Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks, at the Sydney Cricket Ground in two games prior to the 2014 MLB Opening Series next March.
In a press conference held today at Sydney Opera House, New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell announced the two additional games that will headline our national baseball team and provide another opportunity for Australian baseball fans to be a part of what will be Australia’s biggest internationally recognised sporting event since the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final.
Team Australia will play the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday 20 March and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday 21 March, before the two Major League teams commence the official MLB season with the Opening Series on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March. All games will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), which is undertaking a serious transformation to accommodate this spectacular and World-renowned show that is Major League Baseball.
“The 2014 MLB Opening Series is the biggest promotional vehicle that our sport has ever had in Australia and we are very honored and excited that our national team will play a key role in the event’s success” said Baseball Australia Chief Executive, Brett Pickett.
Looking ahead to roster selection, Australia has a depth of professional ball players and home grown talent that will be on the cards for a call-up. Names to watch for include Major League players Luke Hughes, Brad Harman and Justin Huber, as well fresh names Stefan Welch, Daniel McGrath and Lewis Thorpe.
“All names are on the board at this stage,” said Team Australia Manager Jon Deeble, “come March 2014 we will showcase our best talent”.
With tickets to the Opening Series Saturday and Sunday games almost sold out, Australian fans now have another opportunity to be a part of the action and watch their national team step up to the Dodgers and Diamondbacks.
Mr Pickett continued: “We encourage everyone to come out and be a part of this Opening Series experience and support your Team Australia. This truly is the pinnacle of our sport, Major League Baseball, right here in our own backyard”.
Tickets to the Games featuring Team Australia are on sale now at ticketek.com.au, but you don’t have to wait until March to see Team Australia play. Be at the ABL All-Star Game on Wednesday 18 December as reigning champions Australia defend their title against the World All-Stars.
