By Jordan Long
The Boston Red Sox have one week left in spring training. They will start the season in Tampa Bay on March 29th. With that, Major League Baseball is hoping to finalize a 2 game series next season between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in London. The games would take place at London’s Olympic Stadium June 29 and 30th, 2019. According to washingtonpost.com, Red Sox Owner John Henry said, ”This is something the two clubs have discussed for years with MLB and hopefully it will become a reality.”
If this trip is completed for next season, it would mark the first MLB games in Europe. The dates are perfect for London because it is after the soccer season when the stadium is available. MLB wants the game to be even more global and this would help, plus the Red Sox versus the Yankees is one of the most heated rivalries in all of MLB.
This seems like a great idea on paper. The only problem is it is during the regular season. By June these teams are in the thick of the pennant race, if not leading the division. It is a long trip to play 2 games for both teams and who knows how long before and after the series these teams would stay in London.
MLB needs to take a good hard look at this. June is not the right month. It is almost the halfway point of the season and would be better to start the year overseas. There is more time and the Red Sox could play 1 or 2 spring training games and then a 2 game series. Baseball will do what they feel is right. If this is successful, more games may be played.
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