Written by Mark Bailey
The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers are set to kick off the 2024 MLB season in Seoul, where they will compete in the inaugural Seoul Series. It’s the first time an MLB game will be played in Korea, making it a historic event.
This event marks a big step in bringing baseball to fans worldwide. As both teams gear up for this momentous occasion, excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable start to the season.
Game Details
The Padres and Dodgers will clash on March 20-21, giving baseball fans an early taste of the action before the rest of the league begins its seasons on March 28. Opening Day will see the Dodgers send right-hander Tyler Glasnow to the mound, fresh off a stellar season where he set career highs in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts.
For Glasnow, being chosen as the Opening Day starter is a source of immense pride and excitement, marking a new chapter in his career with the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the Padres will counter with the experienced Yu Darvish, no stranger to the Opening Day spotlight. Despite a challenging 2023 season marred by injury, Darvish is eager to make his mark in Korea and lead his team to victory.
In Game 2 of the series, the tables will turn as the Dodgers debut their Japanese sensation, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, fresh off signing the most significant deal for a pitcher in MLB history. The Padres will rely on Joe Musgrove to deliver a strong performance and showcase his talent on the international stage.
All the action will take place at the iconic Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, with the first pitch set for 7:05 P.M. This historic venue will provide the perfect backdrop for two of baseball’s biggest rivals to battle it on foreign soil. Before the regular season openers, both teams will also participate in exhibition games, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Seoul Series.
Players to Watch
Keep your eyes glued to the action during the Seoul Series, as several standout players are poised to steal the spotlight.
First and foremost, fans eagerly await Shohei Ohtani’s debut for the Dodgers. Known for his exceptional talent on the mound and at the plate, Ohtani’s arrival as a designated hitter brings excitement and favorable MLB odds.
While he may not be pitching yet due to his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery, his presence in the lineup promises to ignite the crowd with his electrifying performance. As one of the most dynamic players in the game, Ohtani’s every move will be watched closely, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the series.
The San Diego Padres also boast a star-studded lineup, including Fernando Tatis Jr., known for his electrifying plays. Alongside Tatis Jr. are Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Xander Bogaerts, ensuring a thrilling showdown on March 20 and 21.
But it’s not just the big names that will shine. Players like Will Smith, Jake Cronenworth, and James Outman are worth watching, promising an action-packed Seoul Series with unforgettable moments.
Moreover, stars like Kim Ha-Seong and Go Woo-suk proudly represent their homeland internationally and serve as ambassadors for Korean baseball. Their presence in the lineup reflects Korean players’ growing influence in MLB and deepens the connection between the teams and the host country.
As these players take the field, they carry the hopes and dreams of Korean baseball fans, further enriching the excitement surrounding the Seoul Series.
How to Watch the Game
To catch the Padres-Dodgers series live from Seoul, South Korea, simply tune in to ESPN on March 20th and 21st at 6 a.m. ET. The games will be broadcast directly from the iconic Gocheok Sky Dome, bringing the excitement of the 2024 MLB Season Opener straight to your screen.
Merchandise Release
In celebration of this momentous occasion, Major League Baseball (MLB) has unveiled an exclusive collection of merchandise designed to capture the spirit of the Seoul Series. This limited edition line features iconic Dodgers and Padres logos, elegantly rendered in Korean script, adorning stylish apparel.
From sleek caps to cozy jackets, fans can proudly display their allegiance to their favorite teams in a distinctly cultural fashion. Each piece of merchandise serves as a tangible symbol of the historic event, allowing fans to commemorate the Seoul Series uniquely.
While the merchandise is currently available exclusively in Korea, there’s an optimistic buzz surrounding its possible accessibility to fans worldwide. This means that baseball enthusiasts from all corners of the globe will soon have the opportunity to acquire these coveted items, allowing them to partake in the festivities and celebrate the Seoul Series in their own style.
Conclusion
As baseball fans eagerly await the start of the 2024 MLB season, all eyes will be on Seoul as the Padres and Dodgers write a new chapter in the sport’s history. With star players, international flair, and a passionate fanbase, the Seoul Series promises to be a must-watch event for baseball enthusiasts everywhere. Mark your calendars for March 20-21 and join in the excitement as two game titans collide on the global stage.