SEOUL - As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to participate in the inaugural MLB Seoul Series, Manager Dave Roberts has expressed immense pride in representing Major League Baseball in South Korea, acknowledging the fervent fanbase and the sport's global appeal. The Dodgers, a team with significant international acclaim, are set to compete against the San Diego Padres in this landmark event, showcasing top-tier baseball talent on South Korean soil for the first time.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the team's arrival in Seoul was met with enthusiastic fans and media attention, underscoring the widespread popularity of baseball and the Dodgers' brand in particular. The manager shared his observations during a press conference, noting the palpable excitement and the unique opportunity this series represents for Major League Baseball to engage with its global audience. Roberts emphasized the honor of being selected to play in such a historic series, reflecting on the potential this exposure has to fortify the Dodgers' international presence.
Roberts also highlighted the trip's potential to strengthen team cohesion, citing the inclusion of players' families and significant others as a novel aspect of this tour. He believes that such experiences can be galvanizing, fostering camaraderie and unity within the squad, particularly for newcomers who are still acclimatizing to the team dynamics.
The manager elaborated on the importance of team bonding, especially for recent acquisitions like Teoscar Hernandez, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, who are expected to play pivotal roles for the Dodgers. Roberts views the Seoul Series and accompanying activities as valuable for establishing team chemistry, crucial for enduring the rigors of a long season.
In preparation for their MLB matchups, the Dodgers are scheduled to face the Kiwoom Heroes from the KBO and the South Korean national team in exhibition games. Roberts plans a bullpen-focused game against the Heroes and anticipates utilizing starter Bobby Miller against the national team, offering a blend of strategic gameplay and international sports diplomacy.
The Seoul Series not only represents a significant milestone for MLB's global outreach but also serves as a testament to the Dodgers' esteemed status in the international sports landscape, bridging cultural and geographic divides through the universal language of baseball.