MLB Japan All-Star Series 2014: Full Roster, Dates, Times and More
As part of Major League Baseball's continued growth in Japan, the official particulars were released Friday regarding the highly anticipated MLB Japan All-Star Series.
The MLB Public Relations Twitter account revealed the seven-game schedule, which will take place from Nov. 11 through Nov. 20 and be aired in the United States on MLB Network:
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After an exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants to start the tour, the MLB All-Stars will compete in a five-game series against the Japanese national team before closing it out with another exhibition.
As seen in this roster listing courtesy of MLB Public Relations, the MLB All-Stars will feature plenty of big-name players, including Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig and many more:
According to MLB.com, outgoing commissioner Bud Selig believes the series will be great for the sport of baseball as a whole.
"Major League Baseball is delighted that many of our finest players will represent our sport during the 2014 Japan All-Star Tour. This event will not only resume a longtime baseball tradition, but also will illustrate the historic bond that links us to our Japanese friends and peers. On behalf of our clubs, I thank Nippon Professional Baseball, and all of us at Major League Baseball look forward to another memorable experience.
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While the series figures to be friendly to some degree, there is little doubt that the competitive spirit of players on both teams will ultimately shine through.
Fans often wonder how well Japan's best players might measure up to MLB stars, and the MLB Japan All-Star Series will provide them with some answers.
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