London welcomes the MLB as the St. Louis Cardinals play the Chicago Cubs in a two game series

It is widely known that the UK has developed a massive appetite for American sports. Following the successful establishment of the NFL in London with the London Games, it is now time for baseball to take center stage under the London sun. The St. Louis Cardinals, the second most successful franchise in Major League Baseball history with 11 World Series wins, are set to face their old rivals, the Chicago Cubs. This enduring rivalry, known as the Route 66 or I-55 rivalry, has produced countless unforgettable memories over the course of more than 100 years. The significance of this occasion is not lost on those involved in the sports industry and the fans.

Starting on Saturday and continuing into Sunday, we are witnessing an All-American takeover in one of London's most iconic venues. The introduction of MLB in the UK on such a grand scale is an exciting prospect. One fan shares his personal connection to the sport, saying, "MLB is actually a sport I've been watching since I was a kid. Growing up in Barbados, I used to support the Chicago Cubs a lot, and Sammy Sosa was one of my favorite players." With different people coming together from London and the United States, the growing popularity of baseball in the UK is evident. It is a global sport that brings people from all over the world together to support their favorite major league teams.

MLB is recognizing this global appeal and taking steps to expand the game even further. As one attendee at the event notes, "It's all global. People from all over join major league teams, so I think MLB is now recognizing that and taking steps forward to make the game truly worldwide." The atmosphere at the event lives up to expectations, with fans enjoying the fun and excitement of baseball in one of their favorite cities, London. For many, this is a dream come true, being able to witness their favorite team, the Chicago Cubs, in action.

The love for American sports in the UK is evident, as previously seen with the NFL, and now with Major League Baseball's return to London after a four-year absence. Commissioner Rob Manfred recently stated that the number of fans who identify as consumers of baseball in the UK has doubled since the last time MLB visited. The league is specifically targeting a passionate, knowledgeable, and, most importantly, young fan base. This historic weekend signifies significant growth for baseball in the UK and potentially beyond.

As the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs put on an impressive show on this side of the Atlantic, British baseball fans can rest assured that the MLB World Tour will return to London next June. The iconic East Coast clash between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets promises to deliver another thrilling experience for fans in the UK.

Posted with the permission of Decyfr Sport.