World Baseball Classic announced the field for first round of Pool B, which includes U.S., Canada, Mexico and South Africa, are scheduled to be played at Chase Field and Scottsdale Stadium on March 9-11.
The second round is scheduled to play on March 13-15 in Hiram Bithorn Stadium and Angel Stadium and the semifinals and finals at San Diego’s PETCO Park on March 18-20. Only the first-round games for Pool D are undecided yet. Tokyo Dome and Hiram Bithorn Stadium are scheduled to be played for other two Pools.
Scottsdale Stadium is the Spring Training site of the San Francisco Giants, with a capacity of 11,500, will host the other three games featuring Canada, the U.S., Mexico and South Africa. Chase Field (the former Bank One Ballpark) is the regular-season home of the Diamondbacks, with a capacity of 49,033, will host three games featuring Canada, the United States and Mexico.
“The continued cooperation of the Diamondbacks and the Giants is another example of the great support from our clubs for the World Baseball Classic,” Commissioner Bud Selig said. “Chase Field and Scottsdale Stadium are fine facilities in prime locations, and we thank both clubs for their enthusiasm.”
“We are pleased to have Chase Field and Scottsdale Stadium, two first-class baseball venues, play host to the inaugural games of the World Baseball Classic,” Don Fehr, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association said. “Launching the Classic in Arizona, which has long supported the sport on every level, will provide fans and players with a memorable experience.”
Bob Watson, MLB’s vice president of on-field baseball operations and Team USA general manager, said that his search for a U.S. manager is narrowing and could be completed shortly. Buck Martinez, Don Baylor, Davey Johnson and Lou Piniella are among the top contenders.
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