Go for the London look! MLB shows off West Ham’s stadium makeover as Cardinals and Cubs gear up for TODAY overseas series…with F1 stars even getting batting practice
As Major League Baseball’s London Series approaches, the league provided insight into the massive transformation the London Stadium underwent.
West Ham United’s home has been transformed into its own version of a ballpark, as seen in drone footage published by MLB Europe ahead of the first game of the series on Saturday, June 24.
Inside the building, the locker rooms have been transformed into the colors of the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, while outside, the foul posts, bullpen, and base paths have all been set up.
It’s an astonishing transformation since Mail Sport’s visit earlier this month while preparations were still underway.
There are a few changes from the last London Series games that took place four years ago between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.
The London Stadium has been transformed into a ballpark ahead of MLB’s London Series
The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals will add a new chapter to their rivalry
Most notably, the centerfield wall has been pushed back after the two teams combined for 10 home runs when they last visited each other in 2019.
The big question is whether fans in the British capital will experience more fights. New York defeated Boston 17-13, 12-8 in 2019 more than 18 turns that lasted just over 9 hours.
“No one knows what to expect,” Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said. “No one expected the ball to fly like it did in ’19 and we don’t know if it will happen again.
“If that is the case, the matches can go on for a long time. But that was a while ago and a lot of things have changed whether it’s the stadium or the baseballs. It’s a big question mark.’
Cardinals scheduled starter Adam Wainwright — the Cubs counter with Justin Steele — remembers being shocked when the first Yankees-Red Sox game was 6-6 after one inning.
“It certainly looks like it might be a good idea to keep the ball on the ground,” said Wainwright.
Although even on the ground – artificial grass imported from Montreal – can present problems.
Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner commented, “The ball certainly flies in BP, and the turf is fast and springy.”
Formula 1 stars even did batting practice on Friday, including McLaren’s Lando Norris
McLaren CEO Zak Brown, a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, made some swings with his drivers
But while both teams are focused on chasing the NL Central-leading Cincinnati Reds, there is still an air of spectacle surrounding this event.
Unlike what has been seen at Formula 1 races in the United States – where American athletes compete in the Grand Prix – big players at McLaren visited the London Stadium.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown brought drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to do batting practice.
“Lando hit it pretty good,” said Brown, an American who was born in Los Angeles but identifies as a longtime Cardinals fan.