If you are a San Diego native, you most likely are a fan of the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball Team. But the Padres fan base isn’t only in their hometown, fans are from across the globe, even in Seoul, South Korea. Unlike any season before, this year the Padres decided to kick off their season with a series of games held in Seoul, South Korea. 

These games in Seoul against the Los Ángeles Dodgers had an electric atmosphere as fans from both South Korea and the United States came together to watch a historic baseball game. Along with committed Dodger and Padre fans at home, who woke up as early as 3:00 am to watch the games due to the large time difference. Senior baseball player and Padres fan, Brady Dockan did not waste a single opportunity to watch the Padres, “I set my alarm for 3:30 in the morning, there was no way I was going to miss a Padres vs. Dodgers game.” In Game One, the Padres fell short to the Dodgers losing 5-2. But in Game Two the San Diego Padres redeemed themselves, beating the Dodgers, 15-11 in an amazing 9-inning game. 

While it is exciting to watch your favorite MLB team come out victorious, these games are not about the wins and losses. The decision for the Padres to host their opening season games in Seoul helps baseball have international connections along with celebrating cultural diversity. The community created by bringing together different countries and cultures is more than just the sport of baseball. Bringing US baseball to South Korea is a big step forward in spreading the sport along with the love and joy that comes with it.