LONDON J.D. Martinez, a seasoned veteran of the London Series, took the initiative to organize a group outing for his Mets teammates to witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace on Friday. Pete Alonso was impressed by how easily Martinez navigated the city, guiding the Mets precisely where they needed to go.

But Martinez wasnt the only one embracing the citys offerings. "Its hard not to enjoy it when youre over here, " Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper shared, also noting his newfound love for British food.

The London Series has previously showcased some of Major League Baseball's biggest rivalries, such as the Yankees vs. Red Sox and the Cubs vs. Cardinals. Now, its the turn of the Mets and Phillies, as they swap the familiar New Jersey Turnpike for the iconic Tube system.

As part of MLB's global tour, which has also featured series in Mexico City and Seoul this year, the London Series is about more than just two games. Both teams will engage in community activities, interact with fans, and enjoy the novelty of playing in a foreign city.

In addition to Harpers exploration of British cuisine, Alonso spent Friday asking locals about the best spots for a Sunday roast or fish and chips. Alonso and several Mets relievers even enjoyed a Guinness at a nearby pub, while the Phillie Phanatic and Mr. Met made their presence felt around London.

"I love traveling, and the challenges that come with it are just part of the experience, " said Mets pitcher Sean Manaea. "Being able to play baseball in another city, especially one like London, is something special."

What is the London Series?
The London Series is a key event in MLBs World Tour, an initiative to bring Major League teams to a global audience. This international project aims to host up to 24 regular-season games and 16 exhibition games across regions like Asia, Europe, Mexico, and Latin America by 2026.

Game Details and Broadcast
Game 1: Saturday at 1:10 p.m. ET on FOX.
Game 2: Sunday at 10:10 a.m. ET on ESPN.
Both games will also be available on.
London Stadium Facts
Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the site of the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Capacity: London Stadium can hold 80, 000 spectators for concerts, but its baseball setup accommodates around 55, 000-60, 000.
History: The London Series marks the third MLB series in the city. The first was held in 2019 between the Yankees and Red Sox, followed by the Cubs vs. Cardinals in 2023, which was rescheduled due to COVID-19.
Phillies and Mets International Play
The Mets have previously participated in several international games, including a historic series in Monterrey, Mexico https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/alec_bohm_jersey-161, in 1996. They also played in Japan and Puerto Rico in the late '90s and 2010, respectively. For the Phillies, this marks their first international appearance.

Starting Pitchers
Phillies: Ranger Surez starts Saturdays game, and Taijuan Walker will take the mound on Sunday.
Mets: Sean Manaea starts for the Mets on Saturday, followed by Jos Quintana on Sunday.
Starting Lineups
Phillies:

Kyle Schwarber, DH
J.T. Realmuto, C
Bryce Harper, 1B
Alec Bohm, 3B
Nick Castellanos, RF
Bryson Stott, 2B
Edmundo Sosa, SS
Whit Merrifield, LF
Cristian Pache, CF SP: Ranger Surez
Mets:

Francisco Lindor, SS
Pete Alonso, 1B
Brandon Nimmo, LF
J.D. Martinez, DH
Starling Marte, RF
Mark Vientos , 3B
Harrison Bader, CF
Jos Iglesias, 2B
Luis Torrens, C SP: Sean Manaea
Home Team Designation
The Mets will be the home team on Saturday, while the Phillies will host on Sunday.
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Community Events
On Friday, former players Daniel Murphy Mets) and Chase Utley Phillies) participated in a unique mini home run derby in Trafalgar Square, with Murphy coming out on top in a virtual augmented-reality contest. Additionally, MLB officials, including Commissioner Rob Manfred and owners from both teams, visited a local primary school to unveil a new baseball diamond and held a reading assembly with the Phillie Phanatic and Mr. Met.

MLB also hosted various events throughout the UK, including a European Development Tournament and a PLAY BALL event introducing children to baseball.



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