The MLB has already played overseas once this season, and it was not the first time it has been done.

The first out of country game, of course not counting Toronto with the Blue Jays, took place in Canada, as a spring training game. It was a game between the Blue Jays and Cardinals in Montreal, Canada at Olympic Stadium. This, other than the other games played around the world, is a yearly event to get baseball back in Montreal, and has been done many times since the Expos left in 2004.

The first regular season game was played in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians took the trip to the baseball country and played two games, resulting in a split of the series. The final game went 16 innings before Ryan LaMarre hit in Puerto Rico native Eddie Rosario to win the game. Many Puerto Ricans were in the game, and many natives of the country came out to watch the game, the paid attendance for both game being 40,000 combined.

The Padres and Dodgers played in Monterrey, Mexico  May 4 to 6. They will play at Estadio de Beisbol Monterey. This will be the first time since 1999 that an MLB game will be played in Mexico.

“I think the MLB needs to expand outside of the country … expansion in Puerto Rico, Mexico, or Montreal wouldn’t really be a bad thing, as the league needs more teams, and that would really get fans involved,” sophomore Cameron Roll said.

Baseball is a big sport around the world, and MLB influences have traveled. Games have been played in Japan, Australia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Italy over the years. This has provided a big influence on the cultures of these countries, where baseball is big. This, based on the amount of fans who show up when the MLB is in their country. In fact, in 2019, the Yankees and Red Sox will play in London in the end of June for two games.

“I don’t think it means much for expansion, but it is interesting to see the other countries fill up a stadium and watch foreign baseball,” junior Ramel Richmond said.

Some think that, if the league is going to play in other countries, the league should expand into a few international big cities. It has been long rumored about two or more expansion teams, and there is definitely stadiums around North America that can be played in, if not built.

Montreal is a huge place for baseball, and is almost guaranteed to get the Expos back if the MLB expands. While Portland has been most talked about, Mexico City, Monterrey, or San Juan could also hold a MLB team.

England is next up in the list for a MLB game, but many more could be to follow in the years after.