SF Giants to host Team USA practices, exhibition before WBC
America’s team? It just might be the Giants.
Leading up to the World Baseball Classic this spring, Team USA will be based out of the club’s Scottsdale, Arizona facilities, and the Giants will host the loaded U.S. roster for an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium.
At last, fans will get to live out their wildest dreams of Bryce Harper suiting up and training at Giants’ spring training — only it will be briefly, co-headlining the star-studded Team USA along with Mike Trout. Already committed to join them, as the U.S. tries to claim its second consecutive WBC title: Cardinals’ MVP finalist Nolan Arenado, Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto and Red Sox infielder Trevor Story.
Another Giants connection: The U.S. pitching coach is Dave Righetti, who spent 17 seasons in that role with San Francisco.
The star-studded team will face off against the Giants in an exhibition game Wednesday, March 8, at Scottsdale Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Information on tickets has not yet been released.
The game is one of 20 exhibitions between MLB and WBC teams this spring. Canada, Great Britain, Colombia and Mexico will also train and scrimmage in Arizona, while Puerto Rico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Israel and Nicaragua will train in Florida. Team USA will get its final tune-up Thursday, March 9, against the Angels in Tempe.
Joc Pederson, who re-signed with the team Tuesday, has said he will play for Israel.
Team USA begins the opening round of WBC play that weekend, March 11-15, at Chase Field in Phoenix. The tournament moves to Miami for the quarterfinals, March 17-18, and semifinal/final, March 19-21.
The national team’s training site in Arizona will be located at the Giants’ major-league facilities in Scottsdale. It’s not yet clear the impact that will have on the Giants, who also have a state-of-the-art minor-league complex a few miles away, or how much access fans will have to Team USA practices.
The Giants begin Cactus League play Feb. 25 against the Cubs and host their first game at Scottsdale Stadium the following day. Click here to see their full 2023 spring schedule.