Major league baseball delayed the start of the regular season due to the coronavirus outbreak. Thus, Opening Day for the MLB will be in May or June, depending on the situation. Fans don’t need to wait that long for baseball action. Baseball teams in Korea and Japan resumed spring training earlier this week.
Both the Korea Baseball Organization and the Nippon Pro Baseball postponed the start of their seasons due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, both countries are doing well in fighting against the virus. As a result, baseball teams in both countries started playing exhibition games. Also, they began their preseason activities as they try to get into shape for the start of the regular season play.
However, that doesn’t mean it is already business as usual for baseball in Asia. The KBO and NPB haven’t announced the date of their opening. Also, they are playing preseason matches in empty stadiums.
Baseball Teams in Korea and Japan Waiting for Go Signal
In Japan, teams started having exhibition games. Last Friday, Chiba Lotte Marines faced Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. Based on sportsbook pay per head reports, it produced several highlights to the delight of baseball fans. One of the memorable moments was a home run by Brandon Laird, a former Major Leaguer.
KBO canceled all preseason games. However, some teams played intra-squad games to prepare for the upcoming season. Although organizations don’t know when the season will start, they are optimistic that it will begin soon.
Seibu Lions pitcher Zach Neal told BookiePayPerHead.net that they are in a holding pattern. They hope for the season to start in April. That’s why they are practicing at the moment. Also, they are keeping an eye out for players who are showing symptoms of the infection.
Bookie pay per head providers can benefit from Asian leagues. Only a few bookies offer odds on KBO or NPB games. With players looking for options, Asian baseball leagues can be a new market for sportsbooks.
