Batter Up! Major League Baseball Roadshow to Stop in Beijing June 1

It's time to play ball again, as Major League Baseball returns to Beijing with the 2013 MLB Road Show, Saturday, June 1 from 1-6pm in Solana's central plaza. Baseball fans from the U.S., Canada, China and elsewhere can wear their favorite team's jersey, and take a few swings in the inflatable cages. MLB Development Center coaches will be on hand to teach and improve both swinging and throwing.

Other activities include: a hitting cage with pitching machine; a pitching cage with a speed gun; mini-baseball diamond with ongoing Wiffle-ball games; a t-ball cage; a "This Week in Baseball" TV crew on hand to interview participants; MLB t-shirts and giveaways; and for players who participate in all the available games, even more prizes. The event is free and is presented by AmCham China.

The Daily Beast just pondered last month how MLB could lead more participants in China to play baseball, given the game's success elsewhere in Asia, namely Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. No word yet on when the Indian Premier League will be bringing its cricket road show to town.

Looking to play in organized games rather than just warm up? Beijing Softball League (Facebook group) plays both spring and autumn seasons for male and female adults. For kids, Sports Beijing offers two baseball programs, competitive and recreational. Their summer program sign-ups are this weekend, May 18-19, check their website for more information.

Photo: MLB.com