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Bryce Harper wants more MLB games in London and longer trip to UK as Phillies star suggests ’round robin’ overseas
Bryce Harper explained his theory on how to expand the MLB's London games from just a weekend of action
MLB power hitter Bryce Harper wants his London adventure this week to be longer than just a quick business trip.
And the Philadelphia Phillies star floated a perfect solution to Major League Baseball chiefs to extend the journey.
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The Phillies take on the New York Mets at the London Stadium in a two-game series on June 8 and 9.
They will have around a day and a half to explore the British capital before a weekend of business.
Speaking to select UK media, Harper admitted, "I kind of wish it was longer.
"I wish that we had about a week there where we bring four teams over, play like a round robin for a week and a half and really check it out and have some fun.
"But it's going to be such a quick trip in and a quick trip out.
"We're excited for the fans and being able to play in front of a different fan base will be fun."
The Mets and Phillies series is the third to be held in London since 2019.
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox were the first teams to make the trip across the Atlantic five years ago.
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And last year saw the Chicago Cubs face the St Louis Cardinals in a series that was postponed from 2020 after the Covid pandemic.
As it stands, there are no plans for an MLB series in London next year with the next one scheduled for 2026.
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The Phillies have been red hot this season both home and away.
Their 36-14 start was their best record through the opening 50 games of a season in franchise history.
It was also the best start in the MLB since the Seattle Mariners won 38 of 50 in 2001 - 23 years ago.
"Our starting pitchers have been unbelievable for us this year," Harper said.
"I think timely hitting, a lot of our young guys are playing well as well.
Home runs and boomsticks
MLB is back in London for a third time this summer when the Philadelphia Phillies take on the New York Mets.
The London Stadium will transform from a football pitch to a baseball field for the June 8 and 9 spectacle.
Fans attending the games can feast on some extravagant ballpark menu items such as boomstick nachos (pictured) and a two-foot boomstick hotdog.
The New York Yankees won both games in 2019 against their rivals the Boston Red Sox.
And the Chicago Cubs split their series with the St Louis Cardinals when the teams faced off in 2023.
"Any guy that's having their number called, they're doing their job.
"Collectively, I think we've done a great job of that."
Philadelphia lost in the World Series two years ago, and fell in the National League Championship Series last season.
This year they're in the best position they've been in at this stage and are primed for another push towards winning their first championship since 2008.
"Obviously we want to win to win the division and that's our main goal right now is to win the division and get in that way," Harper explained.
"We’ve just got to play good baseball. It's a long season, we're on the short side right now, and we've got a long way to go."
";We don’t have Trea Turner in the lineup right now and he’s huge for us.
"We hope to get him back soon and get guys healthy and stronger.
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"But if our starters can continue to do what they do, I think we'll win a lot of games."
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New York Mets will play Philadelphia Phillies in the MLB World Tour: London Series 2024, June 8-9 at London Stadium. Tickets are available now at //www.ticketmaster.co.uk/MLB
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