I was torn. Then I realized that Saturday could potentially be a doubleheader as the Dodgers were playing a day game and the Armada game was that evening. Unfortunately, since I had other activities to attend to I could only choose one or the other. I could not do both. So, I decided to stick with potential history and went to the independent league exhibition game.
Above and below is some of the pre-game activities that included Steve Yeager handing off a bouquet of flowers.
Below is the Chinese National team lining for pre-game introductions.
Here is the first pitch of the game below. The Chinese team started off strong as they scored 4 runs in the 1st inning. Excitement was high on their side. Their number four hitter whacked a 3 run bases clearing double over the head of the centerfielder to get the scoring started. The Armada, on the other hand, looked very shaky. They committed 2 errors in the 1st and numerous other errors throughout the game. They dropped balls and threw wildly as I started to feel embarrassed for the team. I found out later that this was a pre-pre-season game. The Armada only recently started practicing for the season which starts in about a month.
By the time of the last out the Chinese team had outlasted the Long Beach Armada 8 to 6. Overall, I was impressed with the Chinese team. They handled all of the routine plays and played good fundamental Baseball. They might not be a highly skilled team, but I suspect within a decade or so we may be seeing a influx of Chinese players into the Major Leagues. 
Above is the Chinese National team helmet that comes complete with vents. They are the strangest looking things I've seen in awhile.See the rest of my photos from the game in my photoalbum here.
Hey this is great stuff. I really wish I could've gone to one of the games, but it is just too far to drive for such an event for me. Thanks for taking all the wonderful photos and the nice write-up you made. I am glad that somebody went to this game and wrote about it. Any idea on what kind of tour of the USA the Chinese team is on? It would be interesting to see how they did against a collegiate team or a minor league team. If you had rate them, would you say they were the equivalent of A, AA or AAA? Or something else? Thanks.
ReplyDeletevr, Xeifrank
I'm not sure what the schedule of the national team is. I do know they took batting practice at Dodger Stadium a couple of days ago. I suspect they will play a few more games against minor league teams.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to rate this team based on one game. Fundamentally they looked good, but I would be surprised if they were rated above Single A. The players seem very raw and in need of a lot more experience.