New York, NY – The semifinals and finals of the 2013 World Baseball Classic will be held in San Francisco at AT&T Park, it was announced by World Baseball Classic, Inc. on Wednesday.
"The Giants are excited to have been selected by MLB to host the Championship Round of the World Baseball Classic," said San Francisco Giants president Larry Baer. "We believe that AT&T Park will be the perfect venue to showcase the best baseball players in the world as they represent their countries and compete in this one-of-a-kind international tournament. We look forward to bringing this international competition to one of the most international cities in the world!"
Marlins Park in Miami will host the second-round pool while Arizona's Chase Field, home of the Diamondbacks, and Salt River Fields will welcome first- round play.
"We are very pleased to partner with three franchises that will prove to be outstanding hosts of the 2013 World Baseball Classic," said president of World Baseball Classic, Inc. Paul Archey. "The Giants, the Marlins and the D-backs share our commitment to continuing the game's remarkable global growth, and their world-class cities and ballparks will welcome the unique brand of enthusiasm inspired by the World Baseball Classic."
Games, pool composition and game dates will be announced soon as will international venues which will host games. First-round action is expected to begin in March.
Japan defeated Cuba in 2006 and Korea in 2009 to capture both of the WBC titles thus far.
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