Press release Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball has announced the pre-game ceremonies and in-game traditions for the Mitel & MLB Present London Series 2019 taking place on June 29th and 30th at London Stadium between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
On Saturday, June 29th, The Duke of Sussex will attend the first game of the series in support of the Invictus Games Foundation, of which His Royal Highness is Patron. The Invictus Games Foundation is an Official Charity Partner of the Mitel & MLB Present London Series 2019. As part of the partnership, the Invictus Games Foundation have a team participating in London’s Softball60, the social softball series built for the city and targeted to introduce the sport to new audiences and demonstrate that it is an inclusive sport. The Duke will accompany Invictus Games competitors onto the field as they throw out the first pitch, before watching part of the game.
MLB has partnered with Sony Music UK to secure The Kingdom Choir, as well as pre-game performers Tom Walker and Craig David. The choir, a vibrant group of 20 singers, will perform both UK and US national anthems the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Save The Queen.” They first stepped up to the global stage with their show-stopping performance at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. Following their performance before an estimated TV audience of 2 billion people, they released their debut album Stand By Me later that year.
The internationally renowned Capital Children’s Choir will be performing the anthems on Sunday, June 30th, continuing their tradition of singing at historic sporting events such as the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium and the International Rugby Finals at Twickenham Stadium. Since they were founded in 2001 by Rachel Santesso, the choir has become an internet sensation with over 10 million views on YouTube and performances alongside pop artists Rihanna, Frank Ocean and the Spice Girls.
Walker, the 2019 BRIT winner, will take the stage on Saturday, leading off the series. The Scottish singer-song writer released his debut album What A Time To Be Alive earlier this year, making it to #1 in the UK charts with the success of his singles “Leave a Light on,” “Angels,” and “Just You and I.”
David, the multi-platinum selling R&B star, will perform his global DJ brand TS5 on Sunday, continuing the DJ, producer and MC’s high-profile return in recent years, headlining arenas and festivals all over the globe. His recent album The Time is Now reached #2 in the UK charts.
Music is a time-honored tradition in baseball and the London Series is showcasing some of the best customs. “Take Me Out To the Ball Game” will play during the seventh inning stretch and Fenway Park fan-favorite “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond will play in the middle of the eighth inning. At the conclusion of the game, the winning team’s traditional song will be played. If the Red Sox record the win, “Dirty Water” by The Standells will be played and if the Yankees earn the win, “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra will play.
The Giant Mascot races that are run in several MLB ballparks, including over-sized sausages (Milwaukee), presidents (Washington), power tools (Atlanta), and many others, will have its own spin in London with giant-sized British icons voted on by the fans. Vying to win the hearts of British baseball fans by racing around the warning track of London Stadium will be Winston Churchill, Freddie Mercury, King Henry VIII and the Loch Ness Monster.
Fans can stay up to date on all news regarding the Mitel & MLB Present London Series 2019 by following @MLBLondonSeries on Instagram and Facebook.