Canberra Cavalry has welcomed the SK Wyverns to the nation’s capital. Photo: SMP Images.
The Canberra Cavalry’s redeveloped MIT Ballpark has lured South Korean baseball team SK Wyverns to train in the nation’s capital, as the Cavs open up their home for spring training camp this November.
Touching down on 7 November, the 2018 Korean champions will bring nearly 40 players and coaching personnel from their minor league team for their end-of-season training.
The Wyverns will fully immerse themselves in the city, staying at a hotel in Narrabundah and taking to the field and indoor batting cages at the ballpark. There is also a possibility that there will be friendly matches contested between the Cavs and Wyverns.
Cavalry director Daniel Amodio hopes this is the first step to a long-term deal between the two clubs, with conversations already underway to make Canberra a regular destination for the Wyverns.
The training camp was initially discussed when representatives from the Wyverns visited earlier this year to view the facilities. Amodio said the MIT Ballpark redevelopment was essential to luring the Wyverns to set up camp in Canberra, and he praised the ACT Government for its $4.5 million funding of the facility.
“The MIT Ballpark’s redevelopment has opened the door for visiting franchises with the main diamond, the second field, the batting cages, the locker rooms and the function room all to be utilised by the Wyverns,” Amodio said.
“Conversations have already begun with Wyverns to make them a long-term destination for them to visit, which will have a positive impact on Canberra as a whole from a tourism point of view.”
Amodio believes the partnership will have a lasting impact on baseball in Canberra.
“This camp will have a significant impact on the local economy, potentially making Canberra a hot-spot for international sporting franchises,” he said. “This will help put Canberra on the map, and help to establish the city as a great international sporting destination, not only throughout Korea but also through the whole continent of Asia.”
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