Saints Host Japan All-Stars In Free Exhibition At CHS Field

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Saint Paul Saints opened up CHS field for an exhibition game against the Japanese All-Star team on Wednesday. The team welcomed everyone at no cost.

It's one way the Saints hope to introduce its new stadium to the public. Not only is this an opportunity for fans to check out CHS field, it's a game where they can learn more about a cultural exchange between the Saints and the Japanese All-Star Team.

Open gates welcomed hundreds of fans who snuck away from work to catch a baseball game over lunch.

"It's a new place and I like it," Savannah Steinert said.

From kids out of school on summer break, to the business executive taking an hour away from his desk, more people than expected came out for an exhibition game against Shikoku Island League.

"It's a great day to be outside enjoying the all American sport and stuff with the kids kind of introducing them to it this is the first saints game they have been to," Cindy Sarvie said.

But this game had some international flavor. Not only did fans get to see a game for free in a new stadium, they got to learn more about another culture and it's fascination with one of America's favorite sports.

"This is almost like a dream come true for the Japanese team and the league too," Seigo Masubuchi said.

Masubuchi is director of international development for the Saints and the one who set up this exhibition game with the Japanese All-Stars.

He says the cultural exchange has been going on for 10 years.

"The Saints are known for work with local communities, friends to the local community," Masubuchi said.

Seigo says that relationship between the community and the Saints is studied by the Japanese.

"Only 40 percent of people watching the game and 60 percent just enjoying the atmosphere," Kozo Tomiyama said.

Professor Kozo Tomiyama wants to bring what goes on in this stadium home to Japan.

"We need to move this feeling to Japan to just enjoy the feeling," Masubuchi said.

That fun feeling most all get when watching the Saints play, in a stadium that's as pretty as a postcard. The saints are 16-2, so that is another good reason for checking out the team and the stadium.

The Saints say they are happy offer these opportunities for the entire community to come to a game and see all the area has to offer. There is another chance to experience it all at 7 p.m. Wednesday against the Joplin Blasters, but you'll need to purchase tickets for that game.