Cardinals-Cubs Play Ball in London

Sports Travel and Tours Offers Trip in June 2020

HATFIELD, MASS—Baseball fans who like to travel can watch the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Chicago Cubs in London this summer on a trip with Sports Travel and Tours from Thursday, June 11 to Monday, June 15.

The adventure kicks off with a reception and Ump’s Eye View talk with retired MLB umpire Al Clark. After 26 years behind the plate, Clark entertains fans with stories—such as what it was like to officiate at Nolan Ryan’s 300th win or Cal Ripken’s record-breaker.

Travelers will stay at the Hard Rock Hotel London at Hyde Park, featuring memorabilia and artwork in every bedroom that pays tribute to former residents such as Jimi Hendrix, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, and Buddy Holly. The hotel is also a short walk from shopping on Oxford Street, which is an option on Friday through Sunday, when guests will have leisure time to explore outside of attending the two matchups at the former Olympic Stadium. 

Travelers who want to explore even further afield will be pleased that everyone will receive a ticket for a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus as well as an Oyster Card to access London’s trains.

“We plan for a lot of free time, which allows everyone to do what they want with these passes,” Clark said. A concierge who runs his own tour company in London will help in planning destinations.

For baseball fans, Clarke said, there is arguably no greater rivalry than the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Last July, Sports Travel and Tours took fans to experience that match-up in London, and, on the same day, viewed a Vincent van Gogh exhibition at the Tate Britain Art Museum.

Clark, a retired American league and Major League Baseball umpire who frequently has a role on Sports Travel and Tours trips as a speaker or guide, led last year’s baseball in London adventure. He said fans had a diverse experience that included taking in all London has to offer and dining on authentic pub food like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.

Though MLB games have been played in Mexico, Puerto Rico and even Japan, last year marked the first time the bases were run across the Atlantic; 38 Sports Travel and Tours guests witnessed the occasion. 

Clark is excited about June’s pairing of the Cardinals and Cubs. “Sports Travel and Tours President Jay Smith leaves no stone unturned when it comes to providing for the traveler,” Clark said. “Whenever he sees something new that could enhance a baseball fan’s experience, Jay will research it and make it happen.”

Last year’s trip was memorable, Clark said. 

“It was absolutely tremendous to go to London to see the Yankees and the Red Sox play at a venue other than Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park,” he said. “It was just so different. It was exciting for the fans and for Americans living in London, who got to see the best baseball rivalry in the country—outside the country.”

Learn more about Baseball in London: Cubs and Cardinals.

Learn more about Sports Travel and Tours.