Dodgers, Padres will play in China

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LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will play the first Major League Baseball games in China this spring, it was announced Wednesday.

The games will be played March 15-16 in the 12,000-seat Wukesong Baseball Field in Beijing, MLB.com reported.

"Major League Baseball's international growth has been nothing short of remarkable, and we are thrilled that the Padres and the Dodgers will showcase our sport to the people of China by playing in MLB China Series 2008," Commissioner Bud Selig said.

Donald Fehr, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, expressed his anticipation of the "historic games."

"China is a leader in international sport, and we know from the enthusiasm and talent the Chinese team displayed in the World Baseball Classic that China may soon become a force to be reckoned with in baseball, too," Fehr said.