Tommy Hunter will represent the Orioles in Japan All-Star Series

Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

At this point in the off-season, mostly all of Major League Baseball players are relaxing and spending time with their families. Baseball is the last thing on their mind. However, while many relax and recover from the long, arduous 2014 season, a select few are in Japan continuing to play ball.

They are competing against Japan’s national team, Samurai Japan, in the 2014 Japan All-Star Series. It will be a five-game series that begins today, November 12th at 4:00 AM EST.

Among the players on the MLB, there are Yasiel Puig, Evan Longoria and Salvador Perez. Also on the big league roster is Baltimore’s own, right-handed reliever Tommy Hunter.

Hunter is the only Oriole who made the 13-hour plane ride to Japan to compete in the series. In 2014, Hunter had a 2.97 ERA. He struck out 45 batters and only gave up four home runs in 60 2/3 innings pitched. Hunter also had a 1.104 WHIP during the 2014 season.

While Hunter’s time on the mound in the series itself will be limited to an inning or two, he is fully exploring and experiencing everything Japan has to offer. On his official Twitter account, Hunter seemed rather most excited to find a Starbucks in Japan.

While he may be excited to find coffee in Japan, all of Baltimore is excited for him to represent Baltimore Orioles baseball as he competes with some of Japan’s best ball players.

If fans want to watch the action, but do not want to get up at 4:00 AM in the morning, no need to worry. MLB Network will be airing the game at 9:00 PM today as well.