By: Justin Moss, NBC17 Reporter

The USA Olympic Baseball Team took to the field Thursday at Cary’s USA Baseball National Training Complex in preparation for the Olympics in Beijing.

The team is comprised of 24 players, most of whom are standout minor league players.

They signed autographs for fans and gave interviews during a media meet-and-greet Thursday.

The players said they’re excited about the chance to play in the Olympics.

“This is a great opportunity and a blessing to be able to play on this team,” said outfielder Matthew LaPorta, who is currently playing with the Cleveland Indians at the AA level.

North Carolina’s connection to the team comes in player Jeremy Cummings, a pitcher with the AAA Durham Bulls.

“Putting this jersey on, you really realize you’re an Olympian,” Cummings said.

The team is managed by former major league player and manager Davey Johnson, who said he sees a lot of spirit in his young team.

“I’m not going to have to give a lot of motivational talks, because these guys are going to be up for it,” he said.

The team will play in four exhibition games before flying to China on Tuesday.

Team USA faces team Canada at the Training Complex in Cary on Friday at 7:05 p.m.

The teams will also play at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park Saturday at 7:05 p.m., Sunday at 5:05 p.m. and Monday at 7:05 p.m.