The fact that Korean baseball is in crisis is best understood by the players on the field. We also know that the World Baseball Classic (WBC), which will be held in March, should be a turning point for baseball revival. It is for this reason that each of the 30 Taegeuk warriors who compete in the WBC, where the world’s best players gather, is determined to win. Sports Seoul listened to what kind of resolution the 30 Taegeuk warriors prepare for the WBC. <Editor’s Note>
Kim Gwang-hyeon (35), the ace of SSG and the national team ace, expressed his determination to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). He said he felt responsible as a leader. Of course, the goal is good grades.
Kim Gwang-hyun is a member of the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and is also the main player in the 2009 WBC runner-up. He also led the gold medal in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and the 2015 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier 12 victory. After 4 years since the 2019 Premier12, the Taegeuk mark will be worn again.
Kim Gwang-hyun said, “It seems to be returning to the national team after 4 years. Looking at the roster, (Yang) Hyeon-jong and I were the best pitchers in the national team. I am excited to participate in the competition with my juniors. He also feels a responsibility to lead his juniors well.” 안전놀이터
“The national team performed well in the competitions I participated in. I want to continue this jinx again. I want to do my best to take care of my juniors and achieve good results so that the pitching staff can help the team.”
Kim Gwang-hyun said, “I started training in Okinawa in January, focusing on running, catch ball, and weights, and his pitching intensity was also raised little by little. I will keep my body in shape until the 14th when I join the national team. It’s going well now. I’m fine enough that I don’t have any particular pain,” he explained about his physical condition.
I am also looking forward to the match against the US team. Kim Gwang-hyun played in the major leagues in 2020 and 2021 as a member of St. Louis. He laughed, saying, “Rather than talking about a player or country that I want to play against, it would be fun to play with players who were on the same team or opponent team when I was in the United States.”