ⓒ JoongAng Ilbo / JoongAng Ilbo Japanese version2023.02.22 10:09
Coach Lee Kang-cheol (57), who took over the Korean national baseball team in July last year, spent several months pondering. He consulted with many experts to assemble a coaching staff to accompany him on the long journey of the World Baseball Classic (WBC). After worrying about the top priority conditions for experience and leadership, we set up a “super luxury” coaching staff.
Headed by Kim Ki-tae (54), a batting coach who has experience as a first-team coach for the LG Twins and Kia Tigers, Kim Min-ho (3rd base and strategy coach) (54) and Kim Min-jae (54). First base and defensive coach (50), Jin Gap-yong battery coach (49), Chung Hyun-wook pitching coach (45), Bae Yong-soo bullpen coach (42), Shim Jae-hak ) He formed a ‘dream team’ including a quality control coach (51). All of them are “stars of yesteryear” who played an active part in professional baseball.
There are many coaches who have played an active role in successive WBCs. They are Kim Min-jae, Jin Gap-ryong, Chung Hyun-sook, and Bae Young-soo coach. At the first WBC tournament in 2006, coach Kim Min-jae, who used to be a shortstop, created the myth of Korea’s top four. He was a solid defender and was responsible for the national team’s infield. He also left an episode. In the second round match against the United States, which boasts a gorgeous line-up, he became a hot topic when he approached Derek Jeter (49), who was a world star at the time, and told him that he was a fan.
Coach Kim, who met at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona on the 20th (Japan time) during the practice match between the Korean national team and the Kia Tigers, said, “There are some misrepresentations of the facts. I didn’t confess that I’m a fan to him.” Coach Kim said, “At that time, when I jumped and caught Jeter’s hit ball, Jeter looked at me in the next inning with a smile and said, ‘Are you going to catch that ball? I’m sorry,’ and said, ‘Actually, I like your play.’ It was like a kind of confession,” he explained with a laugh.
Seventeen years have passed, but the memories of that time seemed to remain vivid. Coach Kim said, “Japan’s strength is high in this tournament, but the United States was also strong at the time. However, Korea beat the United States.
The WBC is an unforgettable stage even for coach Jin Ka-ryong, who used to be an offensive catcher. Coach Chen, who participated in the 2006 and 2013 tournaments, said, “The WBC is every baseball player’s dream. It’s one of the few chances to represent your country, just like in the World Cup soccer. I don’t have much to say to you. In fact, it might be a burden.
Coach Jeong Hyun-suk also received cheers from baseball fans on the WBC stage. Coach Chung played an active role in the 2009 tournament when Korea won the second place. He pitched in 5 games and pitched 1/3 of 10 innings to support his team. Due to his fighting spirit, he was even called “the people’s slave”.
Coach Chung said, “I think he was called that because he worked hard. At that time, I was in a period of physical training. But it remains as a good memory,” he said, adding, “I’ve heard voices saying that the Korean pitching staff is inferior ahead of this tournament. However, not only the veterans but also the young players all throw good balls. If the old and new are well harmonized, the desired result will be achieved. I think,” he said.
