Manager Lee Kang-cheol, who led the Korean national baseball team, bowed his head as a result of being eliminated in the first round of the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
The Korean baseball team arrived at Incheon International Airport around 5 pm on the 14th. However, major leaguers Kim Ha-seong (San Diego Padres) and Tommy Hyun-soo Edman (St. Louis Cardinals) headed straight to the United States.
Ahead of this tournament, the national team had set the goal of advancing to the semifinals for the first time in 14 years since 2009, but it was disappointing to be eliminated in the first round of three consecutive tournaments.
After being caught by Australia, who was considered to be one step below, he bowed his head in a crushing defeat by Japan, the ‘old enemy’.
After defeating the Czech Republic in the 3rd game and belatedly winning their first win, Australia, which competed for second place, defeated the Czech Republic, and Korea will advance to the second round (quarterfinals) regardless of the result of the 5th cold game against China 22-2 in the final game. couldn’t
Immediately after his return to Korea,메이저놀이터 director Lee met with reporters and said, “I have nothing to say except to say I’m sorry.”
Coach Lee said, “The results weren’t good, but the team did their best. The players must continue to play baseball. Please put all the blame on me.”
Controversy arose over the overuse of some pitchers in this tournament.
In a situation where most of the starting pitchers were not able to continue the innings for a long time and were replaced early, criticism was raised from some quarters that manager Lee Kang-chul only appointed specific players such as Won Tae-in (Samsung Lions), Kim Won-joong (Lotte Giants), and Jeong Cheol-won (Doosan Bears).
However, when asked about this, Lee responded rather sharply, saying, “I want you to find out how many pitchers are used in the Korean Series.”
Meanwhile, the baseball team players who have returned to their team immediately join their team and prepare for the new season, which opens on April 1st.
