3rd place in group in Premier 12, eliminated in group stage
Coach Ryu Joong-il of the Korean national baseball team could not hide his bitterness after receiving the report card of being eliminated from the group stage in the 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier 12.
The Korean baseball team, led by Coach Ryu, returned to Korea through Incheon Airport on the afternoon of the 19th.
Director Ryu, who met with reporters after returning to Korea, said, “I gained and lost a lot through Premier 12. “The players worked hard,” he said, adding, “We need to prepare well for the next competition.”
Korean baseball ranked 3rd in Group B in the Premier 12 group stage with 3 wins and 2 losses, failing to advance to the super round (semi-finals) where the top two teams from each group advance. It was painful to lose to both ‘old enemies’ Taiwan and Japan.
Korea, which became the inaugural champion in 2015 and took second place in the second competition in 2019, aimed to advance to the super round, but lost face by being eliminated in the group stage.
Although they were eliminated in the group stage, the performances of Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers) and Park Young-hyun (KT Wiz) brought comfort to Korea.
Kim Do-young, who was reborn as the best hitter in the KBO League this year, hit hard with a batting average of 0.412 (7 hits in 17 at-bats), 3 home runs, and 10 RBIs in 5 games in this tournament. Park Young-hyun showed off his power by allowing 2 hits, 6 strikeouts, and no runs in 3 innings in 3 games.
Coach Ryu said, “What we have gained is that the skills of young players, including Kim Do-young, have improved. However, we need a stronger starting lineup,” he said.
He continued, “As we were giving away points early in the game, we were unable to use a good bullpen pitcher like Park Young-hyun. “I’m a little disappointed about that part,” he said.
Coach Ryu emphasized, “I think we need to play more games with foreign players, whether our country hosts international competitions or we play more games.”
[인천공항=뉴시스]
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How can young talents like Kim Do-young influence the future of Korean baseball?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Baseball Expert Dr. Joon Kim
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Kim! We’re here to discuss the recent performance of the Korean national baseball team in the WBSC Premier 12. Coach Ryu Joong-il expressed his disappointment after the team was eliminated in the group stage. What were your thoughts on their overall performance?
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me! It’s indeed a bittersweet moment for Korean baseball. Finishing third in Group B with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses is respectable, but it’s disappointing when you consider the aspirations of reaching the semi-finals, especially given their past success as champions in 2015.
Editor: Absolutely. The team lost to arch-rivals Taiwan and Japan, which must have been particularly painful. How do you think this affected their morale?
Dr. Kim: Losing to teams that are often seen as rivals certainly adds to the disappointment. It can weigh heavily on the players’ spirits. However, Coach Ryu pointed out that the young talents like Kim Do-young and Park Young-hyun showed great potential. This could provide a silver lining, as developing young players is crucial for the future of the team.
Editor: Speaking of Kim Do-young, he really shone with a .412 batting average in the tournament. How important is it for young players like him to perform at such a high level in international competitions?
Dr. Kim: It’s essential. Performing well on an international stage not only boosts the player’s confidence but also signals that South Korea has a pipeline of talent ready to step up in crucial games. It’s imperative for the growth of Korean baseball to have these young stars gain experience against the best.
Editor: Coach Ryu mentioned a need for a stronger starting lineup and highlighted issues with early game point losses that limited the use of effective pitchers like Park Young-hyun. Could you elaborate on the significance of this concern?
Dr. Kim: Certainly. A strong starting lineup sets the tone for the game. If starting pitchers struggle early, it puts immense pressure on the bullpen, which can lead to fatigue and inconsistency. Ryu’s observation suggests that strategic depth in pitching is crucial. Perhaps this is an area where the coaching staff, along with player development programs, could focus on improvement moving into future competitions.
Editor: Looking forward, Coach Ryu emphasized the need for more games with foreign players to improve skills. In your opinion, how can international competition enhance the team’s performance?
Dr. Kim: Playing against foreign teams exposes players to different styles of play, enhancing their tactical knowledge and adaptability. These experiences are invaluable, as they challenge the players beyond their usual comfort zone, thus equipping them better for high-pressure international tournaments.
Editor: As we wrap up, what do you think are the key takeaways for the Korean baseball community from this experience at the Premier 12?
Dr. Kim: The key takeaways should be a focus on nurturing young talent and building depth in both batting and pitching. There’s also a need for a cultural shift towards embracing more international play. While this tournament was disappointing, it serves as a learning opportunity that can pave the way for greater success in the future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim! Your insights into the state of Korean baseball are valuable as we look forward to future competitions. Let’s hope the team can regroup and come back stronger!
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me! I’m optimistic about the future of Korean baseball.