Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers), who experienced his first adult national team through the Asian Professional Baseball Championship (APBC) 2023, once again had a chance to wear the national flag.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced on the 2nd the 35-member preliminary list of the Korean national team (Team Korea) to face the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the warm-up game (MLB World Tour Seoul Series 2024) ahead of the “MLB World Tour Seoul Series 2024 with Coupang Play.”월카지노도메인
“The preliminary roster selection consists of young players who have grown up with experience in international competitions by participating in the Hangzhou Asian Games and APBC held last year,” KBO said. “Young players who will lead the league are expected to play against outstanding players in the Major League and accumulate various experiences to show their growth in international competitions such as the 2024 KBO League and the Premier 12 and 2026 WBC in November.”
The 35-member reserve list consisted of 19 pitchers, three catchers, eight infielders, and five outfielders. By team, the Lotte Giants had the most players with five, while the NC Dinos, KIA, Hanwha Eagles, and Kiwoom Heroes each produced four players. They were followed by the LG Twins, KT Wiz, Doosan Bears (three or more), SSG Landers, Samsung Lions (two), and Sangmu (one).
Of course, Kim Do-young’s name is also included in the preliminary list. Kim Do-young, who joined Kia as the first candidate in 2022, recorded 53 hits in 103 games at bat, 0.237 three homers, 19 RBIs, 37 runs and 13 stolen bases (OPS) of 0.674 and 103 hits in 84 games, with a batting average of 0.303 seven homers and 47 RBIs in last year’s OPS of 0.824.
In terms of numbers, last year was much better, but the problem was injury. Kim was unable to play for more than two months due to a fractured left metatarsal (fifth) toe in the early part of the season. At APBC in November last year, he was diagnosed with ligament fracture and scoliosis fracture in his left thumb while attempting headfirst sliding on the first base.
Kim Do-young has started preparing for the new season, leaving behind regrets. “On the contrary, I am trying to have a positive mindset, thinking it is a bit fortunate that I start late,” Kim told reporters ahead of her departure from Canberra, Australia, on April 30. “I have improved my physical condition by training a lot, and I plan to work hard within the given schedule. I am going to the spring camp with the mindset that I learn as much as I can to achieve better performance than last year.”
What do you think about the system that will change this year, including the expansion of base size? “I never thought about what to do, but I think I should talk to coach Cho Jae-young. I heard that it is advantageous for someone who is fast, but I am trying to bring out my strengths a lot because I am rather fast,” Kim said. “I think I have to play a lot of parts that the team wants. If I need a team, I think I should prepare to play whenever I want.”
Kim needs more time to fully recover, but he has expressed his willingness to play in the Seoul Series special game. If he plays well against big leaguers, he can make up for his disappointment from his three hits in 15 at-bats at the APBC last year. Of course, just playing on the ground with outstanding players can be a foundation for young players’ growth.
“I’ve imagined (playing against big leaguers), but my body has to follow suit. The season is the most important, so I don’t want to overdo it,” Kim said. “If I’m ready before the special game, wouldn’t it be better to play? I think there will be many positive factors, so I want to play if I have a chance.”
KIA, which finished its season in sixth place last year, started its spring camp in the absence of its head coach, and is going over the top five. Kim Do-young said, “I’m always grateful for the fans’ interest. I think it’s right to go to the position where our team should be. Perhaps the players are going to the spring camp with the goal of winning the championship.”