KBO Opening Day Selection Announcement ‘Only 2 Natives’, ‘LG-KT’ as Public Enemy Selected by Command Tower.
The starting pitcher for the opening game of the 2023 KBO League has been revealed. In addition, the command towers mainly cited LG Twins and KT Wiz as the so-called ‘public enemies’ with strong power. Each team’s unique winning promise was also revealed.
The long-awaited KBO League opening game will be held on April 1 at 2:00 PM in Jamsil (Lotte-Doosan), Gocheok (Hanwha-Kiwoom), Incheon (KIA-SSG), Suwon (LG-KT), and Daegu (NC-Samsung). ring the fanfare
Two days before the opening, the 2023 안전놀이터Shinhan Bank SOL KBO league regular season Media Day was held at Grand Hyatt Seoul on the 30th at 2pm.
Doosan will start with Alcantara and Lotte with Strayley. Doosan coach Lee Seung-yeop emphasized, “I have experience playing in Korea, and I am in good condition. I will not be able to easily attack any team.” Sutton Lotte coach Sutton Lotte said of Strayley, “I have the experience of starting the opening game, and I start the first week on the road. I chose Strayley for the best matchup.”
Ahn Woo-jin from Kiwoom and Smith from Hanwha sortie. Kiwoom coach Hong Won-ki said, “He is the best pitcher in Korea. He still has some shortcomings, but he continues to improve. He can enjoy big games and deliver the most powerful pitches.” Hanwha coach Subero said, “Traditionally, a local starter was put up for the opening game. But this time, Smith, who was the best in the spring camp, will start.”
SSG announced the ‘eternal ace’ Kim Kwang-hyun as the starter. SSG coach Kim Won-hyung said, “I don’t need another modifier. Korea’s No. 1 ace.” It is the first time in 4 years and the 4th time in total (2014, 2016, 2019, 2023) that Kim Gwang-hyun is starting the opening game. KIA will start with Shawn Anderson. KIA coach Kim Jong-guk said, “He is in the best condition, and his pitching and control are good among the five starting pitchers. It is a sure win card for the opening game.” Anderson pitched in 63 major league games, going 3-5 with a 5.84 ERA.
KT is Benjamin and LG is Kelly. KT coach Lee Kang-cheol said, “I chose to beat LG,” and LG coach Yeom Kyung-yeop responded, “To beat KT.”
Samsung is Buchanan, NC is Paddy. Park Jin-man, Samsung coach, said, “I know Korean baseball the best, and I think I felt what I lacked last year. I worked hard during this off-season. I was in good shape during the demonstration game.” NC coach Kang In-kwon explained the background of the drop, saying, “I have a lot of experience in the big leagues and I have a good pitch.”
Then, the head coaches were asked to pick two teams that are likely to meet in the postseason. Five out of 10 commanders picked LG and KT.
Coach Kim Jong-guk said, “I think the power of the two teams at LG and KT is the most stable,” and coach Won-hyeong Kim said, “I think LG and KT will play fall baseball. Recently, the pitching balance is good, and they have advanced a lot in the postseason. I think the two teams will play against us in the end.”
Director Hong Won-ki also picked LG and KT. He said, “I felt the leveling of the 9 clubs through the demonstration game. I still think LG and KT are the strongest teams. As the stable starters and coaches and players accumulate experience, the power is stabilized.” Director Park Jin-man also said, “KT and LG will play fall baseball together. LG has good pitching power. KT has a feeling that they will meet in the fall.” I think it will go into the season,” he said.
Kiwoom was also selected as a strong team. Coach Subero emphasized, “LG has always been a strong team. The pitching harmony is good. Foreign pitchers are also outstanding.” Coach Sutton said, “SSG and Kiwoom. SSG are the defending champions. Last year’s lineup has been maintained. There are many strong pitchers.” Kiwoom had a magical season last year. “he explained. Director Kang In-kwon also said, ” I would like to pick Kiwoom and KIA. It has strong power. Equalization was achieved in the upper middle class. I think we will meet the two teams in fall baseball.”
LG coach Yeom Gyeong-yeop, who was designated as a public enemy, said, “All 10 clubs have the power to rise,” but “If you have to choose two teams, it is KT and SSG. Both teams have 5 clear starting cards. The composition of the batting order is also good,” he said with strength. Director Lee Kang-cheol expressed a completely different opinion from other command towers. I picked Hanwha and Samsung. Director Lee said, “I think I will meet Samsung and Hanwha. I did well in the demonstration game. There are many players with potential. I don’t know baseball.”
The players’ promises to win were also revealed. SSG Hanyu Island said, “We haven’t prepared yet,” and “I will practice after winning the championship.” LG Oh Ji-hwan explained, “I’m sorry I haven’t won the championship for a long time. The general manager said, ‘Just win unconditionally. I’ll listen to everything.’ KT Kang Baek-ho said, “I want to make a realistic promise by winning the championship recently. If the fans collect their opinions through pre-voting, I will do what the fans want.”
KIA Kim Do-young said, “If I win, I will wash my car through a lottery among fans who drive KIA cars.” NC Son Ah-seop said, “We invite fans to the baseball field and there is a company that provides meat among our sponsor companies. . That singer is me,” bringing laughter to the audience.
Samsung Oh Jae-il said with a smile, “I hope Tae-in Won, Ja-wook Koo, and Jae-hyun Lee, the faces of Samsung, will have a celebratory performance at Dongseong-ro in Daegu.” Lotte Ahn Chi-hong wished, “I want to hold a winning event at Lotte World with various events,” and Park Se-woong also promised, “I’ve never been to Lotte World before, but I’ll do a tour and guide you.”
Doosan Heo Gyeong-min said, “This is our 7th championship, and we will invite 777 fans to watch the opening match next year.” Hanwha Jung Woo-ram said, “We have been at the bottom for the past three years. Therefore, if you go to fall baseball, there are many players on our team who are good at singing. We will do our best to show a great performance in front of the fans.”
2023 KBO League Opening Day Selection Status (April 1, 2:00 PM)◆ Jamsil Stadium
– Lotte Strayley
– Doosan Alcantara
◆ Gocheok Sky Dome
– Hanwha Smith
– Kiwoom Woojin An
◆ Incheon SSG Landers Field
– KIA Anderson
– SSG Kwanghyun Kim
◆ Suwon KT Wiz Park
– LG Kelly
– KT Benjamin
◆ Daegu Samsung Lions Park
– NC Pedi
– Samsung Buchanan