We’re nearly two months into #CoronaSZN. While live sports here in North America are still in flux, baseball fans can at least rejoice. The Worldwide Leader, aka ESPN, announced they would be carrying live games from the Korean Baseball Organization starting Tuesday morning.
The Korean Baseball League is coming to ESPN ⚾ pic.twitter.com/m5rVvQs7hv
— ESPN (@espn) May 4, 2020
The league begins play after a five-week delay while the Republic of Korea (South Korea, if you don’t want to look it up) dealt with their own version of #CoronaSZN.
I know you have several questions and friend, you’re in luck because I’ve done the homework for you.
Who Should I Root For?
There are 10 teams in the Korean Baseball Organization, so it’s completely up to you. But here’s a comprehensive list should you want to make a choice. In case you’re wondering why these teams don’t have a city in front of their nickname, it’s similar to Japanese baseball where corporations own and sponsor the teams.
- Doosan Bears (the defending Korean Series champions)
- Hanwha Eagles (one of the most popular teams in Korea)
- Kia Tigers (who hired former MLB player and manager Matt Williams in the offseason)
- Kiwoom Heroes (the league’s rebel faction)
- KT Wiz (only their sixth season in the league, not related to the MLS’ Kansas City Wiz)
- LG Twins (think of this team like the Yankees or the Mets; ultra-high expectations)
- Lotte Giants (owned by the same corporation that owns the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan)
- NC Dinos (features ex-MLB player Eric Thames)
- Samsung Lions (won four consecutive Korean Series titles from 2010-14)
- SK Wyverns (a Wyvern is a dragon; blew a seven-game lead to finish third in the league in 2019)
What is Korean Baseball Known For?
The Korean Baseball Organization is known for two things: bunts and bat flips.
Many of the aspects of the Korean game stems from Japanese baseball with a focus on fundamentals and sacrificing your ego for the good of the team. One of those fundamentals is bunting. Three years ago, Sports Illustrated featured the KBO’s Bunt King competition at the league’s All-Star game. Batters bunt at targets to earn points. The batter with the most points earns the title of Bunt King.
(AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!!!!)
Then, there are the bat flips. ESPN’s Mina Kimes traveled to Korea in 2016 to answer the question: why do Korean baseball players always flip their bats after home runs? In the States, it’s frowned upon. In Korea, it’s been commonplace since the 1990s. Considering the conformity of Korean society, it’s a surprising expression of individuality. But, if a batter comes up in a big spot, let the batter flip.
(Hashtag: Bat Flips for All the Kids.)
When Can I Watch?
Here’s the catch: if you want to watch Tuesday’s game between NC and Samsung and you live on the East Coast, first pitch is at 1 am. Thankfully, the miracle of DVR technology has allowed the sports fan to record games like civilized people. According to the WWL, other games will start at 5:30 AM Tuesday through Friday, 4 AM on Saturday, and 1 AM on Sunday. No games on Monday, though. Apparently, Koreans, similar to Garfield, also hate Mondays.
If you’re a hardcore baseball fan or very desperate to watch live sports, then the Korean Baseball Organization is for you. I hope you enjoy some baseball with your Fruity Pebbles – just don’t flip your bowl when you’ve slurped that leftover milk.
Belly Up Sports has plenty of baseball coverage! Feel free to comment below or continue the discussion on Twitter by following me: @WhoIsRyanMcC.
