“I was always proud to stand on the mound wearing the Taegeuk mark. I believe that the young players will do well.” I put the Taegeuk mark for the first time. Kim Gwang-hyun, who was the youngest at the time, will become the oldest pitcher and go to the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Kim Gwang-hyun, who participated in the spring camp at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, USA, is building her body smoothly ahead of joining the WBC team. On the 14th (Korean time), Kim Gwang-hyun goes to Arizona, USA to join his national team.
Kim Gwang-hyeon, who met with reporters on the 12th, said, “It seems to be building up smoothly. I plan to do a live pitching on the last day before joining.” Even after joining, I am thinking of building my body so that I can slowly 안전놀이터build my body and give my best.”
Kim Gwang-hyun held a mini-camp in Okinawa, Japan ahead of this spring camp. Kim Gwang-hyeon trained for three weeks with Baek Seung-geon, Park Si-hoo, Oh Won-seok, and Ki-soon Lee. Kim Gwang-hyun said, “When I was training in Okinawa, the weather was so good. I made a good body with my juniors. I am still building my body here, so there is no problem.”
Tommy Edman (St. Louis Cardinals) will join the national team for this tournament. Kim Kwang-hyun ate together with Edmund in St. Louis. Kim Gwang-hyun, who is about to reunite with Edmund, said, “I have not talked to Edmund. I will go to the national team and meet. I am also looking forward to it. Edmund keeps expecting it and puts a burden on me.” He participated. I think I will be able to say hello to my former teammates if I go to the semifinals. There is also Las Nutba in Japan. I’m thinking of greeting Nutba as well.”
Kim Gwang-hyeon, who experienced the days of the youngest member of the national team, has now become one of the most experienced players in the national team. Kim Gwang-hyun told the young players, “It’s about wearing the Taegeuk mark and playing the game. I think the players will know it well even if I don’t talk about it. I was always proud to stand on the mound wearing the Taegeuk mark as I did when I was young,” he said. “It’s such an honor. It’s a good position. I think I should do well rather than work hard. I think it will definitely be a good experience. There are many players who have been selected for the first time in the national team, and I am personally looking forward to it. I think I will do well.”
Kim Gwang-hyun, who returned to the Korean stage last season, proudly put his name on the national team, recording 28 matches, 13 wins, 3 losses, 48 runs (41 ERA), 153 strikeouts, 173⅓ innings, and an average ERA of 2.13. Also, this tournament will be an important tournament to rekindle the popularity of baseball.
Kim Gwang-Hyun said, “Is there any national team member who is not burdened? I always went to stressful games and always stood in stressful positions. This tournament will be the same. I always tried to win with all my might. I plan to play the game with the same mindset.” “I feel proud that I am still playing for the national team. I will do my best to show a good performance in this tournament so that people can think ‘I am still alive’,” he said.