"Bloody infielder" Witcom, it turned out he was a good son "WBC for my mother's country → I'm on my way back."

*This content was translated by AI.

Major League Baseball's Houston Astros infielder Shay Witcom (28) took a special journey with the national flag on his chest. The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) participation in March was based on Witcombe's more than just selection for the national team, the "hyo for mother."

In an interview with MLB.com on the official Major League website posted on the 27th (Korea Standard Time), Witcom said, "The special reason for this WBC is for my mother. This is because I can honor and repay my mother by participating in the competition. That's why, to be honest, it's a more special experience," he said.

According to the report, Witcom was on a flight to Japan after the game on the 26th. It is said to be a 17-hour journey from Florida to San Francisco and to Osaka. He was on the same plane as Lee Jung-hoo (28, San Francisco Giants), Jamai Jones (29), and Ko Woo-seok (28, Detroit Tigers).

Yoonie Whitcomb's mother, Yoonie Whitcomb, is a Korean who was born in Korea and moved to the United States. For Witcom, who grew up in the U.S., Korea has always been a root in the back of his mind. He knocked on the door of the Korean national team himself as he improved while preparing for his major league debut. He explained that he contacted KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) officials first and finally saw the fruits after expressing his will.

Witcombe said: "I've had conversations with players who have played in previous national teams. I made some calls to join the national team. Finally, an official from Korea came to meet me. This relationship continued," he said. Among the players in the WBC national team entry, Kim Hye-sung (27, LA Dodgers) and Jones have played together in the minor leagues.

Expectations are high in terms of skills as well. Witcom is a "big shot infielder" who has hit 73 home runs in Triple-A over the past three years. Although Houston's thick infield makes it difficult to secure the starting lineup in the Major League, his slugging power is expected to be a clear boost for the Korean national team, which is in desperate need of passing the first round. It is expected to be of great help in the management of the game because it can play all infield positions except for the first baseman.

Houston manager Joe Espada also said, "Witcom's physical condition is very good right now. It's a long journey, but getting a lot of opportunities in practice will be a big asset for him," he encouraged.

Witcom, who will visit Asia for the first time in his life, added, "Everything will be unfamiliar without words, but I'm so excited to be able to play baseball in an atmosphere I've never experienced before."

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*This content was translated by AI.