The oldest pitcher of the 42-year-old WBC, who is serious about the national team, said, "If you tell me to go out, it's my role → I'm in good shape.""

*This content was translated by AI.

Noh Kyung-eun (42, SSG Landers) is the oldest pitcher among participating countries in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). According to the roster of all participating countries released by the tournament organizing committee, Cuban national infielder Alexei Ramirez (45) is the oldest player. Noh Kyung-eun is the second place overall after that. In other words, Noh Kyung-eun is the oldest pitcher among the pitchers who participate in the competition. Noh Kyung-eun is back on the WBC stage for the first time in 13 years since the 2013 WBC.

Noh Kyung-eun took the mound in relief as the second pitcher after starting pitcher Soh Hyung-joon in the first Group C match of 2026 WBC against the Czech Republic at Tokyo Dome in Japan on the 5th, and pitched two hits, one strikeout and no run in one inning.

He got two hits, but above all, he didn't see any difficulties in controlling. On this day, Noh Kyung-eun threw 13 pitches, and as many as 10 were strikes. In other words, there were only three balls. Noh Kyung-eun's maximum speed was a 92.1 mph fastball thrown against second batter Marek Schrup. Moreover, he was driven to first and third bases with one out, but he did not lose points due to his excellent crisis management ability.

Ahead of the match, national team coach Ryu Ji-hyun (55) vowed to put Jung Woo-joo behind the starting Soh Hyung-joon, but the Noh Kyung-eun came up. In response, coach Ryu said, "I prepared to put Jung Woo-ju right away or take a break and go in. "At the time the Soh Hyung-joon came down, it started from the opponent's No. 4, so I decided that it would be better for Jung Woo-joo to take a break and enter from the lower lineup."

After the game, Noh Kyung-eun also said, "I was the first to prepare. I was told that I might be in the central lineup. I did it because I had to go out if I told me to. In fact, it is most convenient for me to do as the order is given," he laughed. He added, "I thought I was going out first because (Small) Hyung-jun was throwing, and he told me to warm up when the runners piled up."

He also did not forget the humility to focus more on his role than on the advice he gave to his juniors. Noh Kyung-eun said, "In fact, I didn't say anything special to my juniors ahead of the competition. "My nose is three," he joked and stressed, "If I go to the mound in the rest of the game, all I have to do is prevent it with the least number of runs and do my part where I have to do it."

Finally, he also expressed confidence in his physical condition. As the maximum speed was 148 kilometers, Noh Kyung-eun said, "I think the speed is almost up now. "Seeing it come out about 148 kilometers, I feel (ready) now," he said, expressing confidence. In fact, despite being the oldest pitcher in this tournament, he is showing off his robustness by spraying fastballs as much as young pitchers.

Noh Kyung-eun, who is proving to be a key resource enough to be called as a central opponent for the national team's mental support and skills. Fans are looking forward to seeing if his "rejuvenation throw" will lead the Korean national team to Miami in the WBC Tokyo round.

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*This content was translated by AI.