Lee Jong-beom's return to the field said, "Would it have been if baseball had gone well?" Now baseball fans are also turning a blind eye

*This content was translated by AI.

KBO League Legend Lee Jong-beom (56), MBC Sports Plus commentator, once again hoped to return to the baseball world. Baseball fans' response to this is cold.

Commentator Lee Jong-beom appeared on a broadcast program on the 6th and said, "The process was not smooth when I took over the strongest baseball team in June last year. I regret a lot because my thoughts were short," he said, officially expressing his apology.

The process that was not smooth occurred during the season in June last year. Commentator Lee Jong-beom, who was in charge of KT Wiz's first-team outfield defense and hitting coach at the time, asked to leave to appear in JTBC's entertainment strongest baseball. During the season, it was very unusual for a professional sports team coach to ask for his resignation because of his appearance in entertainment, not for personal reasons such as poor grades, health, and family.

It was the choice of someone who was called KBO Legend when he was active, so there was a big controversy at the time. At the time of his resignation, KT was in a fierce competition with the fifth-ranked team by 0.5 games. He also disappointed the baseball world in that he couldn't have known what his choice meant as a 13-year veteran coach. Even fans who cheered for "Son of the Wind" Lee Jong-beom in an unexpected move turned their backs on him because he was not responsible.

Eventually, the strongest baseball team and commentator Lee had to issue an official apology again shortly afterwards. At the time, commentator Lee said, "I know my decision can be criticized for an unusual move," citing that it is for the success of Korean baseball, perhaps supporting baseball, and retiring players.

The strongest baseball program, which started after twists and turns, ended at the end of February with 0% viewership. The lawsuit is still underway with the flame baseball team, and the new season has no promise due to its poor box office performance. Eventually, the commentator returned to the baseball world earlier this month through MBC Sports+.

About 10 months later, he has not avoided criticism, at least on this part. This commentator said, "I have to take everything for the wrong choice. However, the rest of it was very difficult," he said.

When asked by the host about the end of the program, he said, "If I had known (to end it), I wouldn't have made that choice. I was under a lot of stress. I also have vitiligo on my face. Still, it can't be helped. Criticism of choice is humbly accepted. I feel sorry for the KT players."

This could have ended with the reflection of the legendary baseball player who made a disappointing choice. However, hoping to return to the field, commentator Lee has emerged as a hot potato in the baseball world again. Asked if he would call me back on site, commentator Lee said, "I will go to any position without hesitation. But there are things I did wrong, so I will try to do well and be recognized by fans and officials," he said.

The conclusion is not expected to be easy. A year ago, commentator Lee's trip to the strongest baseball team was considered a "decision to never return to the field" in the baseball world. He believed that the behavior of quitting professional team coaches during the season to coach entertainment baseball lacked responsibility as leaders. In addition, the baseball community has no choice but to worry that if the return is accepted, a second or third case could come out.

Due to Legend's continued disappointing choice, baseball fans who were advocating now doubt the sincerity of the apology and turn a blind eye. After the program was abolished, its actions were far from baseball. In the apology video, negative opinions from Internet users continued, such as "Would it have been better if the strongest baseball had done well?"

Of course, there is no reason to be criticized just for hoping to return to the field. He said he accepted criticism of the wrong choice and said he would show a different side of himself. However, since he wanted to return to the field, the calmer standards of the baseball community and fans are inevitable. Apart from the existing negative public opinion, he should be competitive as a baseball player in his 50s at a site where coaches in their 30s and coaches in their 40s are gradually taking place. Commentator Lee Jong-beom is expected to be the first step.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.