'No need to go to Japan anymore': KBO to build baseball sports science center, 'scheduled to open by year-end'

*This content was translated by AI.

It may soon become unnecessary for pitchers to travel to Japan for training. A specialized 'sports science center' for baseball players is being established in Korea.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) is reported to be planning to open a training facility based on sports science in the country by the end of this year, with full operations set to begin next year.

During this season, several promising pitchers in the KBO League drew attention after taking short-term study trips to Japan's Chiba Prefecture 'Next Base Athletes Lab.' Lotte Giants Kim Jin-wook (24), KIA Tigers Lee Ui-ri (24), and Hanwha Eagles Kim Seo-hyun (22) visited to conduct detailed checks on their pitching mechanics and body data. SSG Landers also recently dispatched four promising pitchers, including Choi Yong-jun (25), for a two-week training period.

To establish the training center, the KBO has been visiting Japanese training facilities and holding meetings since last year. In the initial phase of operation, the center plans to benefit from Japanese personnel and technical expertise while also purchasing equipment. The facility will conduct detailed body measurements and movement analysis for players.

The KBO's recognition of the need to integrate sports science into baseball dates back over three years. It is reported that KBO President Heo Goo-yeon paid attention to Japan, which has been utilizing scientific training techniques for decades, after the national team suffered consecutive defeats against Japan in various international tournaments such as the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and the 2024 WBSC Premier12.

Consequently, the KBO determined that more systematic player management and training techniques are urgently needed to strengthen Korea's international competitiveness in baseball, leading it to prioritize the establishment of a training center.

The KBO stated, "Initially, we plan to operate the facility for pitchers, especially young professional prospects and high school and middle school students participating in the KBO Next Level Training Camp," adding, "Starting with one location, we intend to gradually expand facilities by region."

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*This content was translated by AI.