"Was there ever a national team without such noise?" Zero player substitutions → Departure for Japan in top condition

*This content was translated by AI.

"I wonder if there has ever been a tournament prepared without such noise."

A KBO official said this about the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games baseball national team. It means that from player selection to assembly and departure, the process proceeded unusually smoothly without any unexpected variables or setbacks.

In the past, forming rosters for international baseball tournaments often revealed differences of opinion due to conflicting interests among clubs. The KBO official stated, "In the past, each club would express dissatisfaction or request changes based on their own team circumstances."

Even in this tournament, some clubs expressed regret that players they hoped would be selected were not chosen. However, there was no atmosphere of public protest or major controversy among fans.

This is evaluated as being influenced by President Heo Koo-yeon's emphasis on "fairness" and "fan first." President Heo stated, "Regarding player selection, I entrusted everything entirely to manager Yoo Ji-hyun (55) and the Team Strengthening Committee (chaired by Jo Gye-hyeon). I told them not to be swayed by those around them but to select players with conviction solely for the fans and performance, and it seems to have worked out well." A baseball official commented, "The position of KBO president can involve complaints or requests regarding personnel or administrative matters. However, President Heo Koo-yeon rejects such special treatment or practices and selects people based solely on ability."

Considering that the Asian Games will be held during the regular season, the KBO selected a minimum of one and a maximum of three players from each club. This principle has been applied since the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, which took place after President Heo assumed office in March 2022. It is a measure to minimize dissatisfaction among teams by paying attention to fairness between clubs.

Another encouraging fact about the Lee Beon (CEO) team is that none of the 24th players selected for the final roster left. Previously, due to injuries or other reasons, new players were often sought late and rosters were changed, leading to chaotic situations.

Manager Yoo Ji-hyun was well aware of this. After finishing a practice game against the Military Baseball Team at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 17th, Manager Yoo said, "I think it is very desirable that we arrived without replacing even one player from those selected for the final roster in past Asian Games. We went through a very smooth process without various variables or noise, creating an excellent situation. Since the assembly period was short, I asked everyone to have fun and adapt quickly, and Noh Si-hwan (26, Hanwha Eagles) performed well as captain, allowing us to depart in a bright atmosphere."

Pitcher Kim Jin-wook (24, Lotte Giants), who was selected for the national team again following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, also said, "Seniors approached me first, so I was able to get along with my teammates faster than expected. During the Tokyo Olympics, there was a significant age gap among players, but now that there are many peers, there is no barrier and it feels like we can get closer." He added, "Since we gathered to win, I think we can achieve our goals if we maintain this atmosphere well."

Preparation is complete. The Yoo Ji-hyun-led team departed for Japan, the decisive venue, on the 18th in top condition. Preliminary rounds (against Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand) are scheduled from the 21st to the 23rd, followed by the Super Round on the 25th and 26th, and the medal-deciding match on the 27th.

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*This content was translated by AI.