When the national team arrives, they stand at the center of controversy. Kang Baek-ho (24) was bold in front of professional seniors, but after wearing the Taegeuk mark, he became careless beyond the line of boldness.

Kang Baek-ho appeared as a pinch hitter and hit a double in the first game against Australia in Group B in the first round of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on the 9th. A huge double through left-middle. It was a golden opportunity to turn the atmosphere around again. However, this golden opportunity was blown away by a momentary mistake. Kang Baek-ho was busy with the ceremony even though he was sliding and unable to keep his balance on the base. It seemed that he hadn’t even noticed that his foot had fallen off. Robbie Glendining, who had the ball in relay play, quickly tagged Kang Baek-ho, aiming for this gap. At the request of the Australian side for video review, the double turned into an out. 

The result of this one action, as everyone knows, was catastrophic. Follow-up hitter Yang Eui-ji’s heavy hit came out, so without Kang Baek-ho’s out, the score could have been tied 4-4 and the atmosphere could have changed again. It could have been tied with a timely hit, but Kang Baek-ho’s lack of concentration and complacent behavior led to irreversible results. In the beginning of the 8th inning, Yang Hyeon-jong was hit by a 3-pointer and the gap widened further, which was an extension of the flow that continued after Kang Baek-ho was out.

Kang Baek-ho’s ‘Ceremony Out’ brought a lot of aftermath. He even summoned the past. At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics bronze medal match, in the beginning of the 8th inning, when the defeat was deepened by 6-10, a scene of chewing gum in the dugout was captured and criticized by many. Kang Baek-ho’s actions raised eyebrows at a time when the Tokyo Olympics no-medal disaster became more likely.

It may be unfair that chewing gum has become controversial. However, this time out of the ceremony, there is no reason to be unfair or to make excuses. It is clearly Kang Baek-ho’s fault and mistake. I couldn’t keep the basic ‘detail’ that I have to focus anytime, anywhere, and that one trivial play in international competitions can lead to different results. After the game, coach Lee Kang-cheol said, “Kang Baek-ho hit well and the ceremony was fast, so the jurusa came out. He has three more games to come, so I hope he can forget about it quickly and prepare for the next game.” 

The Japanese media also pointed out Kang Baek-ho’s play, saying, “It was a mistake that broke the flow,” and MLB.com reporter Michael Claire also said, “It was the worst thing for Korea. Lack of concentration is the cause. He couldn’t believe it even after seeing it,” he doubted his eyes. 메이저사이트

Kang Baek-ho debuted on the professional stage fearlessly in 2018. He faced his seniors with boldness as a weapon and was not intimidated. It was Kang Baek-ho’s strength and charm. However, he was always at risk of degenerating into an aphorismal frivolity that would cross the line. The KT club has always been concerned about this. However, Kang Baek-ho crossed this line in front of the Taegeuk mark, which should be reverent, and on the international stage, which should be serious. Kang Baek-ho’s action was not a bold ceremony, but a careless one.

Kang Baek-ho’s careless ‘ceremony out’ is now likely to become a ‘stuffed item’ in the history of international baseball competitions in Korea. It taught me that I should focus and not show any gaps under any circumstances. Now, on the 10th, Korea will play against Japan in danger of being eliminated from the tournament. And how can Kang Baek-ho make up for the rest of the tournament?