| 그림1LA Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts / Courtesy of Mookie Betts |
No one would have ever expected a few years ago that Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) games would be able to hit the headlines in the United States, but it is happening now as ESPN has been relaying six games a week so far this season.
The American sports channel's decision could be attributed to the fact the KBO is the only baseball action available at the moment since Major League Baseball (MLB) remains grounded due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The more decisive factor behind mounting international media attention on the KBO and its players was one YouTube video clip posted by MLB superstar Mookie Betts, May 5.
In the one-and-a-half-minute video clip, the 2018 American League MVP commemorates the KBO's opening day and then introduces the league's top talents, including Kiwoom Heroes shortstop Kim Ha-seong and Doosan Bears righty Lee Young-ha.
Betts said that he will be shooting more content not only promoting the KBO and its star players but also introducing Korean culture globally.
"I have watched how Korea handles the whole situation. I think you guys did an amazing job. You got through opening back up. I knew baseball there got opened back up. I was excited to see it," Betts said during an interview with The Korea Times on May 20.
"So, I talked to my agent, and said, 'let's make a video,' to reach out."
Happy to see baseball again and bat flip
Due to the persisting coronavirus pandemic, the KBO decided to start the season playing behind closed doors indefinitely unless the government says otherwise. Betts said no-fan games are a bit weird but he's so happy to see baseball being played again.
"Obviously, fans are super important in sports in general, but I think I'd be excited if I just played baseball," Betts said. "I am so happy to see baseball game played. I'd be excited if I was playing baseball soon."
He added fans' passionate support is one of factors behind the KBO's popularity.
"A lot of passion is there, similar to the MLB. A lot of hard work is behind the scenes. It's just exciting to watch," said Betts.
"Maybe the bat flip is one of the differences. There's been one or two times I've done a bat flip. It wasn't on purpose. It was kind of a flow in the motion of the game, but I think it's definitely cool. Very entertaining. Everybody has their own style."
KBO talents
Betts said he doesn't have a particular KBO team he is rooting for but enjoys watching some KBO players in baseball action.
"I know Lee Jung-hoo and Kang Baek-ho," he said.
"I think they have some potential in coming over to the U.S. one day. We will see how it goes."
In the YouTube video Betts posted, he describes Lee as a soon-to-be legend and Kang as a 20-year-old whiz.
"Lee really reminds me of an Ichiro-kind of vibe, and Kang reminds me of my teammate Rafael Devers. These guys have, for sure, potential to make it to the MLB and have successful careers," Betts said.
AMCHAM Korea encourages sports to promote biz opportunities
American Chamber of Commerce in Korea Chairman and CEO James Kim played a crucial role in arranging the interview with Betts on the day. During the interview, Kim also displayed his role and hope in encouraging sports to promote business opportunities between the U.S. and Korea. Kim also conducted part of the interview with Betts, by asking a question pertaining to Korean companies investing in MLB.
The LA Dodgers outfielder said these business opportunities and companies plays an important role especially for players in general.
"I think it is more about players making them a brand, not necessarily teams," he said.
"You know I think about things behind Yao Ming and the Rockets. That kind of thing. Michael Jordan with the Bulls, and Chan-ho Park in the Dodgers. I think that gives players definitely a drive that activates them. That's how they play out."
Transition
Betts continuously displayed his excitement about joining the LA Dodgers this season not only as a baseball player but also as a lifestyle. He made his big league debut in 2014 after being selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 5th round of the 2011 MLB draft as the 172nd pick overall. In February, the Red Sox traded Betts to the LA Dodgers.
"Everything has been pretty close to the same. I love my teammates. I met a group of teammates here with the Dodgers. The front office is great. I think it has been a whole lot of time with them. Because this time I got to spend with them is definitely a joy. I am definitely looking forward to be back with those guys."