Baseball in Korea : KBO League. Korean baseball, also known as KBO (Korean Baseball Organization), is a hugely popular sport in South Korea. It has a dedicated fan base and a rich history. Here are some key points about Korean baseball
about KBO League
The KBO League is the top professional baseball league in South Korea. It consists of ten teams, including the Doosan Bears, LG Twins, Samsung Lions, and Kia Tigers, among others. The league operates a regular season, followed by playoffs to determine the champion.
South Korea’s professional baseball league, launched in 1982. The league name was the Korea Baseball Championship until 2014, but it was re-launched under the brand KBO League to integrate the league’s brand identity from 2015. The organization in charge is the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). It marks its 42nd season in 2023 since it was created as a professional sport in 1982.
It has the longest history among Korean professional sports leagues, and is the only one broadcasting on all three terrestrial broadcasters and three affiliated sports channels. Also, it is the only event without a women’s league.
The teams that participated in the first year of the league were the Samsung Lions, OB Bears, MBC Blue Dragon, Sammi Superstars, Haitai Tigers, and Lotte Giants, and the historic first game was between MBC Blue Dragon and Samsung Lions at Dongdaemun Baseball Stadium on March 27, 1982. Korea’s first professional baseball game on March 27, 1982. Chun Doo-hwan, the president at the time, threw the first pitch, and MBC Blue Dragon won the game as MBC Blue Dragon’s Lee Jong-do hit a walk-off grand slam against Samsung pitcher Lee Sun-hee.
The KBO League currently consists of ten teams: Doosan Bears, Hanwha Eagles, Kia Tigers, Kiwoom Heroes, LG Twins, Lotte Giants, NC Dinos, Samsung Lions, SSG Landers (formerly known as SK Wyverns), and KT Wiz. Each team represents a specific region in South Korea and has a dedicated fan base. All clubs in the league, except for two teams, belong to Korean conglomerates.
It is the only league among the four major leagues to use the white uniform as its home uniform, and it is also the only league to later mark its home in media notation. Since the 2010-2011 season, bright colors have been unavailable for home uniforms in basketball, and football and volleyball have not been banned, but no team has used white uniforms as home uniforms.
Season Format: The KBO League follows a regular season format where each team plays 144 games. The regular season typically runs from March/April to September/October. After the regular season, the top five teams advance to the playoffs to compete for the KBO Championship.
Playoffs: The playoffs consist of multiple rounds, including the Wild Card Game, the Korean Series Semi-Finals, and the Korean Series. The top two teams from the regular season receive byes to the Korean Series Semi-Finals, while the remaining three teams compete in the Wild Card Game. The winners of the playoffs face off in the Korean Series, which determines the league champion.
Rivalries: Rivalries between teams add excitement to the KBO League. Matches between popular teams such as the Doosan Bears and LG Twins or the Samsung Lions and Kia Tigers draw significant attention and often generate intense competition.
Skilled Players: The KBO League showcases talented players, including both domestic players and international imports. Many Korean players have gone on to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States, contributing to the growth and recognition of Korean baseball globally.
International Recognition: KBO League games have gained international recognition, and several Korean players have successfully transitioned to Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. Notable Korean players, such as Park Chan-ho, Ryu Hyun-jin, and Kim Ha-seong, have made significant contributions in the MLB, raising the profile of Korean baseball globally.
Baseball Korea : KBO League – Passionate Fan Culture
Korean baseball fans are known for their passionate and energetic support. They fill the stadiums, create lively atmospheres, and cheer for their favorite teams with chants, songs, and synchronized performances. Fan clubs play a significant role in supporting the teams and creating an electric game-day experience.
Game Experience: Korean baseball offers a unique game experience. Along with the baseball action on the field, fans enjoy various entertainment elements during breaks, such as cheerleaders, mascots, and interactive games. The experience combines sporting competition with lively entertainment to engage fans of all ages.
Baseball Culture: Baseball has a strong presence in Korean culture, with many people playing the sport at amateur levels. Local communities often have baseball fields where people gather to play and enjoy the game.
Korean baseball has a rich heritage, dedicated fans, and a vibrant league that contributes to its popularity. Attending a KBO game is a memorable experience, providing a glimpse into the passionate world of Korean baseball.
