With baseball being played halfway across the globe, which KBO team should Blue Jays fans cheer for?
In the early hours last Tuesday, the world finally got to see live baseball courtesy of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). With a major company in ESPN picking up the broadcasting rights, many fans in North America have quickly become attracted to the baseball being played in Korea. In case you had trouble choosing a team to cheer for, here’s a quick guide to the KBO teams that Blue Jays fans can relate to the most.
NC Dinos
Established: 2013
Korean Series titles: 0
Blue Jays connection: The NC Dinos are a team similar to the 2015/2016 Blue Jays. They hit a ton of home runs and their games are packed with high-octane offense. Not only that, but the Dinos were the team that former Blue Jay, Eric Thames played for (Thames won the MVP award with the Dinos in 2015). If you enjoyed Blue Jays baseball in 2015 and 2016, then the NC Dinos are the team for you.
https://twitter.com/InfieldChatter/status/1258411516279361537
KT Wiz
Established: 2015
Korean Series titles: 0
Blue Jays connection: The KT Wiz were added to the KBO as an expansion team in 2015. They’ve never made the playoffs since being established and have consistently been among the worst teams in the league. So, why should Blue Jays fans cheer for the Wiz? Similar to the Blue Jays, the KT Wiz are a team that are just emerging from a rebuild. They’re led by a 20-year old phenom who’s expected to become one of the best sluggers that the KBO has ever produced. Sound familiar?
Kang Baek-ho with a monster 442 ft HR for his 2nd of the season. This young guy is a beast. Keep an eye on him. #KBO #KtWiz pic.twitter.com/SmmC1oidiX
— KBO Collections (@kbocollections) May 10, 2020
In case you’re wondering who that young superstar is, his name is Baek-Ho Kang. Kang, like Guerrero Jr., is known for his pure hitting abilities and prodigious power. A left-handed outfielder who’s already in his third KBO season, Kang is expected to become the next Korean superstar to play in MLB. So, if you want to root for an emerging team led by the league’s youngest superstar, then the KT Wiz are the team for you.
Other Noteworthy Teams
Heavy-Favourites: Doosan Bears
Richest Team History: Samsung Lions
Quiet, Underrated Excellence: SK Wyverns (and also the team that London, Ontario’s Jamie Romak plays for)