Former Baseball Star Na Ji-wan Praises Gwangju's Baseball Spirit at 'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain' Event

Former professional baseball player Na Ji-wan, originally from Seoul, humorously remarked, "Baseball is indeed Gwangju," during a recent event.

On the 10th, an online press conference was held for the KBS2 variety show 'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain.' The event was attended by Park Yong-taek, Lee Dae-ho, Kim Tae-kyun, Director Na Ji-wan, and PD Lee Jung-wook.

'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain' is a program where KBO legends select U-10 youth players from their respective hometown teams to form a team and compete in actual league matches. Park Yong-taek, Lee Dae-ho, Kim Tae-kyun, and Na Ji-wan transform into scouts and managers, making their debut as directors alongside young baseball hopefuls.

When asked about the criteria for selecting players, Na Ji-wan emphasized, "I focused on the fundamentals," adding, "I conducted tests by observing everything from playing catch to running." He further commented, "I believe the Little Tigers team has the most impressive fundamentals. It made me think, 'Baseball is indeed Gwangju,'" he laughed.

Na Ji-wan also shared, "While filming the program, I realized that Korean baseball has significantly advanced," and noted, "The kids have a strong determination to play baseball even through tears. It made me realize how much things have changed since I was young."

'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain' is set to premiere on the 12th at 9:20 PM.

Reporter Se-yoon Jung, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr