Former Baseball Star Lee Dae-ho Emphasizes Focus in 'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain'

Former baseball player Lee Dae-ho, known for his cumulative salary of 42.9 billion won, advised players on 'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain' to "focus as much as when playing baseball. Let's keep our eyes sharp."

The third episode of KBS 2TV's sports reality show 'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain,' aired on the 26th, featured the first match of the second round between the Little Twins, led by coach Park Yong-taek, and the Little Giants, led by coach Lee Dae-ho.

Both teams, having won their opening matches, faced off to determine the sole leader of the league. Coach Park Yong-taek expressed his nervousness, saying, "The Giants are quite good," while Coach Lee Dae-ho acknowledged, "The Twins are definitely a strong team," analyzing the opponent's strength. Coach Park Yong-taek even led intense defensive training in preparation for the match against the Little Giants, promising an uncompromising showdown.

The commentators (Kim Seung-woo, Lee Dae-hyung, Lee Dong-geun) introduced the match by saying, "Expectations are high after watching the opening match. Today's game is like a preview of the championship." Known for his sharp analysis, commentator Lee Dae-hyung predicted a 5:5 draw after observing both teams' practice. Coach Park Yong-taek encouraged his team with "Let's have fun," while Coach Lee Dae-ho motivated his players with "Don't be intimidated."

In the top of the first inning, Kang Jun-young, the hero of the Little Twins' first victory, started as the pitcher, with fourth-grader Han Noah, known for his exceptional physique, joining as the catcher. The Little Giants, batting first, sent out key players like captain and leadoff hitter Lee Ye-seung and Kim Jun-seok, who was named 'Today's Baseball Captain' in the opening match, but ended the inning scoreless due to Kang Jun-young's powerful pitching.

In the bottom of the first inning, the Little Giants fielded their hidden ace, Lee Do-young, known for his speed and control, as the starting pitcher. Commentator Lee Dae-hyung and Little Tigers coach Na Ji-wan marveled, "He pitches as if he has 10 years of experience. How can you hit that?" The game showcased various impressive plays, such as Lee Do-young creating a rundown situation by surprising the Little Twins' leadoff hitter Hong Jae-wook with a pickoff move, leading to a tag-out with precise throws from the fielders. Coaches Park Jae-wook and Jung Hoon praised, "They play better than us," and commentator Kim Seung-woo added, "This game has everything."

However, the Little Twins' batting lineup was relentless. Following an RBI single by second batter Yoon Si-on, third batter Kim Seo-hoo hit a two-run homer, securing a 2:0 lead. Kim Seo-hoo expressed, "It was thrilling as it was my first time in my baseball life." When captain and fourth batter Choi Jin-ho also hit a single, Coach Lee Dae-ho went to the mound to encourage the starting pitcher Lee Do-young, preventing further runs.

In the second and third innings, the Little Twins' power baseball and the Little Giants' strategic baseball became more pronounced. Little Giants' Kang Min-chan showcased excellent defense and scored a run in the top of the second inning by stealing bases and capitalizing on a strikeout passed ball situation. In the bottom of the second inning, Little Twins' Hong Jae-wook hit a two-run homer, making up for the first inning's outs. Little Eagles coach Kim Tae-kyun, who had a close match with the Twins in the opening game, humorously re-evaluated his team, saying, "We did well." By the end of the second inning, the score was 4:1, with the Little Twins leading.

In the top of the third inning, the Little Giants began playing aggressive baseball, with Lee Ye-seung and Son Han-yul scoring consecutively, bringing the score to 4:3. Taking advantage of the Little Twins' pitcher change to Yoon Si-on, Kang Ju-ho hit a game-tying single, bringing the score to 4:4. In the bottom of the third inning, the Little Giants also changed their pitcher to 'Guardian Angel' and 'Closer' Son Han-yul, who ended the inning with consecutive strikeouts. In the top of the fourth inning, the Little Giants achieved a thrilling 5:4 comeback with a surprise hit by third-grade substitute Hong Seung-woo, prompting Coach Lee Dae-ho to proudly declare, "This is what makes a great manager."

Feeling the pressure, the Little Twins changed their pitcher again to Yoo Young-bin, and Coach Park Yong-taek transformed into a 'too much talker' on the mound, giving lengthy advice. In the bottom of the fourth inning, after rallying with the players, the Little Twins scored again with consecutive hits by Yoon Si-on and Kim Seo-hoo, tying the score at 5:5. Both teams exchanged fierce opportunities in the fifth inning, ultimately ending their first encounter in a 5:5 draw.

Though the match ended in a draw, the Little Twins demonstrated fierce offensive power, and the Little Giants showcased precise agility, proving why they are considered strong teams. Commentators Kim Seung-woo, Lee Dae-hyung, and caster Lee Dong-geun praised, "It's more entertaining than adult baseball. We look forward to the next match." Coaches Park Yong-taek and Lee Dae-ho also expressed satisfaction, saying, "We learned a lot," "Nice game," and "Let's meet in the 1st and 2nd place match."

After the game, Coach Park Yong-taek encouraged his players, saying, "There's nothing to regret. However, pitchers shouldn't get excited alone, and batters shouldn't hang their heads after striking out. Let's score 10 points next time. Well done. You're the best." Coach Lee Dae-ho also advised his players, "You all did well. Just don't joke around too much. It's not about doing well or not. But when playing baseball, you must focus. Keep your eyes sharp."

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