Park Byeong-ho (37, kt Wiz) is continuing his rehabilitation smoothly. His eyes are on the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
On the 4th, KBO confirmed and announced a list of 30 players to compete in the 2023 WBC. Park Byeong-ho did not make his name on the previously announced 50-person interest list, but in the end, he came to the WBC with the Taegeuk mark. His rehabilitation is also proceeding without major problems. He plans to improve his condition until the opening of the WBC.
Park Byung-ho is the best shotgun in the KBO league. After his 2005 debut, he hit 362 home runs in his pro career. He ranks fourth for the most home runs of all time. He had concerns about the aging curve in recent years, but he made a spectacular comeback when he moved to kt ahead of the 2022 season. He hit 35 home runs in 124 games and won the title of oldest home run champion. It is the 6th home run king in personal career, the most in KBO history.
Park Byeong-ho suffered an injury at the end of the season. Although the season was on the verge of a torn ligament injury in his right ankle, he opted for rehabilitation rather than surgery to compete in the postseason. He fought hard to make a comeback for a short period of time, and showed off the dignity of the home run king by drawing an arch in the semi-playoff against Kiwoom. Even after the season, Park Byeong-ho went through the rehabilitation process smoothly.
His physical condition has improved enough to be able to participate in the spring camp held in February. If he continues to manage his condition, he is expected to be able to handle both offense and defense in the WBC. Park Byeong-ho also has extensive experience in international competitions. However, it is the first time to participate in the WBC 토토. Park Byeong-ho wore the Taegeuk mark at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, 2015 WBSC Premier 12, 2018 Jakarta Palembang Asian Games, and 2019 WBSC Premier 12.
Coach Lee Kang-cheol said, “We play four games in Japan. Park Byung-ho can keep up with the defense. Tokyo Dome is not a big stadium, so we can expect a big hit. Also, because there are many left-handed hitters in the national team, we chose Park Byung-ho. Australia is right-handed. We also considered the fact that there are many pitchers,” he said, revealing the background of Park’s selection.
Because of his considerable age, this may be his last national representative. After announcing the entry, Park Byeong-ho said through the club, “It is an honor to be selected for the national team again after a long time. I feel good. I will do my best to help the national team.”