"There is a significant difference in pitchers' velocity depending on the stadium and broadcast network. On average, there is a difference of about 3 to 4 km, which leads to pitchers being undervalued. If they throw hard but their velocity is not high, it is inevitable that they will be concerned."

"The Blue Blood Ace" Won Tae-in (Samsung) expressed disappointment over the underestimation of his velocity.

Won Tae-in recently posted on his Instagram story, sharing speed measurement data provided by the team and a photo of the velocity data from the text broadcast, saying, "If the average speed is 4 to 5 km less per game, how many kilometers will the average velocity drop according to the annual statistics?"

On April 29, Won Tae-in threw five pitches against Kang Baek-ho during the 7th inning of the Suwon KT game. The team's measured speed for all five pitches was recorded at 147 km, while the text broadcast showed a difference ranging from a maximum of 144 km to a minimum of 142 km.

The speeds collected by the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), the team's performance analysis team, broadcast measured speeds, and scoreboard speeds are all different. This is because they measure speed using different equipment at slightly different locations. Such discrepancies arise due to the unique characteristics and locations of the stadiums and equipment differences.

The KBO uses the Pitch Tracking System (PTS) by Sports Two Eye, while most teams, including Samsung, use the TrackMan system. PTS is camera-based, whereas TrackMan is laser-based. Generally, TrackMan produces results faster than PTS.

The significant difference between the team's measured speed and the text broadcast speed leads to the explanation provided by Won Tae-in that pitchers are undervalued.

He said, "There is a significant difference in pitchers' velocity depending on the stadium and broadcast network. On average, there is a difference of about 3 to 4 km, which leads to pitchers being undervalued. As a result, there have been reports suggesting that pitchers' stamina has declined. If they throw hard but their velocity is not high, it is inevitable that they will be concerned. I hope this issue is addressed quickly."

This is not just the opinion of Won Tae-in. Many pitchers have expressed similar views, voicing their disappointment. In Major League Baseball, such problems do not occur due to the unification of equipment. The KBO is pushing for the establishment of a unified data system. Last year, TrackMan was selected as the system provider, but it ultimately did not materialize.

Until the KBO's unified data system is established, such controversies are expected to continue.

Meanwhile, Won Tae-in is set to start against Hanwha on the 3rd.

This season, Won Tae-in has pitched in 9 games, throwing for 52⅓ innings with a record of 3 wins and 3 losses and an earned run average of 4.30. He struggled in April with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss and an earned run average of 4.55 in 5 games, but he has somewhat recovered in May with a record of 1 win and 2 losses and an earned run average of 3.97 in 4 games.

He has not had much success against Hanwha this year, with 1 loss in 2 games and an earned run average of 4.91. Notably, in the game on the 10th of last month in Daejeon, he suffered a loss after pitching 6 innings, giving up 5 hits (including 2 home runs), 2 walks, and striking out 4, allowing 3 runs. The two home runs hit by his friend and peer Noh Si-hwan contributed to the loss.

Three weeks later, he seeks revenge against Hanwha at the same location. Hanwha's starting pitcher will also be Félix Peña, who faced off against Won Tae-in previously. Peña has pitched 10 games (54 innings) this season with a record of 4 wins and 4 losses and an earned run average of 3.50. In their previous matchup, Peña won with a performance of 7 innings, allowing 1 hit, 1 walk, striking out 5, and giving up 1 run.

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