"Crazy."
No Kyung-eun (SSG Landers), the 'eldest brother' participating in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) national team's first camp in Saipan, is getting his body into the fastest shape. He was the first pitcher on the national team scheduled for bullpen pitching. No Kyung-eun is expected to make his first bullpen pitching on the 12th.
When manager Ryu Ji-hyun met him at the Oleai Sports Complex in Saipan on the 10th, he described No Kyung-eun's thorough self-management with a joking expression. He laughed, saying, "Crazy," and added, "It means the player himself prepared really well." The eldest brother's leading by example is expected to have a positive effect on the entire national team.
No Kyung-eun's thinking was simple. He said, "There's nothing special. I'm just trying to keep my routine," and explained, "If you continue training after the season ends, you can raise your pace much faster when you come to camp."
In short tournaments, teamwork is regarded as the most important factor. No Kyung-eun knows this well.
He emphasized, "The first camp is not a stage for practice games or live batting. It's a time when everyone builds their bodies," and added, "At times like this, it's important for players to become close and create an atmosphere where they can trust each other."
Born in 1984, No Kyung-eun is 22 years older than the youngest players Bae Chan-seung and Jeong Woo-joo. He gave a characteristically flexible answer about his relationship with these much younger teammates.
"My priority is to make sure the younger players are as comfortable as possible. If they don't ask first, I don't go out of my way to speak up. That way I don't get called 'old man,'" he said with a laugh.
Still, the core was clear. No Kyung-eun said firmly, "Whoever goes on the mound, we must be able to trust each other and throw. There is no player who always performs well when they go out. How much we rely on each other is the most important thing."
He was calm about his memory of participating in the 2013 WBC national team.
He said, "I don't think about that time. Now I only have good energy and good thoughts," and added, "Honestly, the current roster is very good. If I just do my part, I believe we can get a very good result," showing his confidence.
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