Amidst the numerous adversities in the 2023 professional baseball season, the atmosphere finally became lively.
The 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO All-Star Game, held at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 15th, was filled with scenes that delighted the eyes and ears of the fans.
If we focus solely on the performances rather than the results, Socrates Brito (KIA Tigers) undoubtedly left the deepest impression.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, with one out and runners on first and second, Socrates appeared wearing a black hat and sunglasses, holding a trumpet, and entered to his own cheer song. He was joined by his KIA teammates, Lee Woo-sung, and Choi Ji-min.
With their witty performance, fans from all ten teams joined forces, filling Sajik Stadium with cheers for Socrates.
Socrates Brito responded to the united support by blasting a magnificent three-run home run on Park Se-woong’s second fastball.
Other players who incorporated performance ideas from their nicknames or characteristics also stood out.
Known as “No-geom” (No-jinhyeok prosecutor) due to his appearance resembling a civil servant, No Jin-hyeok (NC Dinos) dressed up as a prosecutor and took the plate.
Having undergone LASIK surgery in 2015, No Jin-hyeok wore glasses after a long time, donned a prosecutor’s outfit, and came to the plate. After hitting a single, he even showed a piece of paper with “search warrant issued.”
“Sajik Idol” Kim Min-seok (Lotte Giants) dressed up like BLACKPINK’s Jennie and showcased the “SOLO” dance.
Chae Eun-sung (Hanwha Eagles), who had previously served in the military, displayed his baseball bat skills that remained unfazed in the dugout during the performance on the stage.
Foreign pitchers also brought delightful humor that made fans laugh.
David Buchanan (Samsung Lions) livened up the atmosphere with playful dances whenever he found a moment, and he even had a dance battle with Austin Dean (LG Twins) to the tune of the girl group New Jeans’ “Hype Boy.”
Eric Pedi (NC Dinos) provocatively spoke in an awkward Gyeongsang-do dialect, saying “Ham chibwara” to taunt the opposing team before taking the mound.
He also performed a unique act where he burned a piece of paper with a passport cover, symbolizing his determination to stay with NC and continue playing hard.
The gameplay during the match added to the fans’ enjoyment as well.
Ko Young-pyo (KT Wiz) playfully taunted batter Kim Hye-seong, twitching his waist during the wind-up. Meanwhile, Park Geon-woo (NC) entertained the fans with exaggerated movements that made it seem like he would steal a base while on first.
Kim Sang-su (KT) mischievously squinted at An Woo-jin (Kiwoom Heroes) when he threw a 156 km/h fastball at him in a joking manner. 파워볼분석