The sporting world has been bleak with the COVID-19 pandemic suspending league play across the globe. That will change now that ESPN has come to an agreement to televise six Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) games per week starting late Tuesday evening.
“The KBO League is one of the greatest baseball leagues with world-class players and many exciting initiatives,” said KBO commissioner Un-Chan Chung in an ESPN press release. “During this unprecedented and difficult time, I hope the KBO League can bring consolation to the communities and provide guidelines to the world of sports. I am pleased that the KBO League can be introduced globally and hope this can be an opportunity for the development of our league and the sport.”
The KBO is one of the first professional sports leagues to reopen amid the pandemic. Not only will they seek to provide entertainment, but perhaps a pathway for other sports leagues to return during the pandemic. That fact alone should interest all sports fans.
The KBO is known for being a bit more dramatic than the MLB. Bat flips are encouraged, announcer calls are very animated, there is a lot more offensive play involved in the game too.
So what team should Chiefs fans consider rooting for? There are 10 teams in the league, each named after the companies that own them.
- Doosan Bears
- Hanwha Eagles
- Kia Tigers
- Kiwoom Heroes
- KT Wiz
- LG Twins
- Lotte Giants
- NC Dinos
- Samsung Lions
- SK Wyverns
If you want it to feel like you’re rooting for the Chiefs, you should pay attention to the Doosan Bears, who are the defending Korean Series champions. They’ve been to the championship game in six of the past seven seasons, winning three Korean Series titles. Their Mascot is a Steel Robot Bear. The team also features former MLB players Raul Alcantara, Jose Miguel Fernandez, Chris Flexen.
If you’re looking for Baseball-related ties, former Royals pitcher Aaron Brooks is a pitcher for the Kia Tigers. They’re like the New England Patriots of the KBO with 11 Korean Series titles, but lately, they have been on the decline.
Ultimately there are a ton of good options to choose from and plenty of reasons to choose. So be sure to let us know on Facebook and Twitter, which KBO League team you end up choosing.
The KBO League coverage kicks off on ESPN on Tuesday, May 5th at Midnight CT with the NC Dinos taking on the Samsung Lions.