“Aren’t we all the main characters in our respective positions?”
Behind the stage of professional baseball, the sweat 메이저놀이터 and efforts of many people are permeated. It’s not just the players on the pitch. It can only be completed when each piece, such as the site and the front, is aligned as one.
◆ Everyone gives a thumbs up and a smile
Koo Hyun-joon (39), manager of the Hanwha Eagles’ management team, is the person who drew the sketch for the Hanwha Spring Camp. He did everything possible to ensure that the team could concentrate on exercising in an optimal environment. In particular, within the club, satisfaction with Bellbank Park in Mesa, Arizona, where the first camp was held, was high. It is the largest single sports complex in the United States. Since it opened in January of last year, the facility is clean and up-to-date. There were also indoor weight training areas and treatment rooms on three sides of the baseball field. Manager Koo said, “Among the pro teams, it was the first place we used. I was worried a lot, but I’m glad everyone liked it.”
His biggest hit product is Cryo Therapy. It is a device that allows you to relieve muscle fatigue in a short time by exposing the body to low temperatures of -80 degrees Celsius or less for about 3 minutes. Recently, it is gaining popularity in the big leagues as well. Because there were so many people, the training part set up a schedule so that 10 people could experience it a day. I go in wearing only light pants, but after a minute it is so cold that my whole body trembles. However, after enduring this process safely, you can feel that your body is refreshed and cool. As soon as Hanwha coach Carlos Subero saw it, he raised his thumb to the players, saying, “You must experience it.”
◆ Step by step, looking far away
It was possible because I prepared step by step for a long time. The actual starting point is 2020. Due to the deteriorating relationship between Korea and Japan at the time, it was difficult to use Okinawa, Japan, as a campsite as before. One of the places that emerged as an alternative was the United States. The good thing was that the weather was warm. Hanwha also left for Arizona. The stadium used by the Seattle Mariners of the Major League Baseball (MLB) was used. regret remains. Since it is basically a professional baseball stadium, the space had to be vacated when the big league spring training season began. The second choice was a place open to the general public. There were many difficulties because there were no boundaries.
As soon as we finished camp, we started looking for a new place. There was a new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) variable, but I looked a little further. Keep an eye on local movements. I heard the news that a new sports complex was being built and kept in touch. It’s time. As the world trend changed to the era of the with corona, the sky was pierced. As long as they were constantly communicating, Hanwha was able to take a slightly advantageous position in the negotiation process. It also provided convenience only for Hanwha. While ensuring independence by dividing the area, it also helped to use external catering services that were not originally allowed to enter.
◆ The United States also jumps with two feet, one step
I forgot to jump on both feet. Since June of last year, he has checked the details through several field trips. Overall, even if you take a meticulous look at it, there will inevitably be something you miss from the front desk. Hanwha general manager Son Hyuk helped a lot. General Sohn, who was on duty as a force reinforcement coordinator, flew to the United States with him around August. Wearing spikes, he climbed onto the mound and threw the ball. Manager Koo said, “He checked various parts, such as whether the soil was in a suitable condition for the team to train in and whether it was not slippery. He hinted that it was easy to make a decision thanks to the director pointing out the elements.”
Efforts paid off. broke through fierce competition. Even at Bellbank Park, not only Hanwha, but also a number of clubs in the KBO League showed interest. This is because there are not many sports complexes of this size and infrastructure in the United States. The bullpen, which was for amateur use, took this opportunity to make a new one for professional use. “The 10 KBO League teams share information to some extent among the operating teams,” said Manager Gu, who took luck. “I knew that some teams were in contact. Even on the day we visited, Team A and Team B had come. I think I watched the whole situation while negotiating in my own way.”