Unsung Hopefuls Knock on KBO Doors at Rainy Tryout

Twenty players, who failed to cross the threshold of professional baseball for various reasons or have chosen to take another shot, swung their bats and threw pitches with the dream of entering the KBO League despite the unfavorable weather.

Six pitchers and 14 fielders from diverse backgrounds—including independent leagues, domestic and international collegiate baseball, and U.S. professional baseball—participated in the tryout for the 2027 KBO rookie draft held today (the 1st) at the Goyang National Baseball Training Center in Gyeonggi Province.

Gathered at the field in their respective uniforms, they underwent tests in hitting, defense, baserunning, and pitching in front of scouts from all 10 KBO League clubs.

Due to unwelcome rain, the hitting test was held indoors, while the defense, baserunning, and pitching tests took place on the outdoor grounds.

The KBO introduced tryouts in 2013 to provide opportunities to individuals who lack eligibility to apply for the regular rookie draft but have nurtured dreams of becoming professional players through various alternative paths.

Naturally, the most attention was drawn to Choi Ji-man (35, Ulsan Whales), who officially announced his intention to participate in the 2027 KBO rookie draft last April.

As it was time for Choi, who has hit 67 home runs in his Major League Baseball (MLB) career, to take his hitting test, heavy sounds of contact echoed through the indoor training facility, and scouts closely monitored his movements.

Even when Choi took short breaks or stretched, various officials, including scouts, gathered around him.

With his signature friendliness, he approached other participating players first to strike up conversations, helping to ease the somewhat tense atmosphere.

After finishing the tryout, Choi shared his thoughts, saying, "I was quite nervous coming here. Although it rained, I feel relieved to have finished well. It was a bit tough receiving so much attention today, unlike usual."

Having left for the United States after graduating from high school without going through the domestic rookie draft, this draft is a novel experience for Choi.

He remarked, "I feel like I've become a high schooler again. Since I didn't experience this during my senior year of high school, it makes me wonder what it would have felt like if I had experienced these emotions at that age."

Infielder Choi Byeong-yong (24), who played in the minor leagues under the San Diego Padres until August of last year, also drew attention.

This draft marks Choi Byeong-yong's second bid for the KBO League.

Having failed to receive a call from KBO clubs ahead of his high school graduation in 2021, he went on to attend a U.S. university and was selected by San Diego in the 20th round (611th overall) of the 2023 MLB rookie draft.

Choi Byeong-yong said, "It would have been better if we could have hit outside where you can see the ball fly and take more fungo grounders instead of being indoors, so it's a bit regrettable that it felt a bit short. Still, I think I gave it 100 percent and have no regrets."

Infielder Park Myeong-heon (27, Goyang PIC), who suffered a right-hand finger ligament injury in 2020, is also knocking on the professional door once again after undergoing about two years of rehabilitation.

Park Myeong-heon stated, "I prepared as best as I could so I wish the weather had been better, but I'm satisfied as I feel I showed what I prepared. It is a bit disappointing that I couldn't showcase my arm more due to poor ground conditions."

The fate of these players will be decided at the 2027 KBO rookie draft scheduled for the 21st.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.