The KBO’s KT Wiz became the first of 10 clubs to wear Pitchcom in an actual game.
“A total of five players, including starting pitcher Wes Benjamin, catcher, second baseman, shortstop, and center fielder, will wear the equipment,” KT announced before the game against the Kiwoom Heroes at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 16th.
Developed in Major League Baseball (MLB) to help pitchers and catchers quickly exchange signatures, the PitchCom is a necessary piece of equipment for the pitch clock, which will be introduced in the KBO next year.
The PitchCom can communicate preset pitch types and pitch locations by pressing nine buttons, saving time between pitchers and catchers during the game.
It also allows the defense to prevent the offense from seeing their autographs.
The KBO Secretariat held a briefing session for club representatives on how to use PitchCom and the rules on March 15th.
The PitchCom was imported from the U.S. as there is no domestic manufacturer, and it was certified for broadcasting on the 1st.
The KBO office provided each club with two sets of pitchcams (one for the first team and one for the second team), and it was up to the clubs to decide whether or not to use them.
Before the game, KT manager Lee Kang-cheol said, “I haven’t actually seen the PitchCom, but Benjamin, who is starting today, said he used it when he played in Triple-A in the United States. We will use it as soon as the players say it’s okay,” said Lee.
Benjamin, who checked out Pitchcom with catcher Jang Jang-woo in the bullpen before the game, told the club that he would use it right away.
KT’s opponent, Kiwoom, decided to hold off on using Pitchcom.
Kiwoom coach Hong Won-ki said, “I experienced it once in the United States during spring training. But using it in training is different from using it in a game. We’ll try it out in training first and if the players are okay with it, we’ll start using it.”
The Gwangju (Samsung Lions-KIA Tigers), Jamsil (SSG Landers-LG Twins), and Changwon (Hanwha Eagles-NC Dinos) games were canceled due to rain, leaving only the Gocheok and Ulsan games.
The Lotte Giants and Doosan Bears, who are playing in Ulsan, said they do not plan to use Pitchcom on the day. 파워볼사이트
