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 said before the game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Saturday.
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 pitches and pitch locations by pressing nine buttons, saving time between pitchers and catchers during the game.
The defense can also prevent the offense from seeing their signs.
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 first of this month.
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. Our team will use it as soon as the players say it’s okay,” he said.
Benjamin, who checked out the PitchCom in the bullpen with catcher Jang Sung-woo before the game, told the team that he would use it right away.
In fact, KT catcher Jang Jang-woo came out to the game wearing Pitchcom and used it to sign an autograph for Benjamin.
Wearing the PitchCom transmitter on top of his right knee brace, Jang covered his right knee with a mitt worn on his left hand and pressed the button with his right hand.
Thanks to the Pitchcom, KT Benjamin pitched at a fast tempo.
KT’s opponent, Kiwoom, chose not to use the 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 then.”
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. 토토사이트
