Pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun said, “Old colleague Edman is a reliable fielder…”Looking forward to WBC”.
Kim Kwang-hyun and Korean Tommy Hyun-soo Edman, who met again in the WBC national team, have been frequently asked about each other recently.
The two players, who played together for the St. Louis for two seasons in 2020 and 2021, will work as pitchers and infielders for the Korean national baseball team in March this year.
Kim Kwang-hyun, who left for Verovich, Florida, this morning (24th), said about Edman in an interview before leaving the country, “I’m really looking forward to it. “It’s about an hour’s drive from Verovich SSG Spring Camp training ground and St. Louis training ground Jupiter,” he said with a smile, “I think I’ll have a chance to talk to Edman in person.”
Edman was listed on the WBC’s 30 final entries and was recorded as a “Korean national baseball player with other countries’ nationality.”
Pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun said, “If it wasn’t for the aftermath of COVID-19, the WBC would have been held in 2021, not 2023. Since I played for St. Louis, I remember saying, “I wish I could play for WBC together,” not seriously with Edman at the time.
“Edman is a fielder who makes pitchers really comfortable,” he said. “(Edman, who has been in and out of the major leagues) is a player who plays his role in any position and is excellent as a batter,” he said.
Edman, who is from California, USA, is a U.S. nationality, but his mother is a Korean-American, so he can participate in the WBC as a representative of Korea.
Edman revealed himself to be of “Korean descent” by using the middle name of “Hyunsoo.”
He readily responded to the Korean baseball team’s request to join the WBC.
Although it is full of unfamiliar faces, familiar Kim Kwang-hyun can board the national team together, making it easier to adapt to the national team.
In addition to Edman, several Kim Kwang-hyun’s old colleagues will participate in the WBC.
Adam Wainwright, who was close to pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun, will play for the U.S. national team, while catcher Yadier Molina, who worked with batteries, took the helm as Puerto Rico coach.
Kim Kwang-hyun said, “About six players who played with St. Louis participated in the WBC. “I think every team I meet will be there,” he said adding, “It would be nice to meet you at the game, but I’m going to visit St. Louis’ camp and greet you happily.”