The 2026 KBO League All-Star Game’s signature event, the Home Run Derby, recently concluded at Jamsil Stadium, crowning Hanwha Eagles slugger Kang Baek-ho as the champion. This year’s competition, held at the stadium before its eventual demolition, saw a surprising trend: a significant number of pitchers and outfielders were chosen to toss batting practice balls to the contestants. This raises the question: why are these specific positions so popular for this exciting event?
Kang Baek-ho Claims Home Run Derby Title
Kang Baek-ho emerged victorious in a thrilling final round. He had initially tied with SSG Landers’ Oh Tae-gon and his own teammate Heo In-seong with seven home runs during the preliminary round. However, due to tie-breaking rules, Kang Baek-ho and Oh Tae-gon advanced to the final. In a remarkable coincidence, both finalists ended up with a score of 7-7 in the final showdown. Kang Baek-ho’s victory was almost in doubt, as he trailed before his final at-bat. A dramatic shot that curved towards right field struck the foul pole, extending the competition to the very last moment. While Oh Tae-gon failed to hit a home run in his final turn from the third base dugout, Kang Baek-ho delivered, securing his championship.
The Pitcher and Outfielder Connection
What made the final round even more interesting was that the players who tossed the balls to both finalists were pitchers. Kang Baek-ho’s partner was Han Joon-soo of the KIA Tigers, while Oh Tae-gon was assisted by his teammate Jo Hyeong-woo. In another instance, Doosan Bears’ Yang Eui-ji and Park Jun-soon entrusted their chances to outfielder Park Chan-ho. Meanwhile, Heo In-seong and Moon Hyun-bin, both from the Hanwha Eagles, received tosses from Lee Do-yoon, who is currently a second baseman for the Eagles but originally a pitcher.
The prevalence of pitchers and outfielders in this role isn’t a mere coincidence. There’s a strategic reason behind it, rooted in the fundamental requirements of pitching batting practice for a Home Run Derby. The ideal toss needs to be moderately fast, but crucially, the ball must be clean and consistent. In baseball, pitchers and outfielders are the positions most associated with delivering powerful and accurate throws over long distances. Pitchers are trained to prevent runners from advancing, and outfielders cover the largest area of the field, requiring strong arms and the ability to make long, strong throws.
Why These Positions Excel at Pitching Derby Balls
The throws from these players are particularly valued because they tend to be straight and don’t have excessive spin. This makes the ball easier for batters to hit squarely. Players often train from a young age to throw hard and straight, a natural inclination that pitchers and outfielders possess. This inherent ability translates directly into their effectiveness when pitching in a Home Run Derby.
Players participating in the derby often find that having pitchers or outfielders on the mound benefits their performance. Some hitters even mention that facing consistent, well-thrown balls from these positions can naturally lead them to practice ‘corner work’ – hitting balls to different parts of the field. In some cases, without consciously realizing it, they might even throw ‘two-seam fastball’ type pitches, aiming for accuracy.
Historical Precedent and Player Testimonials
The effectiveness of pitchers and outfielders in this role isn’t a new phenomenon. A notable example dates back to the 2012 All-Star Game when Moon Gyu-hyun, then with the Lotte Giants, became the first pitcher to win the All-Star MVP award. His reputation as a pitcher with a strong and clean throw made him a sought-after partner for the Home Run Derby. Rumors spread that he was a ‘specialist’ for the event.
During that time, Kang Min-ho (then with Samsung) and Jin Kab-yong (currently a coach for KIA’s second team), along with Choi Jeong (SSG), all sought Moon Gyu-hyun’s assistance. Moon Gyu-hyun reportedly worked tirelessly, tossing balls for players from various teams. Choi Jeong, eager to win the Home Run Derby, even went as far as replacing his own teammate, Yoon Hee-sang (retired), who was pitching for him, with Moon Gyu-hyun during his pursuit of the title.
The preference for pitchers and outfielders in the Home Run Derby stems from their specialized skills in delivering powerful, accurate, and clean throws. These attributes are essential for providing consistent batting practice, allowing hitters to focus on maximizing their power and achieving the longest possible hits. This trend, observed throughout KBO history, highlights the unique contribution these positions make to one of baseball’s most exciting events.
