On February 24 in Okinawa, Japan, at Kadena Air Base, members of the Korean national baseball team joined forces with KIA Tigers pitchers for a joint training session. Kim Taek-yeon was seen holding the hand of veteran reliever No Kyung-eun, highlighting the camaraderie ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
No Kyung-eun Emerges as Top WBC Bullpen Choice
No Kyung-eun, the 42-year-old standout from SSG Landers, stands out as the premier reliever for the national team. Defying age and past injuries, he has appeared in 75 games over the last three seasons, securing 30 holds—the most in KBO history. His earned run average during this stretch sits at an impressive 2.14.
Overcoming a bullpen slump, No Kyung-eun has solidified his status as the league’s top reliever. Ryu Ji-hyun, the manager, noted, “If you’re a slow starter, you need to warm up a bit faster.”
Kim Taek-yeon’s Admiration for No’s Durability
Kim Taek-yeon expressed fascination with No Kyung-eun’s endurance. “Over the past three years, he’s thrown more than 80 innings. I’m curious how he prepares for each season, whether he rests enough during the offseason, and if preparation eliminates fatigue,” Kim stated. “What’s the secret to consistently performing without slowing down?”
Kim, who signed with the Cleveland Indians as a second-round international free agent in 2024 after ranking second overall, faced setbacks from injuries. He logged just 19 innings in his debut year and 24 the next, marred by nine blown saves despite leading in bullpen appearances.
No Kyung-eun Shares Preparation Insights
No Kyung-eun explained his approach: “The season feels the same as always. Power can dip in the second half, so if you have a slow-start tendency, you must ramp up quicker than others.”
He added that Kim’s advice proved invaluable: “It helped a lot. Last year, my preparation lagged, so I’m starting earlier this season. The content resonated deeply.”
Looking ahead, No Kyung-eun anticipates a standout year. He plans to shine in the WBC, showcasing peak performance. “I’m already ramping up training significantly,” he said. “National team games demand precision in every matchup. I focus on elevating my game from the right spot, honing specific innings for optimal results.”
