Kiwoom Heroes manager Hong Won-ki said Tuesday he welcomed the introduction of the new pitch-calling device that he feels will help speed up games.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has distributed PitchCom transmitters and receivers to all 10 clubs, and they’re available for use starting with Tuesday’s games.
Kiwoom Heroes manager Hong Won-ki watches his team in action against the Hanwha Eagles during a Korea Baseball Organization regular-season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on July 11, 2024. (Yonhap)
Catchers can use the transmitter to give pitch signals to pitchers instead of using conventional finger signs, and pitchers will be able to listen to the call via the receiver worn inside their cap. This is designed to help speed up the pace of games and also prevent opponents from stealing signs.
Pitchers can also call their own pitches by wearing a transmitter on their forearms.
The KBO said PitchCom, introduced in Major League Baseball in 2022, is optional.
Hong said the Heroes pitchers had th
eir first experience with PitchCom during live batting practice sessions at spring training in Arizona this year.
“I think our pitchers marveled at the technology,” Hong said before the Heroes hosted the KT Wiz at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. “I felt it would help the games run faster. But since it’s not mandatory, we’ll not rush to use it right away from today.”
This photo provided by the Korea Baseball Organization on July 15, 2024, shows a PitchCom set, made up of three signal transmitters and 12 receivers. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Hong said only the Heroes’ catchers used the transmitters in spring training, and added, “If we wanted to speed up the game, then it would help to have pitchers call their own pitches. But it’s entirely up to them. As long as they feel comfortable, I am all for it.”
One pitcher who will not get to use PitchCom any time soon is Heroes closer Cho Sang-woo, who was removed from the active roster Tuesday.
According to Hong, Cho woke up Monday morning with some stiffness in h
is right shoulder, and he has been diagnosed with inflammation. The manager said Cho should be able to return after missing the minimum 10 days off the roster.
“We just felt it would be best to give him some rest,” Hong added.
Cho has not given up a run in his past 15 outings, covering 14 2/3 innings. He has struck out 15 and walked eight in that span.
Source: Yonhap News Agency
