WBC manager nominated as skipper for Asian Games
Ryu Ji-hyun responds to reporters at Incheon International Airport after returning to Korea from WBC, March 16. Yonhap
Ryu Ji-hyun, who managed Korea to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) last month, has been nominated for the same skipper role for the upcoming Asian Games.
The Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA) announced Wednesday it has tapped Ryu as the national team skipper for the Sept. 19-Oct. 4 Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Ryu's appointment is pending approval by the KBSA's board of directors and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, which oversees all national team affairs at international multisport events, will have the final say.
The KBSA said it interviewed managerial candidates last Friday, and Ryu received high marks with his leadership and analytical skills, along with his plans to run the national team at the quadrennial tournament. Korea will go for its fifth consecutive Asian Games gold medal this fall.
Ryu's contract with the national team ran out after the WBC, where Korea lost to the Dominican Republic in the quarterfinals. It was the country's first trip to the knockout phase since 2009.
Unlike at the WBC, Korea will not have the services of major league players at the Asian Games. Only those who play in the Korea Baseball Organization, plus possibly some amateur players, will be available.