Seo Hyo-in; Dasan Books; 228 pp., 12,800 won
Korea is a nation of baseball lovers. Professional baseball started here about 30 years ago.
This book is the story of a young poet who grew up with the sport, either playing with friends at school or watching in stadiums or at home with his family.
The writer, now in his 30s, once aspired to become a baseball player. When that didn’t happen, he thought about becoming a sportscaster or baseball writer.
This book is mostly about memories and stories related to baseball that many in Seo’s generation can sympathize with.
He recounts memorable life experiences that involve the sport, like when he was reminded of his retired father after witnessing the fall of star baseball players.
For people who go to watch baseball on dates, the writer explains how boyfriends can easily teach their girlfriends the rules of the game and how to enjoy the sport.
He also tells the background stories of professional teams like the Kia Tigers and other teams that had once been famous but are now disbanded, like the Ssangbangwool Raiders who were based in North Jeolla Province.
— Do Je-hae