KBO, players' association review rule changes, discuss further improvements

Representatives from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and the Korea Professional Baseball Players Association hold a meeting at KBO headquarters in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of the KBO

The Korean baseball league and its players' association announced Tuesday they have held their first meeting of the year this week to discuss ways to further improve the competition.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and the Korea Professional Baseball Players Association (KPBPA) said the meeting took place at KBO headquarters in Seoul on Monday. KBO Commissioner Heo Koo-youn and KPBPA President Yang Hyeon-jong, veteran pitcher for the Kia Tigers, were among the participants.

According to the KPBPA, all 10 KBO clubs were each represented by a pitcher and a position player.

This was the first meeting between the two sides this year since Heo vowed close communication and cooperation with the KPBPA in May.

According to the KBO, Heo thanked the players for their effort in helping the league set the single-season attendance record with over 12 million fans this year. Heo also recognized the players' cooperation in implementing a recent series of rule changes, including the introduction of the automated ball-strike system, pitch clock and video reviews on check-swing calls.

"The players shared their thoughts on major issues in the KBO, and the two sides discussed ways to improve the league going forward," the KBO said in a statement.

Yang said the player representatives addressed some of the problems they'd experienced with new rules during this past season.

"This meeting was a meaningful first step as the players made their voices heard and played a part in setting the course for league operations," Yang said. "We will try to schedule regular meetings with the KBO, and help create an environment where the players' opinions are valued and they can stay focused on their performances on the field.