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October 21, 2009
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The root of the problem can be traced back to game one on Oct. 16 in Gwangju. Kia had raised the issue of the SK squad stealing signs even prior to the start of the match. Kia coaching staff and players were suggesting SK runners on second base were stealing signs and relaying them back to their teammates in the batter’s box. Kia staff also complained to the officiating crew that SK statistical analysts were positioning SK outfielders. The two complaints had less to do with any leaked strategies but more to do with a psychological battle between the two clubs. Kim Sung-geun, the SK manager, responded in his usual straightforward manner. “Pros should not allow themselves to be taken advantage of by their opponents. It is not professional to complain about incidents afterwards,” Kim said on the suggestion that his team was stealing hand signs. “Furthermore, we did not steal signs but it was the result of detailed study and analysis of data on our opponents.” The tension between the two clubs finally reached boiling point in the bottom of the fourth inning of game three on Monday night, which SK won 11-6. SK batter Jung Keun-woo hit a grounder to pitcher Seo Jae-weong. Seo took a bit of time throwing to first base and Jung stared at Seo in anger. In response, Seo locked eyes with Jung and shouted a few words. This immediately resulted in both benches clearing. Although the incident did not escalate into a brawl, Seo brushed a couple of SK batters in the following inning and Jung responded by stealing second base in the bottom of eighth with his team up by five runs. The incident is eerily similar to the 2007 Korean Series when the Wyverns and the Doosan Bears got into a bench clearing altercation. SK went on to take four consecutive games to win the series. By Shin Hwa-seob [jason@joongang.co.kr] |
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