Tommy Edman: "Watching highlights from the KBO, they have some pretty impressive bat flips"
The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is only 21 days away and Tommy Edman is excited about the opportunity to represent South Korea. Over the previous four seasons, the 27-year-old has worked his way up from being a role player to one of MLB's star infielders.
His hard work seems to have paid off, with South Korea calling on the switch-hitting speedster to join them at the WBC. It will be Edman's first time at the tournament. It will be a new experience for Edman, who was born in Pontiac, Michigan. He is doing his best to learn about his teammates, the language and the baseball culture in Korea.
"Watching highlights from the KBO, they have some pretty impressive bat flips."
Edman was speaking with MLB Network and touched on the art of the batflip in South Korea.
There's one skill that @TommyEdman11 is hoping to pick up in the WBC while playing for Team Korea.
#WorldBaseballClassic | @Cardinals | #STLCards https://t.co/81zOTBmDsG
"There's one skill that @TommyEdman11 is hoping to pick up in the WBC while playing for Team Korea. #WorldBaseballClassic | @Cardinals| #STLCards
It may be hard to believe, but bat flips are a common occurrence in the Korean Baseball league (KBO). While it is considered provocative and aggressive in North America, the flip has a different connotation in the Far East.
Tommy Edman will become the first non-South Korean native to play for the nation at the World Baseball Classic
Tommy Edman said it was an honor to represent team South Korea at the prestigious event. He will become the first non-South Korean native to play for the country at the World Baseball Classic. Edman qualifies through his mother Maureen Kwak, who was born in South Korea.
Team Korea's #WorldBaseballClassic roster: https://t.co/yxduYZigkV
"Team Korea's #WorldBaseballClassic roster:" World Baseball Classic
The tournament begins on March 8 and will be jointly hosted between Japan, Taiwan and the USA. South Korea will compete in Pool B alongside Japan, Australia, China and the Czech Republic. Team South Korea will aim to win their first ever WBC title.
The St. Louis Cardinals shortstop has only hit 40 home runs in his career. Don't be surprised, though, if you see him pull off a flamboyant bat flip at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Hopefully, this popular South Korean trend will become a regular feature in MLB games.