[News Figures] WBC Kwak Bin Wears Number 61 of 'Korean Express' Park Chan-ho

Famous as the 'Fastball' Ace in Baemyung High School
Season Ended for 2 Years Due to Elbow Surgery
Revived Wearing Number 61 After WBC Selection

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] On the 20th (Korean time) at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, USA, the World Baseball Classic (WBC) baseball national team won 12-6 in a practice game against the KIA Tigers. The team extended their winning streak to two games following their 8-2 victory over NC on the 17th.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the day was pitcher Kwak Bin (Doosan Bears), who caught attention by making a surprise appearance wearing jersey number 61, the same number worn by KBS commentator Park Chan-ho during his active career. The "Korean Express" Park Chan-ho appeared in four games during the 2006 WBC, recording 3 saves and 10 scoreless innings. He was a key figure leading the team to the semifinals.

According to the KIA team analysis, Kwak Bin threw a fastball reaching up to 148 km/h and attacked batters with his main weapon, the changeup, as well as curveballs and sliders. Kwak Bin said, "I remember watching senior Park Chan-ho pitch during the first WBC in 2006. Number 61 is like a symbol of senior Park Chan-ho. I want to perform at least half as well as him."

Originally, Kwak Bin's jersey number is 47. However, since it overlapped with the national team's key hitter Na Sung-bum (KIA), he chose Park Chan-ho's number after looking through the remaining numbers.

Kwak Bin faced many ups and downs before wearing number 61 as a national team pitcher and stepping onto the mound. Known as an ace during his time at Baemyung High School, Kwak Bin joined the Doosan Bears uniform as the first-round draft pick in 2018. However, his promising start was interrupted when he underwent elbow ligament reconstruction surgery in October 2018, causing him to spend the 2019 and 2020 seasons in the hospital rather than on the mound.

After overcoming many challenges in his baseball career, he returned in 2021 but struggled with control. Nevertheless, Kwak Bin pitched his first full season last year, completing the required 144 innings and securing a spot in the starting rotation. He achieved a solid record of 8 wins, 9 losses, and a 3.78 ERA last season. Kwak Bin said, "Playing baseball with talented players makes every day so enjoyable and fun. I want to become closer with all the national team players."