The KBO distributed PitchCom, a device that allows pitchers and catchers to exchange autographs during games, to 10 clubs on Friday. They will be used starting on the 16th.

There will be an adjustment period. It is not mandatory to use the device, but at the discretion of each club during game training.

Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-moon, the most senior manager of the 10 clubs, said, “I think the catcher will be unfamiliar at first. Pitcher (Ryu) Hyun-jin came from the U.S., so he should be fine, but I think he needs to press it in several games. I think it will be simple once I get used to it. But for the first few games, I think the catcher is going to be busy. It’s going to take a few games to get used to it.”

Hanwha will start using Pitchcom in earnest on the 17th against the Changwon NC Dinos after their game on the 16th was canceled due to rain.

Currently, opinions are divided on the adoption of Pitchcom.

Several managers have said that they plan to use it in training and get used to it in camp rather than immediately, citing adaptation issues.

Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop said, “We won’t use it right away. It’s a game-by-game, ball-by-ball decision. I think it’s natural to reduce the playing time in the long run, but we’re not going to do it right now.” Samsung coach Park Jin-man also said, 안전놀이터 “We’ll have to wait and see. It’s not the first time we’ve prepared for it, and it could backfire.”

NC coach Kang In-hwa said, “I think we need to train and start with the starting pitchers in the bullpen because they are still not used to it. I think it will be difficult to start right away.” ”I want to actively use Pitchcom. Some pitchers have poor eyesight. I’m thinking about actively utilizing it if it’s not too inconvenient for the players.”

Kim, on the other hand, plans to actively use it from the beginning. “If you’re not going to do it, I don’t know, but if you say you have to do it, it’s better to do it quickly,” Kim said.

Kim’s reasons for being proactive with Pitchcom were clear.

He wants to be part of the “speedup. “When I asked him what the purpose (of Pitchcom) was, it was to show the fans a fast game, a fast game. Even baseball people don’t watch four-hour games,” he said. ”The length of the game is also decreasing a lot. For the players, it’s different to play 20 or 30 minutes for 140 games versus three hours. It’s good for the players. If you’re going to do it (pitchcom) anyway, you might as well do it quickly,” he emphasized.

Kim added: “They should feel why they have to play fast when they play. It’s already started. It’s the first time for both the opponent and us, so we have to forget everything and start.”

Meanwhile, the Pitchcom set consists of a transmitter to input signs and a receiver to listen to them. The transmitter has nine buttons, which you press in sequence to enter a preset pitch type and pitching position, which is then audibly relayed to the receiver. The transmitter can only be worn by pitchers or catchers, and for pitchers, it is worn on the wrist using a glove or protector. For catchers, it can be worn on the wrist, knee, or anywhere else you choose.

Receivers wear it on the inside of their hat. In addition to the pitcher and catcher, up to three other players on the field can wear it.

“PitchCom is expected to make it possible for the defense team to exchange autographs smoothly during the game, which will shorten the game time and make it more comfortable for fans to watch the game,” the KBO explained.