"This is not a fight between professional players and high school players."
Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants), captain of the Korean national baseball team, said he would erase the reputation of opposing players from his mind ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) quarterfinal tournament against the Dominican Republic.
After completing official training at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida on March 13 (Korea time), Lee attended a press conference and said, "Most Dominican Republic players have big names and are star players we've seen on TV. Our teammates might feel intimidated, but they are professional players just like us."
He added, "The game between Korea and the Dominican Republic is not a fight between professional players and high school players. We are also players who have gathered to represent Korea."
Lee also expressed his determination: "I hope we won't have any regrets when we look back on the game the next day. Whatever the result, we will give our best without regrets."
Regarding ace left-hander Cristopher Sánchez (Philadelphia Phillies), the Dominican Republic's expected starter, Lee said, "As everyone knows, he is one of the best pitchers. I've faced him myself, and he's a tough opponent."
He continued, "I've been sharing his characteristics with teammates along with Jermaine Jones (Detroit Tigers), who has also faced Sánchez. Facing top pitchers itself will be a great asset for Korean baseball. We will analyze him well and produce good results."
