The KBO All-Star Game, a day of record-breaking performances, saw Team Nanum triumph over Team Dream with a score of 4-2. The game’s MVP was Choi Hyoung-Woo, who narrowly missed a cycle, hitting a Single, Double, and Home Run in his plate appearances. His 19 out of 21 votes from the media made him the oldest All-Star MVP in KBO history. Another record was set by Oh Seung-Hwan, who became the oldest player to appear in the All-Star Game.
Austin Dean, who also won the Home Run Derby, made an impact and a case for MVP by hitting a 2-run homer for Team Nanum in the third inning.
For Team Dream, David MacKinnon, who played for the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels of the MLB, provided both runs by hitting a 2-run home run in the fourth inning. MacKinnon’s unique entrance into the game, dressed in a King Kong costume, was a testament to the fun and joy this game brought.
Hyun-Jin Ryu, making his first appearance in the KBO All-Star Game in 12 years, was credited with the win for Team Nanum after a solid first inning in which he did not allow any runs. This effort earned him the Best Pitcher award, which he received back in 2012.
Ryu became the first pitcher to start in both the KBO and MLB All-Star games.
Oh Seung-Hwan recorded the final two outs for Team Dream and became the oldest player to appear in the All-Star Game.
The All-Star Game was not just about the players and their skills but also about the love of the game that transcends generations. The heartwarming sight of players walking up to bat with their sons and daughters underscored this sentiment, making everyone, especially the sellout crowd 22,500, feel a part of the baseball family.
Photo credit: Austin Dean #23 of LG Twins at bat in the 2nd inning during the exhibition game. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
