SBS’ broadcasts of World Baseball Classic tune-up games topped ratings again, reinforcing the network’s long-running reputation for baseball coverage.
The broadcast of the March 3 game against Orix drew a peak household rating of 1.3% despite airing in a weekday daytime slot. SBS also ranked No. 1 in the advertiser-coveted 20-49 demographic rating and in total viewers, leading rival networks by nearly twofold (Nielsen Korea, Seoul metropolitan area). Much of the attention centered on analyst Lee Dae-ho’s candid, detailed commentary.
“I will meet Noh Si-hwan in person. If I can help the team even a little,” Lee said on air.
From the booth, Lee addressed Noh’s recent hitting struggles with advice that went beyond mechanics. As Noh appeared to have trouble with timing during the game, the broadcast revisited Noh’s earlier remark that he had “found the feel.” Lee responded by reflecting on his own career.
“Baseball is really hard. In fact, I played 22 years as a pro, and until I retired I never once said, ‘I found the feel,’” Lee said. The comment framed even elite performance as a constant challenge and sought to ease the pressure on the younger hitter. After fellow analyst Lee Soon-cheol asked him to encourage Noh, Lee said he would speak with him directly, offering support ahead of the tournament proper.
While Noh was quiet at the plate, Kim Do-young powered the lineup with home runs on consecutive days. After Kim hit a three-run homer in the top of the second inning, Lee said, “It looks like he hits better than I did in my prime. It’s impressive he can drive a mistake pitch like that.” Lee also shared his own experience while offering encouragement during home runs by Ahn Hyun-min and Shea Whitcomb.
When discussion turned to pitching decisions and the strike zone, Lee drew on his experience as a high school pitcher. “Pitchers are stubborn, but umpires are stubborn, too. You have to learn to use that quickly,” he said, offering a practical point for younger players preparing for the main event.
South Korea’s national team is set to open the tournament against the Czech Republic on March 5. SBS said it will cover the WBC from Japan starting tomorrow, with analysts Lee Dae-ho and Lee Soon-cheol and play-by-play announcer Jung Woo-young.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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