Incheon: When American pitcher Logan Allen joined the NC Dinos in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in December 2024, he likely didn’t anticipate his team spending April entirely on the road. The Dinos have been away from home since March 29, when an accident at Changwon NC Park led to the death of a fan, prompting a closure for safety inspections.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the tragic incident and subsequent stadium closure have forced the Dinos to play as road warriors, swapping games and playing “home” games at away venues. Allen, who has only made one regular-season start at home, acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to this situation but also highlighted the team’s strengthened camaraderie and resilience.
“We’re seeing a light at the end of the tunnel,” Allen stated before a game against the SSG Landers in Incheon. Despite the challenges, the Dinos have rallied, achieving a seven-game winning streak and climbing from ninth to fourth in the standings. Allen, who struggled in April, has also regained form in May, securing victories in his recent starts.
Allen remarked on the unique challenges of pitching in the KBO, noting the discipline and resilience of Korean hitters. “They’re very tough at-bats, and they’re very disciplined,” he observed. To succeed, Allen has had to adjust his pitching strategy, focusing on the strike zone to counter the hitters’ tenacity.
While Allen and his teammates strive to excel under these circumstances, the Dinos’ front office has also been supportive, keeping players’ families informed and trying to provide breaks in Changwon. “It’s tough on the staff not to be able to go home and see their families,” Allen noted, but he appreciated their efforts to make the situation more manageable.