SEOUL — The Los Angeles Dodgers, under manager Dave Roberts, savored a dynamic win and a unique fan experience in their recent exhibition game against the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). The game, which saw the Dodgers triumph with a score of 14-3, was Roberts' introduction to the vibrant South Korean baseball culture.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the atmosphere at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul during Sunday's game was markedly different from what the Dodgers are accustomed to in Major League Baseball (MLB). The presence of cheerleaders and the continuous, high-energy cheering from the crowd stood out as new experiences for the team. South Korean dancers, wearing Dodgers t-shirts, energized the crowd from a stage along the first base line, a common feature in KBO games but not in MLB matches.
The Dodgers' offensive prowess was on full display, amassing 17 hits, including a first-inning home run by Freddie Freeman. Despite the Kiwoom Heroes' loss, their supporters remained spirited, cheering robustly from start to finish.
Roberts expressed his admiration for the lively game environment, noting that the constant cheerleading added excitement and energy but was not a distraction for the players. He lauded the sustained enthusiasm of the fans, which differed from the MLB atmosphere but was positively received by the team.
The Dodgers are in Seoul for a series of games, including another exhibition against the South Korean national team and the upcoming historic Seoul Series against the San Diego Padres, marking the first MLB games to be played in South Korea.
Arriving last Friday, the Dodgers are adjusting to the local time zone and conditions ahead of their regular season. Roberts emphasized that despite some players experiencing jet lag, the team would not use fatigue as an excuse. They are focused on acclimating and performing at their best, with another game scheduled to provide additional rest and preparation time.