Yomiuri Coach Lee Seung-yeop: Japanese Baseball Training Intensity More Than Double Korea's

Lee Seung-yeop, a coach for the Yomiuri Giants, has observed a significant difference in training intensity between Japan and South Korea, stating that Japanese teams train more than twice as much as their Korean counterparts. This observation came after his return to Japan, where he spent eight seasons as a player from 2004 to 2011, including five with the Giants.

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The training volume in Japan is more than twice that of Korea... After returning to Japan for the first time in 15 years, I keenly felt that I had become complacent.

Reflecting on his return after 15 years, Lee admitted to feeling a sense of complacency in his own training habits. "After returning to Japan for the first time in 15 years, I keenly felt that I had become complacent," he said during an interview at Tokyo Dome.

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The manager resigned whether by his own will or by force, with honor or dishonor, and I wondered if I should stay or leave. I can't say everything we discussed now, but he left saying, 'Please take good care of the young players.'

Lee's comments come in the wake of the sudden resignation of Giants manager Abe Shin-nosuke due to an assault charge. Lee, who was brought to the Giants by Abe, considered leaving the team but decided to stay, encouraged by Abe's parting words to "take good care of the young players." Lee's contract extends to the end of the current year, and he aims to lead the team to a championship.

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They do a lot of individual training in addition to team training. In terms of overall volume, it's more than double that of Korea.

He praised Japanese baseball for its strong fundamentals and serious approach, attributing the sport's advanced status to rigorous basic training, error reduction efforts, and a dedicated attitude from players. Lee also commented on the differences in roster sizes between the KBO and NPB, suggesting that South Korea might need to reconsider its roster regulations to allow for more flexible pitching management.

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Some Korean baseball fans criticize extensive training as '꼰대 야구' (old-fashioned baseball), but professionals must dedicate 100% to baseball. That is the path for family, fans, and the team.