A Return to the Game

Melbourne Aces pitcher Heo Min, 50, made a surprising appearance on the mound during a spring training game against the Hanwha Eagles in Melbourne, Australia. Despite allowing two consecutive walks, he also recorded a strikeout, captivating fans familiar with his long history in Korean baseball.

From Executive to Player

Heo Min is a well-known figure in Korean baseball, previously serving as the CEO of WeMakePrice and founding the Goyang Wonders, Korea’s first independent baseball team. He drew attention in 2011 by recruiting Kim Sung-geun and was honored with the Ilgu Grand Prize in 2012 for providing opportunities for players who had lost their path.

His passion for the game extended beyond team ownership, leading him to pursue his dream of becoming a player. He honed a knuckleball pitch in the United States and played in the U.S. Independent league before later becoming chairman of the board of directors for the Kiwoom Heroes.

Past Controversy

“Although it was not a big controversy because it was its own Cheongbaek match, it was later found that the players were set up and pitching themselves after the conclude of the second-tier training the following year, and they were at the center of the ‘gapjil controversy.'”

starnewskorea.com

Heo Min previously pitched in a self-defense game in 2019, but faced controversy after it was discovered that the game was arranged and players were pitching to him after second-tier training. This led to a two-month suspension from the KBO.

Recent Performance

Heo Min challenged a trial pitching session with the Melbourne Aces of the Australian Baseball League (ABL) last month and successfully made the team. During the game against the Hanwha Eagles, he faced batters Lin Zhongcan, Im Jong-chan, and Han Ji-yoon.

The game saw some unusual calls, including a reversed strike call after discussion among the umpires. Despite the controversy, Heo Min’s appearance highlighted his enduring passion for baseball.

FAQ

• How ancient is Heo Min? He is 50 years old.
• What teams has Heo Min been involved with? He founded the Goyang Wonders, was CEO of WeMakePrice, chairman of the board of directors for the Kiwoom Heroes, and has played for the Melbourne Aces.
• What is Heo Min known for? He is known for founding Korea’s first independent baseball team and for his recent return to playing baseball at age 50.