Five years have passed since I left Korea. Roger Bernardina (38), a name that is forgotten beyond memories in the main role that led the KIA Tigers to victory, appeared after a long time. He was a member of the Dutch World Baseball Classic (WBC) national team, appearing in a practice game with a KBO league team.
Bernardina met with Korean reporters after a practice game against the Hanwha Eagles in the KBO League held at Salt River at Talking Stock in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA on the 22nd (Korean time). On that day, he started as the fourth hitter in center field and was replaced in the middle. He readily responded to the Korean reporters’ request for an interview and faced the reporters with a friendly face.
Bernardina said, “I am happy to play against the Korean team. When I was in Korea, everyone treated me humanly. I think it would be really good to face the Korean national team at the WBC.” I didn’t play for the KIA, but I heard that the young left-handed pitcher (Lee Eui-ri) was also good.”
Five years have passed, but for Bernardina, Korean baseball is still deeply embedded in her heart. He said, “While playing in the KBO league, the enthusiastic support of the fans was a great help to me. He has played in many countries, but Korean baseball fans are the best. It was a great experience for me. I am really grateful to the Korean fans who made good experiences, memories, and memories,” he said looking back on his days in Korea.
In particular, KIA, to which Bernardina belongs, is a traditional powerhouse boasting the most popularity in the KBO League. In the first year of 2017, he also received the Golden Glove in the outfield category as a member of the KIA integrated championship. He left Korea at the end of 2018, but whenever a new foreign hitter enters KIA, he is compared to him. Outfielder Socrates Britto, who has been in his second year after successfully renewing his contract with KIA this year, has been called the second Bernardina since joining.
Bernardina also knew that Socrates was playing for KIA. He said, “Last year, Socrates did a good job. I think he will be the best foreign hitter to lead KIA this season,” he said. “KIA has a good history. I hope it will be a year to win again after 2017. Good luck to KIA,” he continued to express his affection. 카지노
Since leaving Korea in 2019, Bernardina has continued her career as a player in Taiwan, Mexico and Nicaragua, and recently in the Venezuelan Winter League. He was born in June 1985 and has become a 38-year-old veteran, but he has no intention of retiring. “I am still in good shape. He has no problem running either. If his body allows, he wants to play another two or three more years,” says Bernardina.
The WBC, which participates as a member of the Dutch national team for the first time in 10 years since 2013, could be Bernardina’s last national team opportunity. “The Netherlands has high expectations for the WBC. All the team members are united by working hard with one heart and one mind,” he said, expressing his anticipation that “I hope to meet Korea in the final.”