Why Did the Bench Clear? Cody Ponce’s Historic 10th Win and the Drama Behind the Daejeon Incident

Cody Ponce’s Historic 10th Win: A Night to Remember in Daejeon

Did you know? On June 22, 2025, Hanwha Eagles’ ace Cody Ponce became the first pitcher in the KBO League this season to reach 10 wins, and the first in Hanwha franchise history to start a season with 10 consecutive victories. His dominant performance—5⅔ innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 12 strikeouts, and 2 unearned runs—was overshadowed by a dramatic bench-clearing incident that left fans and players buzzing. Ponce’s 10-game winning streak places him among KBO legends, joining the likes of Jung Mintae and Hector Noesi, and marks a new chapter for both himself and the Eagles.

The Bench-Clearing Incident: What Really Happened?

The tension erupted in the top of the third inning, with two outs and a runner on first. After Ponce threw a ball to Kiwoom’s Im Ji-yeol, the tempo slowed as he prepared for the next pitch. Umpire Moon Dong-kyun called time and gestured for Ponce to speed up, though the pitch clock had not expired. Ponce, responding to the warning, quickly resumed his motion. At that moment, the umpire called time again, and Im Ji-yeol stepped out of the box. Ponce, already in his windup, delivered the pitch. Im Ji-yeol reacted angrily, believing the pitch came before he was ready. Verbal exchanges escalated, and both dugouts emptied onto the field. Thankfully, the situation deescalated without physical altercation, but it was the first bench-clearing at Hanwha Life Park since its opening.

Ponce and Im Ji-yeol: Misunderstanding or Malice?

After the dust settled, both teams offered their perspectives. Kiwoom stated that Im Ji-yeol was upset because the pitch was thrown before the umpire’s play call, while he was still preparing to hit. Hanwha clarified that Ponce’s protest was directed at the umpire for calling time mid-motion, not at Im Ji-yeol. In the postgame interview, Ponce explained, “The umpire gave me the play signal, so I threw the pitch, but I didn’t realize Im Ji-yeol wasn’t ready. I asked ‘why’ to the umpire, not the batter. I had no bad intentions.” He also acknowledged the competitive emotions of the moment and expressed understanding for Im Ji-yeol’s reaction.

Pitch Clock Controversy: Cultural Context and KBO Rules

The incident highlights the evolving role of the pitch clock in KBO baseball. While designed to speed up play, its enforcement is subject to umpire discretion, sometimes even when time remains on the clock. Ponce, known for his tempo control, has faced several warnings this season. Korean umpires have been particularly strict, leading to confusion and tension in high-stakes moments. For international fans, it’s important to understand how KBO’s adaptation of MLB-style pitch clock rules is still adjusting, with cultural nuances in communication and authority between players and officials.

Fan and Community Reactions: Online Buzz and Divided Opinions

The incident quickly became a hot topic on Korean sports communities like Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21. Positive comments praised Ponce’s composure and sportsmanship, while others criticized the umpire’s timing and lack of clear communication. Some fans empathized with Im Ji-yeol, arguing that batters’ safety and readiness should come first. The general sentiment was split: about 60% sided with Ponce and Hanwha, citing the need for consistency in umpiring, while 40% felt the confusion could have been avoided with better signals. A representative comment from DC Inside read, “This is why clear communication is so important in baseball. Both players just wanted to compete, but the umpire made things messy.”

Media and Blog Coverage: How the Story Spread

Major outlets like Chosun Biz, OSEN, Xportsnews, and Newsis covered the incident in detail, focusing on Ponce’s historic achievement and the unusual drama. Popular Naver and Tistory blogs analyzed the play-by-play, with several posts defending Ponce’s intent and others dissecting the umpire’s actions. One trending Tistory blog post noted, “Bench-clearing incidents are rare in the KBO, and this one shows how cultural misunderstandings and new rules can collide.” Social media buzzed with memes and video clips, making the moment a viral highlight of the week.

Cultural Insight: Why This Moment Matters in Korean Baseball

Bench-clearing incidents are uncommon in the KBO, partly due to the league’s emphasis on respect and sportsmanship. When they do occur, they often spark debate about the balance between passion and decorum. For foreign fans, it’s worth noting that Korean baseball culture values quick resolution of on-field disputes and public displays of apology or explanation. Ponce’s immediate clarification and Im Ji-yeol’s willingness to move on reflect this ethos. The event also underscores how foreign players must navigate not only the game but also the expectations and unwritten rules unique to the KBO.

Aftermath: Moving Forward and Lessons Learned

Following the incident, both teams quickly refocused. Ponce struck out Im Ji-yeol to end the inning, and Hanwha went on to win 10-4, breaking a two-game losing streak. The league and media commended the players for avoiding escalation and setting an example for professionalism. For fans, the episode became a talking point about the future of pitch clock enforcement and the importance of clear communication. As the KBO continues to blend international influences with local tradition, moments like this will shape the league’s identity and its appeal to a global audience.