Veteran Outfielder Kwon Hee-dong Wears Catcher's Mask After 11 Years: Why Did NC Dinosaurs Turn to Him?

Kwon Hee-dong's Unexpected Return to Catcher After 11 Years

On June 14, 2025, during the KBO League game between NC Dinosaurs and KIA Tigers at Changwon NC Park, veteran outfielder Kwon Hee-dong took the field as a catcher in the ninth inning, marking his first time behind the plate in 4005 days since June 27, 2014. This rare position change was prompted by the team's shortage of healthy catchers due to multiple injuries.

Kwon Hee-dong's Performance at the Plate and in the Field

Despite the unusual position switch, Kwon excelled offensively as the second batter and left fielder, recording 2 hits, 2 runs scored, and 3 walks, totaling 4 times on base. Defensively, he managed the catching duties in the final inning without major issues, demonstrating composure and stability despite the long hiatus from the position.

Catching Crisis in NC Dinosaurs' Roster

NC Dinosaurs faced a critical situation with three catchers—Park Se-hyuk, Ahn Jung-yeol, and Kim Hyung-jun—sidelined due to injuries. The starting catcher Kim Jung-ho was replaced late in the game, leaving only Kim Hyung-jun available, who was also unfit to play due to back pain symptoms. This forced the team to rely on Kwon, who had prior catching experience from his high school days.

Kwon Hee-dong's Catching Background and Adaptation

Kwon played catcher until his second year in high school before transitioning to infield and then outfield during college and professional career. He last caught in a pro game in 2014. He credited modern technology like the Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) system for easing his catching duties, as framing pitches became less critical under automated strike calls.

Team Strategy and Future Outlook

NC manager Lee Ho-jun explained the decision to use Kwon as catcher was a last resort due to the team's depleted catching options. The team anticipates the return of Kim Hyung-jun soon after recovery. Meanwhile, Kwon's versatility and veteran presence provide valuable depth in emergency situations, highlighting the importance of adaptable players in the KBO League.

Fan and Community Reactions

Fans and community members expressed admiration for Kwon's willingness to step into an unfamiliar role for the team's sake. Discussions on Korean baseball forums and blogs reflected positive sentiment about his professionalism and the team's resilience amid injury challenges. Some fans noted the rarity of left-handed catchers in baseball, adding context to the unusual nature of Kwon's role change.

Cultural Context: The Role of Catchers in Korean Baseball

In Korean professional baseball, catchers are often considered the 'mothers' of the team, responsible for guiding pitchers and controlling the game's flow. The position demands high trust and communication, making it rare for players to switch to catcher late in their careers. Kwon's successful stint, even briefly, underscores his experience and team-first attitude.

NC Dinosaurs' 2025 Season and Player Developments

The 2025 season for NC Dinosaurs has been marked by strategic roster moves, including veteran signings and foreign player acquisitions aimed at strengthening pitching and offense. Kwon Hee-dong, as the team's highest-paid player in 2025, continues to lead the offense with a .300 batting average and solid power numbers, proving his value beyond his emergency catching role.

Looking Ahead: The Importance of Versatility in KBO

Kwon Hee-dong's story exemplifies how veteran players' adaptability can be crucial in a sport where injuries and unexpected situations arise. As the KBO League evolves with technology and changing strategies, players who can contribute in multiple roles remain invaluable assets to their teams.