The return of live sports in America is just now starting with UFC and some golf exhibition matches. However, there is a country that has live baseball that you can watch right now. That country is South Korea. The Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) has started its season and is now playing live games. My brothers and I are all desperate for live baseball, so we have all picked teams to support.

There are ten teams in the KBO to choose from: the Kiwoom Heroes, LG Twins, Samsung Lions, Doosan Bears, Lotte Giants, Kia Tigers, SK Wyverns, KT wiz, Hanwha eagles, and the NC Dinos. My team, the NC Dinos,  currently has a record of 12-2 and sits in first place. I did not pick the team because I thought it was going to be successful. Rather,  I chose the team because of its mascot. The NC Dinos mascot’s name in Korean roughly translates to “swole daddy” in English. Contrary to popular belief, NC is not an abbreviation of a Korean City. Teams in the KBO are sponsored by big companies.

While fans are not yet allowed in the stadiums in Korea, it seems as if fans at live baseball games could be a possibility later in the season. These games are being aired on ESPN very late at night. However, there are multiple youtube videos of highlights for you to enjoy.  Many former MLB players play in this league. The KBO has even produced MLB talent such as Merrill Kelly, Josh Lindblom and most notably Eric Thames.

Thames has been the KBO’s brightest star thus far.  He formerly played for the NC Dinos and now plays for the reigning World Series champions, The Washington Nationals. Thames received honorary citizenship in Changwon, the city here the Dinos’ stadium is located.

Live baseball is back. It might not be what you are used to, and it is definitely not prime time, but if you need a dose of live baseball you might want to check it out.