The maximum speed of the man's confidence was 153km in Tokyo...Dominican Connection know-how helps

Aug 03, 2025

Mercedes for the interview. Reporter Kim Young-rok

"I've been looking forward to going to Korea for a long time. "I'll show you my everything in Kiwoom (Heroes)."

The man who made the Korean national team cry at the Tokyo Olympics came as a KBO League foreigner this time.

Until last year, C.C. Mercedes played in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for seven years and won a total of 37 games. This year, he signed a contract with Kiwoom and changed his uniform while playing in Taiwanese professional baseball.

For Korean fans, he is also famous for his role in leading his home country's 10-6 victory by taking the mound as an intermediate pitch in the match against the Dominican Republic in the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Olympics and winning three ⅓ without losing a point. It humiliated Korean baseball with 'no medal'

Mercedes had its first greeting with reporters at Gocheok Sky Dome. His serious and confident ambition was impressive.

For finding yourself in Korea "I feel good, and I think it'll be fun. I'll do my best to show you my everything," he stressed.

Felix Peña in the Hanwha era. Sports Chosun DB

Felix Peña (former Hanwha Eagles), who played with Taiwan, gave detailed advice on life in Korea from the league to life. Also, when I came to Korea, I happened to have Raul Alcantara on the same team. Getting the help of the Dominican Republic Connection. Mercedes laughed "I'm not good at English, and I'm relieved to have someone on the same team who speaks Spanish.'

Mercedes and Alcantara faced Japanese baseball archrival Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers in 2021-2022, but they were reunited on the same team for the first time in three years.

Alcantara asked me a lot as soon as she came " From the baseball environment to the tendency of hitters, he answered as hard as he knew it. He is a pitcher with a lot of good weapons. He also said that he would probably do well in Korea.

Kiwoom's acting head coach Seol Jong-jeon has high expectations for Mercedes, who will lead the team for the rest of the season with Alcantara. The last pitch in Taiwan was on July 6, but he explained that there was no problem with the actual pitching because his body was already built. Mercedes will leave for Japan on the 5th and apply for a work visa. As soon as his visa is completed and he is scheduled to take the mound, he will play live pitching and then immediately play in the first team without playing in the Futures.

알칸타라. Photo courtesy = Kium Heroes

Acting President Seol Jong-jin said, "'6~7 times, I'm in good shape." I'm going to throw as hard as I can.'", he explained.

Mercedes said "ABS is his first experience. I'm in great shape right now, and I quite like my home stadium (Gocheok Dome). I heard a lot that the Korean baseball environment is good," he said, expressing anticipation.

Rather than overwhelming fastballs, he is known as a pitcher who plays with various breaking balls and slow control. Mercedes has reached a maximum speed of 153 km and this year's maximum speed of 150 kmIt's my strength to draw the ground ball well. I'll know when I throw it, but I'll make the most of my strength," he stressed.

Photo provided by Kium Heroes

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.