Unlocking Dreams: How the DODREAM Youth Baseball Clinic is Inspiring Future Stars in Korea

Photo: Korea Professional Baseball Players Association

[Sports Today reporter Shin Seo-young] The Korea Professional Baseball Players Association (president Yang Hyun-jong) announced on the 6th that it kicked off this year’s first DODREAM youth baseball clinic in collaboration with the Lotte Giants.

Launched in 2023, DODREAM enters its fourth year as the Players Association’s signature youth program. More than a skills clinic, it aims to inspire young players by creating direct, meaningful exchanges between professional players and youth athletes.

Beginning with the Lotte session, the tour will visit communities nationwide with all 10 KBO League clubs over about two months, running through June 8.

Each team’s clinic will host roughly 100 upper-grade elementary school players. Through hands-on drills and interactive programs with the pros, organizers hope to sharpen the kids’ game instincts while boosting their motivation.

Although rain forced parts of the session indoors, Lotte players and the young participants remained fully engaged, turning the day into a valuable experience.

In the confined setting, players were able to provide closer, more attentive coaching and have deeper conversations with the kids, strengthening their connection.

Lotte captain Jeon Jun-woo and other team members led the clinic and worked directly with the youth players.

“I remember how a few words from older players gave me big encouragement when I was young,” Jeon said. “I hope today gives the kids a positive jolt and helps them keep loving baseball. I’ll continue doing my best to influence young players in a positive way.”

Pitcher Park Se-woong, who also took part, said the indoor setting allowed him to get closer to the kids and talk more. “Even though the rain moved us inside, it was meaningful to share not only technical tips but also the joy of playing the game,” he said.

The DODREAM clinic focuses on genuine communication between pros and young players, offering participants an experience that goes beyond standard training.

The Players Association said it will continue to run field-based programs to broaden youth baseball participation and develop future talent.

[Sports Today reporter Shin Seo-young sports@stoo.com]
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