'Strong Baseball' Scores Big: Tops Ratings and Ranks 10th in TV Buzz with Thrilling Comeback

JTBC's beloved baseball entertainment show, 'Strong Baseball,' is on a roll, securing the No. 1 spot in 2049 viewership ratings among variety programs in its time slot and climbing to 10th place in overall non-drama TV buzz.

The latest episode, the 124th, broadcast on the 3rd, featured a nail-biting first match of the Strong Cup tournament between the Breakers and Hanyang University. The Breakers emerged victorious with a 4:2 score, delivering a thrilling win thanks to the ace pitcher Yoon Seok-min's performance, Noh Soo-kwang's surprise solo home run under the guidance of manager Lee Jong-beom, and Lee Dae-hyung's 506th career stolen base.

This surge in viewership is attributed to the Breakers' genuine passion for baseball and the compelling individual narratives of the players. Kang Min-guk, who had only two career home runs in the KBO, hit a game-changing home run in the first match, earning him the nickname 'Lee Jong-beom's Crown Prince.' Lee Hak-ju, Noh Soo-kwang, and Jo Yong-ho are also shining in their respective roles.

Legendary pitcher Yoon Seok-min continues to captivate audiences with his masterful control and strategic pitching, even with a reduced velocity compared to his active playing days. Team captain Kim Tae-gyun provides strong leadership, uniting players from different former clubs. Other legends like pitcher Yoon Gil-hyun and closer Yoon Hee-sang are overcoming limitations of injuries and age with sheer effort and sincerity, delivering moving performances.

The chemistry among the coaching staff, including manager Lee Jong-beom, coach Jang Sung-ho, and coach Shim Soo-chang, adds another layer of entertainment. The increasingly intense matches, especially with the commencement of the Strong Cup tournament, are heightening viewer interest. The Breakers are set to face the Independent League representative team next, promising another exciting game.

'Strong Baseball' will host its second live stadium event on the 16th at Gocheok Sky Dome, featuring a game between the Breakers and a select team of Seoul's renowned high school baseball players. The match will also be live-streamed on TVING. The show airs every Monday at 10:30 PM KST.

The show airs every Monday at 10:30 PM KST. The next 'live stadium' event is scheduled for the 16th at Gocheok Sky Dome, where the Breakers will play against a combined team from prestigious Seoul high schools. Tickets are available via Ticketlink, and the game will also be broadcast live on TVING.