Futures All-Star
Overview
The Futures All-Star is an All-Star game where players from the KBO Futures League (second division) of Korean professional baseball gather. First introduced in 2013, it is held annually around July and has established itself as a premium event preceding the first-team All-Star game. This game serves as a platform to discover future stars early and showcase the skills of rookie players to fans, contributing to the expansion of the KBO league's base and the development of prospects.
Main Content
History and Background
The Futures All-Star game was created in 2013 by the KBO to revitalize the Futures League and discover prospects. Initially divided into the Southern and Northern Leagues, it underwent changes from 2015, such as forming teams through a draft system. It was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 but resumed in 2021, and in 2024, it concluded successfully with participation from all 10 clubs and a record-breaking attendance.
Game Format
The Futures All-Star game is typically held the day before the first-team All-Star game. Players are selected from the Futures League through fan voting and manager recommendations. As of 2024, the game consists of 7 innings with no extra innings. Additionally, various events (e.g., home run race, bunt contest) are included during the game to enhance fan interest.
Player Selection
Player selection is based on fan voting (50%) and manager recommendations (50%). Fan voting is conducted through the KBO official app and website, with the highest vote-getters selected for each position. Manager recommendations involve Futures League managers from each club recommending prospects. In 2024, a total of 40 players were selected, including 10 rookies.
Major Records and Awards
The Futures All-Star game selects an MVP, who receives a prize and trophy. Past MVPs include Koo Ja-wook (Samsung, 2014), Kang Baek-ho (kt, 2018), and Kim Do-young (KIA, 2022), all of whom later built successful careers in the first team. The 2024 MVP was pitcher Park Myung-geun of the LG Twins.
Fan Service
The Futures All-Star game is known for various fan events. Autograph sessions, photo times, and uniform auctions are held, and a baseball class for children is also offered. Additionally, cheerleading performances and fireworks during the game are very popular with family audiences.
Latest Trends
The 2024 Futures All-Star game was held on July 5 at Suwon kt wiz Park, drawing a record 12,000 spectators. This is attributed to increased interest in the Futures League and strengthened KBO marketing. In 2025, two independent baseball team players are scheduled to be invited to participate alongside the 10 clubs, and a plan to shorten the game to 6 innings is under discussion. Furthermore, the KBO is pursuing overseas broadcasting of the Futures All-Star game and is considering exchange games with Japanese and Taiwanese professional baseball leagues.
Related Topics
- [[KBO Futures League]]
- [[KBO All-Star Game]]
- [[Korean Professional Baseball Prospects]]
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