Chinese Professional Baseball stages historic international tryout in Korea

Following the successful launch of the Chinese Professional Baseball (CPB) earlier this year, the organisation has taken another major step in its development by staging its first-ever international tryout in Miryang, Korea, ahead of the upcoming Summer Games season.

The inaugural CPB season concluded in February, with the Shenzhen Bluesox capturing the league's historic first championship. As preparations continue for the second phase of the season, the league is expanding its international reach and strengthening ties within the Asian baseball community.

Held on 11-12 May at the baseball facilities of Miryang Sunshine Sports Park, the two-day tryout attracted significant interest, with more than 180 players submitting applications. Following the selection process, CPB invited 60 players.

The player pool featured considerable professional experience, including 23 former players from the Korea Baseball Organisation (KBO) league clubs. Former Doosan Bears players Han Juseong (pitcher), Jan Wonho (pitcher), Kang San (infielder) and Gu Jangik (infielder) represented the largest contingent from a single club, while former players from the SSG Landers and Lotte Giants were also well represented with three apiece.

In addition to experienced professionals, the tryout drew a strong group of elite university graduates and standout amateur players from across Korea.

Four players who previously represented the Shanghai Dragons during the CPB Spring Games - pitcher Seon Seonggwon, infielder Kang Dongsu, and outfielders Kim Seokhun and Choi Jungmun - also took part in the event.

The Shanghai Dragons, who were managed during the Spring Games by former KBO, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Koo Dae-Sung, are set to be led in the Summer Games by highly respected hitting coach Kim Yong-Dal, known for his work with multiple KBO franchises.

“The league’s founding vision is to be based in China, connect with Asia, and face the world,” CPB stated. “We aim to create opportunities for baseball talent and resources from different countries to collaborate and grow together.”

Miryang, located approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Busan, has increasingly positioned itself as a destination for major sporting events. Known for its cultural heritage and natural scenery, the city has invested heavily in baseball infrastructure and currently features seven baseball stadiums. Mayor Ahn Byung-Gu has also expressed ambitions to attract the KBO Futures League to the region.

The CPB Summer Games are scheduled to begin in August and are expected to feature six teams, including Changsha Want Want Happy, which postponed its initial participation during the Spring Games season.

In the inaugural CPB earlier this year, the Shenzhen Bluesox defeated the Shanghai Dragons two games to one to secure the league’s first title.