Tokyo: When Jahmai Jones, the half-Korean outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, first joined the South Korean national team for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) last week in Japan, he wasn't sure how he'd be accepted. After all, Jones had never been around this group of South Korean players before, as he was about to represent the country of his mother's birth. But then his new teammates fully embraced him as one of their own, something the U.S.-born player appreciated right away.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Jones expressed his gratitude towards his teammates for their warm reception. "Everybody in this locker room is just so welcoming and inviting," Jones told reporters at Tokyo Dome on Wednesday, the eve of South Korea's first Pool C game against Czechia. "It makes it easy to jell in the locker room, and it's honestly a lot of fun. It means a lot to me to be a part of it, and the fact that they've opened their arms and allowed me to just kind of be myself here, it means a lot to me."

Manager Ryu Ji-hyun has praised Jones for his friendly and sociable nature, which Ryu believes helped Jones integrate into the team quickly. Ryu himself has made efforts to make Jones feel at home. Notably, after Jones stole second base during an exhibition game against the Orix Buffaloes, Ryu formed a heart sign above his head, a gesture that was broadcast on national television in South Korea. Jones found humor in the moment, saying, "I looked over, and I saw it, and I was laughing a little bit."

Jones, 28, has also formed connections with his South Korean-born teammates, particularly outfielder Ahn Hyun-min. The two share a similar build, and Jones mentioned that his teammates have affectionately started calling Ahn his "little brother." Jones has been impressed by the talents of Ahn and another player, Kim Do-yeong, both of whom excelled in the exhibition game.

South Korean fans have also shown their support by creating walk-up songs for Jones and Shay Whitcomb, another half-Korean player, since they did not have their own. Despite trying to stay focused, Jones admitted he couldn't help but feel appreciated by the chants of his name in Korean.

Jones hopes for a successful run in the tournament and believes the team has the potential to advance beyond the opening round. "I think we have a special team right now, and I think everyone's really excited," he said. "The energy is about as positive as I've ever seen it."