Lotte Giants outfielder Yoon Dong-hee, who arrived at the stadium for the away game as usual, delivered unexpected news during training. He was told to join the national team the next day.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) said, “The Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA) Performance Improvement Committee and the KBO Power Strengthening Committee selected Lotte outfielder Yoon Dong-hee as a replacement for KIA Tigers left-handed pitcher Lee Ui-ri, whose replacement for the Hangzhou Asian Games baseball team was confirmed on the 22nd. has been confirmed,” he said.메이저놀이터
At the same time, he explained the background to selecting Dong-hee Yoon, saying, “The national team coaching staff, power enhancement committee, and performance improvement committee decided that it was necessary to reinforce professional outfielders and right-handed hitters, and after discussion, we decided to select Dong-hee Yoon as the final player.” This is why the national team focused on reinforcing outfielders rather than the same position (pitcher).
This season, Dong-Hee Yoon is recording 103 hits in 353 at-bats in 99 games, a batting average of 0.292, 2 home runs, and 38 RBIs, and has gradually increased his pace since May, showing his presence. Although he slowed down a bit after August, the national team believed that Yoon Dong-hee was an essential resource at this point.
Coach Lee Jong-woon, the coaching staff, and the players did not expect Yoon Dong-hee to join the national team. Above all, the player himself was the most surprised. On this day, Dong-hee Yoon, who was ahead of the 14th game of the season against SSG Landers in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League held at Incheon SSG Landers Field, met with reporters and conducted an interview at 5:10 pm, 50 minutes after the selection of the national team’s replacement player was confirmed. Team officials and reporters also had to move around busily.
Yoon Dong-hee, who was still dazed, said, “Of course I was happy, but I think I was very embarrassed. It was a position I never expected, and I didn’t know someone would leave like this. In some ways, it’s not my position, but I just thought of it as a good opportunity and had to do my best. “I think I thought about it,” he said.
He continued, “Actually, when they said they needed a replacement player due to Lee Jung-hoo’s injury, I said it would be nice if I could be the one, but after that time, I never thought an opportunity like this would come.” He added, “At that time, my brothers told me it was okay, and it wasn’t my position originally.” “I thought I should not be disappointed about such things and work hard for the rest of the season. (But) After hearing it today, (Na) Gyun-an really liked it. He said, ‘Let’s work hard together,'” he said with a laugh.
Yoon Dong-hee only packed equipment and simple luggage for the trip to Incheon and was not ready to stay with the national team for a long period of time. He, who heard the news only after arriving at Incheon SSG Landers Field, said, “If I had (a tip), I would have prepared a message to talk about now,” and “I think I may have to go in this state (without luggage). I didn’t even know I would be interviewed like this, and I am mentally unstable. “There is no,” he said.
Yoon Dong-hee, who feels a sense of responsibility in that there is only one right-handed outfielder, said, “I wasn’t conscious of it, but I was constantly mentioned as a candidate, so I thought about what I would do if I went, but when it finally happened, I was excited but also suddenly worried about how to do well. “I feel a little more nervous,” he said, adding, “I will work hard to carry out the tasks given by the director.”
Yoon Dong-hee, who expressed anticipation of meeting Kim Hye-seong (Kiwoom Heroes) after joining the national team, said, “I saw him a few times when he was playing, and when I ask him, he speaks kindly and he is very good at baseball.” “I don’t think I can pinpoint it because there are people, so I think I’ll just ask. (The age gap isn’t that big) and it seems like they’re all evenly matched,” he said.
Meanwhile, the national team was having concerns about right-handed outfielders while participating in international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and the Olympics. Even if there is no age limit, it is difficult to find a quality right-handed outfielder in the league. If Dong-hee Yoon performs well in this tournament, there is a possibility that he will receive opportunities in the future. He also had experience playing in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-23 Baseball World Cup held just a year ago.
Dong-hee Yoon said, “I played in the U-23 game last year, but I think I’m adapting well to an unfamiliar environment. I’ve never felt that it was difficult because of the stadium, so I’m the type of person who tries to adapt quickly, so I don’t think there will be any major problems.” He added, “I’ll do my best, but what will the results be? “It’s not something we can do with our own hands, so I plan to go with a light heart and work hard at the baseball field. Since the opportunity has come, I will think of it as my place and work hard. I will also do my best in the task given to me. I will run around a lot.” lost.