Anchor Moment]
온라인바카라Before the KBO rookie draft, tryouts were held to test the skills of overseas players and others.
Amidst all the different stories, Kansas City Royals pitcher Jin Woo-young received a lot of attention.
Reporter Kim Han-jun reports.
Reporter]
On the mound, sodden by the weather, Jin throws a fastball with all his might.
Every time a ball goes into the catcher’s mitt, the glares of scouts from 10 clubs intensify.
This is Jin Woo-young, a former Kansas City pitcher who throws up to 150 kilometers.
▶ Interview: Jin Woo-young / Paju Challengers Pitcher
- “It wasn’t good because it was raining, but I did my best, and although I can’t say it was perfect, I’m somewhat satisfied.”
Jin Woo-young headed straight to the United States after high school, only to be released two years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the minor leagues.
Undeterred, he returned to South Korea, resolved his military issues, and joined an independent club, where he was named MVP.
▶ Interview: Jin Woo-young / Paju Challengers Pitcher
- “(At the time) I was embarrassed and sad, but I ate my heart out, solved my military problems, kept working out, and waited for the draft day….”
Hanwha’s bullpen catcher Do Seung-hyun also threw down the gauntlet.
With the public support of his sister, an SSG cheerleader, he wished to be on the field instead of in the bullpen.
▶ Interview: Do Seung-hyun / Hanwha Eagles bullpen catcher
- “When I see (Choi) Jae-hoon catching a stolen base or (Park) Sang-un catching a stolen base, I feel like I can shoot like that by working hard…. I’m ready to not give up until the end….”
The fate of those who knocked on the professional door without giving up will be decided at the rookie draft on the 14th of next month.
This is MBN News’ Kim Han-jun.
Reporting by Bae Byung-min, Editing by Kim Sang-jin