Park Ji-hwan, 1st SSG Opening Entry Rookie Fielder

“To be a good baseball player for a long time like Choo Shin-soo”

Professional baseball SSG Landers high school graduate rookie infielder Park Ji-hwan (18) began his professional career by setting the record of being the first high school graduate rookie fielder to be named in the opening entry in 20 years in the club's history.

Park Ji-hwan calmly finished training at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 23rd, when the opening game of the 2024 KBO League was held, but after the training was over, he looked at the ground with a flushed expression.

He said, "Until the opening entry list was confirmed, I wasn't sure about registering for the entry. 카지노사이트위키

I decided, 'I worked hard in spring camp, so no matter what the results are, I'll prepare well for the next time,' and I'm really happy to be included in the opening entry list"

There are a total of 13 new players in the first team in this year's KBO League opening game.

Among them, there are 5 rookie fielders.

If we narrow our focus to the history of the SSG club, Park Ji-hwan's registration as a first-team entry becomes even more special.

An SSG club official said, “Including his time with the SK Wyverns, it has been 20 years since Lim Hoon (current Lotte Giants coach) in 2004 that a rookie fielder was included in the opening entry.”

Park Ji-hwan said, “I received a lot of congratulations.

“When I read the congratulatory message, I realized that I had made it to the first team,” he said.

“I also exchanged congratulatory greetings with (Kiwoom pitcher) Kim Yeon-ju, who graduated from the same high school.”

Park Ji-hwan and Kim Yeon-ju graduated from Sekwang High School together in February of this year, but their ages are different. Kim Yeon-ju is one year older.

SSG selected Park Ji-hwan as the 10th overall pick in the 2024 rookie draft.

He highly praised the defensive ability he showed off while playing as a shortstop at Se-Gwang High School and his contact ability at the plate.

Park Ji-hwan said, "I am confident in hitting the throw and hitting the ball," but added, "I realized that I was really lacking a lot while going through spring camp

with my seniors. Just training with my seniors made me feel like I was growing."

SSG coach Lee Soong-yong evaluates Park Ji-hwan as having ‘an immediate sense of power.’

On this day, he pondered whether to use him as the starting second baseman in the opening game against Lotte.

Manager Lee said, “Ahn Sang-hyun (selected as the starting second baseman) was removed from the starting lineup for the opening game because he was unable to play in exhibition games often due to thigh pain” and added, “I was wondering whether to hire (high school graduate rookie) Park Ji-hwan as the starting second baseman.

“The coaches tried to dissuade me, but I accepted their advice, saying, ‘If a mistake is made before the opening game, the young player could get hurt,’” he explained.

He went on to predict that "We will soon be able to see Park Ji-hwan playing in the first team."

Park Ji-hwan calmly accepted, saying, “Of course, I have a strong desire to play as a starter, but now I have a lot to learn even in the dugout.”

Choo Shin-soo, a former big leaguer and KBO's oldest hitter, also advised Park Ji-hwan, "Don't lose your pace.

If you rush now, the 'end' may come quickly," and "Take a long-term view and prepare faithfully."

Park Ji-hwan said confidently, “I want to become a player who is loved by fans for a long time like Choo Shin-soo,” and “I know that I can achieve that if I work really hard.”