Like the seniors 33 years ago...'Up to 151km' Jung Woo-ju + MVP Lee Han-rim, the all-time combination with blue dragon in his arms

Jul 16, 2024

The final match between Jeonju High School and Masan Yongmago at the 79th Blue Dragon National High School Championship held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 16th. With Jeon high school winning, the players are rinsing coach Joo Chang-hoon. Mokdong = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.16/

Kim Won-hyung-Park Kyung-wan battery during the 2008 SK Wyverns win. Sports Chosun DB

Jeon High School has created another breath to succeed Kim Won-hyung and Park Kyung-wan, a legendary battery that will remain in professional baseball history. This is Jeonju Jung Woo-ju and Lee Han-rim.

Jeon High School beat Masan Yongmago 14-5 in the 79th Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship and the weekend league King Wangjung match (co-hosted by the Chosun Ilbo, Sports Chosun, and Korea Baseball Softball Association) at Mokdong Stadium in Seoul on the 16th.

For Jeonju High School, it is the first victory in the blue dragon flag since its foundation and the first national championship in 39 years since 1985. It was not an easy day, with the game suspended for 1 hour and 44 minutes due to rain, but Jeonju High School finally held the blue dragon in its arms.

Lee Ho-min, who led Jeon High School to the final, cannot take the mound. Ju Chang-hoon, manager of Jeon High School, brought up a plan to use ace Jung Woo-joo alternately as a right fielder and pitcher following the semifinal match.

The final match between Jeonju High School and Masan Yongmago at the 79th Blue Dragon National High School Championship held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 16th. Lee Han-rim is cheering after hitting a three-run home run in the top of the fourth inning with one out and runners on second and third bases. Mokdong = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.16/

The lineup exploded from the beginning of the game. He actually decided the game by scoring three points in the second and third innings and five points in the fourth inning. After the game was suspended and resumed at 6-1, Lee Han-rim's three-run homer sealed the game.

At one point, the score gap widened to 14-2. Jeon High School finished the game by putting in Jung Woo-joo in the bottom of the ninth inning after giving chances to several pitchers.

After the game, coach Joo Chang-hoon's eyes shone with emotional tears. Coach Joo Chang-hoon said, `While preparing for this competition, I made a commitment with the players to win…After crying ", the players were able to unite well to win the championship. I think we were more desperate to win."

After taking office in 2018, he finally won the fourth national competition after the long term of the association (currently E-Mart Bae), the presidential cup in 2022, and the E-Mart Bae in 2024.

"I didn't lose because of my lack of skills. I lacked experience in a big game. I've said 'you guys are always the best'. Our players really suffered a lot last winter. I'm proud of our players and I'm happy."

The final match between Jeonju High School and Masan Yongmago at the 79th Blue Dragon National High School Championship held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 16th. Han Kyu-sun, CEO of Sports Chosun, is presenting the award to coach Joo Chang-hoon of Jeonju High School. Mokdong = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.16/

Regarding the use of Jung Woo-joo "If the game is postponed (suspended) after exceeding 45 today, Jung Woo-joo cannot throw any more." First of all, I decided to cut 45 pitches and take the mound only in times of crisis. "Lastly, I used Lee Ho-min, who had a hard time, on the first base, and Jung Woo-joo was a pitcher, so eight third graders who had a hard time could rejoice on the ground together."," he added.

It was the second high school baseball national championship after the Golden Lion in 1985. However, it is a school that has produced leading Korean baseball stars such as former SSG Landers coach Kim Won-hyung, current LG Twins battery coach Park Kyung-wan, Choi Hyung-woo (KIA Tigers), and former major leaguer Cho Jin-ho. The Jung Woo-joo and Lee Han-rim batteries are compared to the Kim Won-hyung and Park Kyung-wan batteries in that they are best friends of the same age.

Lee Han-rim won the most valuable player award, 10 RBI awards, and two home run awards. In the final, he also swung his bat with two hits, three RBIs and two runs, including a three-run homer that sealed the victory.

Lee Han-rim said "I was so sad that I couldn't win the E-Mart Cup, but I finally won."I was delighted. Then "I wasn't getting hit by the bat these days, but the coach said 'Hit comfortably'." I thought I was playing outfield fly and hit it lightly, but I was lucky enough to pass it."

Lee Han-rim for the interview. Reporter Kim Young-rok

Since the first grade, he has been to the finals five times, including a prestigious high school invitation competition, and all four previously were runners-up. It was so heartbreaking. I really wanted to win this time. Let's win just for today. I'm happy to give our school its first blue dragon flag and the first national championship in 39 years. When the rain interrupted him in the middle, he focused on the game with a mind that "'Let's finish today.'"

Lee Han-rim said, `I haven't talked to Park Kyung-wan yet, but I want to be like him. I didn't have any home runs in the first and second grades, but I was lucky to win the Home Run Award this time."

Jung Woo-joo, who became the winning pitcher, was also listed on the youth national team list announced on the same day.

The final match between Jeonju High School and Masan Yongmago at the 79th Blue Dragon National High School Championship held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 16th. Jeon high school ace Jung Woo-joo is cheering after taking the mound in relief in the bottom of the first inning with one out and the bases loaded. Mokdong = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.16/

Jung Woo-joo was also thrilled to win the national championship. He then smiled, saying, "I was ahead of the pressure during E-Mart, but this tournament was thrown with excitement by trusting the pitchers and fielders behind me." The sudden appearance in the first and second innings and the unexpected combination of pitching and hitting were fun. I think I served one person as a beast," he said with a big smile.

As for the comparison with Kim Won-hyung-Park Kyung-wan's battery, I think I heard such a story thanks to Han-rim " It's thanks to Hallim who led me and blocked me well. If it wasn't for Hanlim, would I have been able to throw this much," he stressed.

"My goal is to be the first in the rookie draft." Aren't they competing in good faith with Jung Hyun-woo. Thank you as a friend. I want to remain a good friend until the end."

The final match between Jeonju High School and Masan Yongmago at the 79th Blue Dragon National High School Championship held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 16th. While Jeon High School won, Jeon High School's Jung Woo-ju and Masan Yongma High School's Kim Joo-young are shaking hands. Mokdong = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.16/

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