"Because I didn't make you laugh a lot" Tears that I couldn't hold back because I thought of fans, the only KBO pitcher's farewell greeting
Sep 29, 2024
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the day of returning one's active uniform. Jung Woo-ram (39, Hanwha Eagles) eventually couldn't hide his tears from the fans' stories.
Jung Woo-ram will hold his retirement ceremony at Hanwha Life Eagles Park on the 29th.
Jung Woo-ram, who is about to retire, said "I felt it for the first time in my life when I was going to work. I was also very nervous. It was sad to go to Daejeon ballpark for the first time in a year, but it was a lot??C. It feels similar to going to the ballpark before the first game of the Korean Series when I was young, but it is also very touching. There was a mixture of emotions. It's the first time I've felt it in my life."
When the story of his mind came out after his retirement decision, Jung Woo-ram couldn't say anything. He came to Hanwha in 2016. "I came to Daejeon with a lot of attention and love, and the first thing that came to mind (after deciding to retire) was that I felt sorry and bad because I couldn't make my fans laugh a lot for nine years."
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Jung Woo-ram said, `Many games come to mind, but I remember when I decided to play baseball in the fall of 2018. I remember all the club's front desk, coaches, and coaches being happy. It was good when they won, but Hanwha fans said they had a hard time behind the ballpark bus because they fell from the playoffs. He also thanked the audience for applauding last year's 1,000 games for the first time in Asia, and the juniors congratulated him sincerely.
Jung Woo-ram, who joined the SK Wyverns (current SSG Landers) in 2004 and moved to the Hanwha Eagles in 2016, became the first KBO league player to play 1,000 games last year. Even in the Major League, which has a history of well over 100 years, only 16 pitchers have thrown more than 1,000 games. In addition, on October 15 of that year, he played in 1,003 games against Lotte in Daejeon, surpassing Hitoki Iwase (1,002 games) in the Japanese professional baseball league, and recorded the most appearances by a single Asian league pitcher.
Except for the 2013-2014 season, during his military service, he played more than 50 games in 15 of the 18 seasons and made a name for consistency and sincerity, and pitched 40 ⅓ innings in 52 games last year, recording eight holds.
Although he still showed his inferiority as an active player, there is no first-team appearance this season. As a playing coach, he coached junior players in the Remainer Army.
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Having played as a relief pitcher in all 1,004 games, he will start as a starting pitcher for the first time. It will be his first appearance in 349 days since he took the mound in ⅓ innings against the Lotte Giants on October 16, 2023.
I was surprised at how he felt about starting in 1,005 games. I didn't get the word. I think the coach and the coach thought a lot about it and made the decision. I was surprised, but I'm happy to be the first one to go out in the retirement game when there was never a starting game." "There's not much time left until I start." I think I should focus on that part. I used to go out later, so I had time, and I felt that the starter felt like this. "
He then stressed that `It's a lie that a good ball comes out like in the active role, but I prepared it for the fans at the last minute, and I'll pour out what I have with my heart.'
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Now only as a leader, he recalled the numerous leaders who have led him. Jung Woo-ram "There are a lot of people who are so thankful. In particular, director Kim Sung-geun, who has been with him for the longest time, comes to mind. Director Kim Sung-geun taught me and whipped me a lot, so I think I made a foundation for a long timeIt is also memorable for Han Yong-deok, who came to Hanwha and managed and led me to go to the fall baseball in 2018, and I was able to show a great performance as the last pitcher. It's a pity that manager Kim Kyung-moon came this season and we couldn't live together. I want to do it with a great coach for a long time, but I'm sorry I haven't played with coach Kim Kyung-moon for a long time.
He also left a message for his juniors. Jung Woo-ram "Thank you for sincerely thinking about me. I also think I approached my juniors sincerely. Thanks to that, the retirement ceremony was held, and I think the fans came to see it. I sincerely hope that the juniors will continue to do well in the future."
bellstop@sportschosun.com
