Returning season fighting invisible enemy, master still believes in RYU

Sep 05, 2024

The Hanwha-Doosan match held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 25th. Ryu Hyun-jin pitched well with one run in seven innings. Ryu Hyun-jin pitched like he was sweating. Jamsil = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.8.25/

The Hanwha-Doosan match held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 25th. Hanwha won 3-1 and swept three consecutive games against Doosan for the first time in 19 years. Winning pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin is making a high five with manager Kim Kyung-moon. Jamsil = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.8.25/

The word 'satisfied' doesn't come to mind easily.

Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha Eagles) returned to the KBO League after 12 years. He played 143 ⅓ in 25 games until the 5th, and his performance was 8-8 with a 3.89 ERA. Even after 14 quality starts (more than 6 innings, less than 3 earned runs), he remained in single-digit wins, and neither the hit rate (28.4 percent) nor the number of homers (11) is low. Since he was a big league starter until last year, his steps in Hanwha this season look heavy.

Ryu Hyun-jin, who had 5 wins and 5 losses and a 3.62 ERA in 16 games in the first half, has 3 wins and 3 losses and a 4.38 ERA in nine games in the second half. Compared to the first half of the year, both the hit rate and the home run in the second half are increasing, which is regrettable. Ryu Hyun-jin's steps seem to be heavier because the batters' concentration and cohesion have reached their peak in the all-time ranking battle.

The match between SSG and Hanwha at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 18th. Hanwha Ryu Hyun-jin smiles at his teammates' double play in the first inning. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2024.08.18/

The match between SSG and Hanwha at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 18th. Ryu Hyun-jin of the Hanwha Eagles is pitching as a starter. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2024.08.18/

How does manager Kim Kyung-moon, a master who has gone through all sorts of hardships, view Ryu Hyun-jin's move.

Manager Kim said of Ryu Hyun-jin's pitching, `I always have the burden of throwing well. The basis for the name 'Ryu Hyun-jin' is how much you have to throw. The coach also said, "I think we have to win on the day Ryu Hyun-jin comes out. There were days when the pitching content was bad, but there were days when there was no scoring or defense support", he pointed out.

As he said, the meaning of the name 'Ryu Hyun-jin' is still significant. However, not only individual performance but also intangible value to the team cannot be ignored. Coach Kim said, `Ryu Hyun-jin tries to communicate a lot with the players. It's very helpful for players and teams to communicate with seniors rather than coaches telling storiesHe highly praised his posture, saying, "'It is worth giving confidence to say a word whenever a good hit comes out on the batter's side as well.'

The KBO League KT Wiz and Hanwha Eagles match held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 1st. When Hanwha Chae Eun-sung hit a three-run shot from the first inning, Ryu Hyun-jin welcomed it with a water gun. Suwon = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.08.01/

Hanwha is raising its dream of returning to autumn baseball by reviving a faint hope for the fifth round. It is still considered a team that needs to grow. The ultimate goal is to grow into a "sustainable strong team" through synergy between players and veterans discovered through the process of rebuilding. It is this expression of will that brought Ryu Hyun-jin as the highest condition in the KBO League history and switched to manager Kim in the middle of this season. Ryu Hyun-jin, who has a heavy return season, is hopeful that he will show better performance next year. Manager Kim, who raised Hanwha, which was falling, is also expected to show a new side by melting the baseball he pursues. Manager Kim said of Ryu Hyun-jin, `The ability to catch a batter is still beyond any pitcher. He is still doing well, but I think it will get better."

The match between SSG and Hanwha at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 18th. Hanwha starter Ryu Hyun-jin comes down the mound with one out in the seventh inning. Cheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2024.08.18/

The match between SSG and Hanwha at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 18th. Hanwha won the SSG and achieved a series sweep. Manager Kim Kyung-moon is sharing high fives with Ryu Hyun-jin after the game. Cheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2024.08.18/

The harmony between the returning ace and the master. Perhaps this is the time to lay that foundation.

ppark@sportschosun.com