I couldn't even cut the ball by 10 points. I abandoned a year. I can't be a prospect anymore
Dec 26, 2024
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Cho Hyung-woo is the most anticipated catcher prospect of SSG Landers. It has already been four years since he joined Gwangju Il High School as the eighth-ranked rookie in the second round. Next year, we will enter our fifth year. The label of a big catcher prospect always shone a bright light while following Cho Hyung-woo, but it also acted as a regret and burden for the club and the players.
For SSG, which has been looking for a clear starting catcher after Lee Jae-won and Kim Min-sik, the best scenario was definitely Cho Hyung-woo's growth. But so far, it has not worked out. Rather, the catcher who played the most games this season was Lee Ji-young, a veteran catcher in his late 30s who was acquired through a trade. Of course, Lee Ji-young is a good catcher, but it was time to confirm the cold reality that Cho Hyung-woo and other young catchers in their 20s did not build the trust of the coaching staff.
Cho Hyung-woo also clenched his teeth. I can't back down anymore. Next year is my fifth year as a member of the club. It is no longer possible to be locked up in the name of a prospect. Although he has not solved the military problem yet, he has a desire to make his own in the first team to some extent before joining the army.
After the season, Cho Hyung-woo was the catcher who received intensive training at the Kagoshima wrap-up camp in Japan. The coaching staff is also looking at the 2025 season as it is time for Cho Hyung-woo to do it. If you don't get a chance again this time, you can't guarantee what's next. Because you are not given an infinite opportunity.
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Cho Hyung-woo said, "A year was such a waste of time. It felt like it was over without even trying anything. In the first place, I felt lucky that such an opportunity came to me, even a little bit. I knew I had to catch him, but I couldn't```. He said "I should have caught whatever chance I had, but it's me who didn't catch it after all. At the beginning of the season, he had a good batting sense and confidence, but his confidence disappeared as he twisted in defense. I was anxious about myself, and I was concerned about what others would think. I heard from coaches that it's a mental problem rather than a technical problem"I looked back calmly.
Then, it was the second half of the season. The 2024 season is a time that ended without being able to properly tackle Cho Hyung-woo. Although Cho Hyung-woo thought he prepared well in the 2nd Army, he was repeating the same thing when he was called up and went up. By the end, I was so annoyed with myself. I saw myself burdened with catching the ball even though I went out by 10 points. There was no answer if I did this. Let's just take it easy. If I'm not starting anyway, I've ordered myself several times to think that I'm just continuing the flow because I'm going to be in the background", he confessed.
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There is also a strong competitor here. SSG named Gangneung High School catcher Lee Yul-ye in this rookie draft. He was evaluated as the best among high school catchers, and is expected to be the biggest fish with strong shoulders, which is rare in recent years. In the closing camp, Lee Yul-ye also drew attention by emitting energy that was not like a high school student.
Cho Hyung-woo said, `At first, I was afraid that such a rookie would come in. Because I thought I was much better than I was. Still, if a player younger than me comes into the upper round, I also expected that I would be able to be stimulated and do better. I need to get my act together"Regardless of his skill, his mind is already not like a rookie." There is already a professional side. It hasn't been long since I thought of that either, but I think I've already adjusted and it's amazing." He praised his junior.
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Cho Hyung-woo "I think this is the last chance. You have to catch it no matter what. Until now, I had thought blindly 'You have to do well', but it collapsed because of it. Now, I want to make a detailed plan and come at it earnestly. I think I need to continue to train my image and motivate myself to do what I can do well"I drew countless images of myself in my head in the 2025 season.
youll@sportschosun.com
