The club declares a generational change, and is confident of the veteran ahead Beat me

Jan 03, 2025

이지영. Sports Chosun DB

"Of course, I'm preparing myself with the thought of, 'Let's win first.'"

SSG Landers, who have declared a home-grown replacement. This season, young catchers in their 20s are expected to have more opportunities than before. Of course, it is by plan. The key is Cho Hyung-woo. As Cho Hyung-woo, a big prospect, failed to secure his position in the first team, SSG's catcher was naturally forced to rely on veterans.

This season, Lee Ji-young and Kim Min-sik actually managed under a two-top system. Lee Ji-young, who transferred to SSG ahead of the 2024 season through a sign-and-trade method, has played 123 of 144 games this season. It is no exaggeration to say that he actually played full time. Stable defense and even a hit when it's crucial. Even in his late 30s, he was rather 'rejuvenated' and completed adaptation in his new team as Landersfield's home turf. Coach Lee Soo-yong also looked at Lee Ji-young and said, `I think a good veteran who can even coach in the future has joined," he said with pride.

이지영. Sports Chosun DB

It was the best season for Lee Ji-young, but in fact, it is regrettable from the team's point of view. This is because the dependence on Lee Ji-young has become too high and the young catchers, who have to grow, have not made a special impression and the season is over. Cho Hyung-woo, Shin Bum-soo, and Park Dae-on did not receive any opportunities to play defense, and Lee Yul-ye, a high school graduate, joined. The team's expectations are so high that Lee Yul-ye, who was the No. 1 catcher prospect from the youth national team, was evaluated as the "second Kang Min-ho". Even if it is difficult to become a main player in the first division right now, SSG's home turf has become more complicated as prominent competitors have been added at a time when the growth of existing players has stagnated.

Coach Yuji Serizawa, who came back to SSG as the first-team battery coach this year, told young catchers that a 38-year-old player started all two doubleheaders. What the hell were you guys doing. It means that I was not trusted by the coach,' he said, adding bitterly after caring coaching. This is why catchers in their 20s are preparing for the 2025 season with their teeth clenched.

Sportschosun DB

Lee Ji-young, who needs to be challenged, also fully understands the direction of the club and the purpose of the juniors. Rather, they are accepting it with a pleasant tension. Lee Ji-young said, `It's natural that the club's direction is. Of course, that's the right way to go. But I don't think I'll pass it on naturally. I'm thinking, 'Come here first'. Competition must be done, and I'm going to work harder and have that mindset. At the same time, I think our team itself will become stronger and better if we teach younger catchers what I know and do it together. I'm looking at my juniors, thinking to myself that I should beat them," he smiled.

Lee Ji-young is giving advice to juniors while buying food separately due to the team's situation where there are many young catchers after transferring to SSG. He said "I was the oldest in my previous team (raise), and it's the same when I came to SSG. For juniors who are a few years younger than me, veterans like me can be a hope. For juniors, please do it longer. That way, we can dream of being able to do it for a long time. They ask us to do it. I'm trying to work harder, too. I'm determined to prepare more so that I won't be pushed back by my skills. He said, burning his will for the new season.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.