For us, the development test is the draft The desperation of the three-digit number and Hanwha's infield is also shaking.

Feb 08, 2025

photo courtesy of Hanwha Eagles

[Melbourne (Australia) = Reporter Kim Yong-yong of Sports Chosun] "For college athletes, the draft is 'cultivation test"

Hanwha Eagles head coach Kim Kyung-moon chose the first spring camp in a long time since returning to the field.

It is a healthy tension in the team by joining a large number of players that other teams cannot easily think of.

In this Hanwha camp, infielder Lee Seung-hyun, who was selected as a nurturing player, and pitcher Park Boo-sung, a batter Lee Min-jae, who was selected in the 11th round, the last of the rookie draft, also came. Coach Kim said, `There was no reason not to bring him because he worked hard from the end of the camp and showed good performance in terms of skills," he stressed.

The evaluation of Lee Seung-hyun from Sungkyunkwan University is very good locally. One coach said "Watch. It is highly likely to be seen in this year's first team as well." Coach Kim also said, `I can defend shortstop and second base. The bat is also pretty. I wish my feet had been a little faster." It meant that even if it is not the main player right now, it is possible to play the role of an infield 'super backup' that can always be in the first-team entry.

photo courtesy of Hanwha Eagles

In actual defensive training, Lee Seung-hyun's shortstop defense was neat and concise. The movement from catch to throw was very soft, and the throw was also a small arm swing, but it went to first base strongly. It is said that his shoulders are also very good.

Lee Seung-hyun, whom I met at the camp, said, "I heard that the defense was good. I was confident in defense since high school."," he said with an embarrassing smile. Then "In college, I moved my position here and there to play in the game. I settled back in the infield from the third grade. Since then, it has come up sensibly. He also added, "After joining Hanwha, I think my skills have improved a little bit by learning defense from coaches."

Selection of two nurturing players from approximately 50 applicants. In a way, it could have been more thrilling than being selected in the draft. Of course, there will be some regrets because they can't receive the down payment and have three-digit number. Lee Seung-hyun comforted himself by saying, `When I was in high school, I could go to college.' But when I failed this draft, there was no answer. Played in a national championship game on the day of the draft. After the game, I heard that I was eliminated. As soon as I came out of the stadium and saw my parents' faces, tears came out. He took care of me until my fourth year of college, and I cried because I felt so sorry that I didn't do anything."

photo courtesy of Hanwha Eagles

However, there was an opportunity to sign a training player contract. And I came all the way to the first team camp. Lee Seung-hyun said, `In fact, it is an era when college players are rarely selected in the draft. There was also a saying that the contract for nurturing players was draft. I was grateful to be able to wear a professional uniform like this" he said. "In fact, I didn't think I would go to last year's closing camp. I was so moved just to go to the closing camp as a nurturing player. I didn't even imagine participating in the spring camp. As soon as I heard that I was going, I called my parents. I was overjoyed."

사진=김용 기자

Finally, Lee Seung-hyun said, `I think the status of a nurturing player is to start harder than other players. However, I think every day that I will not lose my original intention as I do now. I will always have a sincere heart. If you prepare hard, you don't know when the opportunity will come" expressed his determination. Lastly, thank you for your support to your parents until this time. Now, if I am registered as a first-team player, I would like to show good results and do a good job. I hope my parents watch my game with a smile" said daintyly.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.