Ryu Hyunjin, are you waiting for me? Wild horses want to run for three more years in Korea
Feb 21, 2025
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Kiwoom Heroes' 'Wild Horse' is back. a former major league star. Yasiel Puig is waiting for the opening of the new season in Kiwoom uniform for the first time in three years since the 2022 season.
Puig started as the third batter and left fielder in a practice game against the Zhongxin Brothers at CTBC Park in Pingdong, Kaohsiung, Taiwan on the 20th, and played three short innings, recording one hit in two at-bats. As it is the first real game, it is meaningful to check the senses.
Puig said "I've only played one game now. It's so nice to be able to play with my teammates once again in Kiwoom uniform. I want to work hard so that my team can go to the playoffs even when I go back to Korea" he said.
In fact, compared to three years ago, Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hye-sung entered the Major League, and several other veteran members left the team. There are also players who joined the military like Ahn Woo-jin.
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On the first day of Puig's return, director Hong Won-ki said in the camp, `I want you to play the role of an older brother" delivered the message. Puig has been spending time with Kiwoom's young players every day, different from three years ago, showing the appearance of 'the oldest Yasiel'.
Puig admits he has to play the role of a veteran. At 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. at our Arizona accommodation, I also saw our team's young players practice swing. At first, when you come to the hotel, you just rest. I told him to get out of baseball, but I was actually moved. I'll join them." In fact, Puig worked out happily at the hotel weight center with Kiwoom's players without a full break even on the next day's rest day.
In 2022, when Puig was held, Kiwoom finished second in the Korean Series, but ranked last for the second consecutive year. He said "I hate losing in itself. I've been in 10th place for 2 years in a row without me, and now I'll put this team back in the playoffs. That's my new goal. Please call me a black angel."
Three years have passed, but my body has grown bigger. The overall muscle seemed to have increased more than body fat. Puig is "Nothing much different. I have a body that God gave me", but it is proof that he has been taking good care of his body without a break. His condition is so good. Puig said "Now I don't want to practice anymore. I hope the season starts right now. Three years ago, the batting performance was not good at the beginning of the season, but this year, I want to perform well from the beginning," he said, exerting his enthusiasm.
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Puig said, `I'm also looking forward to the confrontation with Ryu Hyun-jin. "I heard Hanwha built a new stadium, but that's exciting as well."I know very well that Korean fans expect our matchup." I think I'll have to go to find out the result,' he said, expressing strong confidence.
There was also an idea that I would not be able to come back to Korea. However, Kiwoom did not forget to send Puig a 'love call', and while playing in the Latin American League, he was able to get back on the plane to Korea.
Puig said "It's so nice to be back. Not only this year, but of course, it's not my decision, but I want to play in the KBO League for about three more years. I love the country of Korea, and I like Korean food. I missed all the pork belly and kimchi. I want to say thank you so much to my fans who always support me. When the renewal was confirmed, fans sent so many messages on social media. Thank you very much."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
