Wow, he's for a match. I've never seen a high-ranking official before.. → The bullpen pitching wasn't good, but the power in the first game was banging! Officials took a sigh of relief.

Feb 26, 2025

A practice game between the Doosan Bears and the Seibu Lions at Nango Stadium in Miyazaki, Japan, on the 22nd. Doosan Bears' Kim Taek-yeon is catching her breath. Miyazaki(Japan) = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.02.22/

[Miyazaki(Japan) = Reporter Han Dong-hoon from Sports Chosun] "Wow, he's for a match."

Doosan Bears rookie closer Kim Taek-yeon (20) put all concerns to rest through his first real pitching. In the first spring camp in Australia, Kim Taek-yeon left some question marks as her ball power did not rise. However, he immediately showed off his power in a practice game in Japan. A high-ranking Doosan official reaffirmed Kim Taek-yeon's true face and breathed a sigh of relief.

Kim Taek-yeon took the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning with a 5-4 lead over the Seibu Lions at Nango Stadium in Miyazaki, Japan, on the 22nd and kept her scoreless victory in one inning.

Kim Taek-yeon threw 17 fastballs mainly. I mixed 2 sliders and 1 splitter. The maximum speed was 148 kilometers. When the opening day approaches, it is expected to exceed 150 kilometers.

A high-ranking Doosan official said "Kim Taek-yeon threw a little bit of breaking balls when he threw a bullpen in Australia. I understand that Lee Seung-yeop also watched it in a strange way. But today, it's completely for a match. Director Lee must have completely put down his worries now."

Kim Taek-yeon appeared like a comet last year. At the age of 19, he recorded 19 saves and a 2.08 ERA in 65 innings in his first year as a professional. The Rookie of the Year award was a natural step. Many praised his heavy fastball over 150 kilometers as reminiscent of Oh Seung-hwan.

A practice game between the Doosan Bears and the Seibu Lions at Nango Stadium in Miyazaki, Japan, on the 22nd. Doosan Bears' Kim Taek-yeon is giving a high-five after finishing the game. Miyazaki(Japan) = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.02.22/

A practice game between the Doosan Bears and the Seibu Lions at Nango Stadium in Miyazaki, Japan, on the 22nd. Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop is deep in thought. Miyazaki(Japan) = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.02.22/

The second year is always a challenge for a successful rookie. Since he has not had more than three years of experience, it is natural to ask whether he will do well again this year. They want to maximize the advantages they have already shown, and leaders can be anxious if a low-year player tries to change.

Kim Taek-yeon also said that she practiced breaking balls while leaving her specialty fastball, so she had no choice but to wait and see until the result came out.

And Kim Taek-yeon dispelled concerns by proving it as a 'result' in the first practice.

Director Lee Seung-yeop was confident that Kim Taek-yeon would get better in the future.

Director Lee Seung-yeop said, "(I think my condition) is still coming up. In the case of Kim Taek-yeon, there should be a lot of swings and misses when he comes to a high strike zone. Various data also showed good results. He expressed satisfaction.

Then "If you get a little more strength, you'll get more swings and misses. Even now, it is not 100%. I think my concentration has been revived because I'm in the real game. It looks like he threw it with more power. It's a lot better than it was in Australia," he said, raising expectations.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.