“Now, I am preparing with the mindset of going to the SSG Opening Day.”메이저놀이터
On the 17th (Korean time), Choi Jeong-eun started as a third batter and third baseman in a practice game against the NC Dinos held at Keno Veteran Memorial Stadium in Tucson, Arizona, USA.
On this day, Choi Jung-eun contributed to the team’s 8-2 victory by going 1 at bat, 1 hit, 1 home run, 1 RBI, and 1 walk. In particular, he showed off his unique power by hitting a solo home run against left-hander Seongyoung Choi in the bottom of the third inning.
In an interview with reporters after the game, Choi Jeong-eun said, “I’m not 100% in physical condition, but I’ve improved technically, and I’m getting better.” He quickly picked up the pace,” he said.
The WBC uses the official Major League Baseball ball. The major league official ball is larger and slippery than the ball used in the KBO league. In response, Choi Jung-eun said, “I attacked with the KBO official ball, and only defended with the Major League ball. I am very worried. It gave me confidence,” he said.
Choi Jeong is the only third baseman in this national team. Ha-seong Kim and Tommy Edman can also defend third base, but they are not professional third basemen. Kim Ha-seong and Edmon will be active as a keystone duo.
Choi Jeong-eun said, “It’s a lot of pressure, but I’m doing my best while controlling my mind with the thought of being the last national representative.
Then, when asked about confrontation with pitchers in international competitions, Choi Jeong-eun said, “I’m weak against pitchers I’ve never seen before. There are a lot of matches, so I’ll try and match them.”
Choi Jeong-eun will step on the WBC stage for the first time in 10 years since the 2013 tournament. After 10 years, Choi Jeong has become a veteran who leads Ya Soo-jin. How has his mindset changed from 10 years ago?
Choi Jeong-eun said, “At that time, there were a lot of seniors, and I think I had a big thought of ‘let’s have fun’ even when I went to the game. Now I’m preparing for the opening match of SSG. I’m more nervous. I think I need to be more helpful to the team. I will be more nervous, but I think I will have to overcome it.”