The face of ‘Super Rookie’ Yoon Young-cheol (19, KIA Tigers) was full of excitement. As the only new player on his team to join the 1st spring camp, he was cautious but confident. 스포츠토토
On the 30th, Yoon Young-cheol headed to Arizona (fighting spirit), where the KIA US field training was held through Incheon International Airport. In an interview before leaving the country, he said, “I’m happy to join the camp. It’s my first overseas training. I realized that ‘I’ve become a real professional player’ with my seniors. I will try to show a good image.”
Yoon Young-cheol is an expected player who was nominated as the second overall pick after Kim Seo-hyun (Hanwha Eagles) in the 2023 rookie draft held in September of last year. He was rated as one of the Big 3 high school pitchers along with Shim Jun-seok and Kim Seo-hyun, who signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates of the Major League (MLB). Although he is not a fastball type, he has good control and breaking balls, and is evaluated for his excellent game management skills. KIA coach Kim Jong-guk also has him in mind as a candidate for the 5th start of the 2023 season.
KIA entered the management of Yoon Young-chul early. In November of last year, when a lot of rookie players were taken, Yoon Young-cheol was also taken out at the Jeju Island finishing camp. This is to prevent his shoulders from being worn out. Throughout November, Yoon Yeong-chul worked with first-team players during finishing training at his home stadium, Gwangju-Kia Champions Field.
Yoon Young-chul said, “Many seniors take care of me. (During the final training period) I didn’t see him exercising, such as in real life. I think I can learn more by watching him throw the ball (at the spring camp).”
The goal is the same as any other super rookie. Since he was a starting pitcher in high school, he prefers to be a starter. However, he is also well aware of the high walls of the first team stage. Yoon Young-cheol also said, “I want to be a starting pitcher, but (in his debut season) my goal is to pitch a lot no matter what position I am given.”
Throughout the interview, Yoon Young-chul was holding a gift from a fan. He said, “Thank you for giving me this much attention even before my debut. It seems that there are many people who recognize me in Gwangju (home of KIA). I will do my best to live up to expectations.”
After the interview, Yoon Young-chul was again flooded with requests for autographs from KIA fans. The 2023 KBO League Super Rookie confirmed how much love professional baseball players receive even before going to Jeon Hoon-ji.