Hee-kwan Yoo of the Doosan Bears from professional baseball announced his retirement on the 18th. Photo = Courtesy of the Doosan Bears
Pro Baseball Doosan Bears left-handed pitcher Yoo Hee-kwan (36) takes off his favorite uniform.
Doosan announced on the 18th that “Hee-gwan Yoo announced his intention to retire from active duty at the club and decided to start a ‘second life’.”
After graduating from Jangchung High School and Chung-Ang University, Hee-kwan Yoo was selected by Doosan in the 2nd and 6th round of the 2009 Rookie Draft and entered the professional stage. It took a while to settle into the first team. After being discharged from the military, he appeared like a comet in 2013. Although he threw the slowest ball in the league, he overcame first-team hitters with his control and pitching, and contributed to Doosan’s advance to the Korean Series that year. He continued his activity after that as his main weapon was a fastball in the mid-130km range and an outer sinker in the early 120km range. Appearing in 281 games (1410 innings) in his personal career, he recorded a 101-69 ERA of 4.58. He has won double-digits for eight consecutive seasons since 2013, when he settled down as a starter, and became the first left-handed pitcher for Doosan to reach 100 wins.
Yoo Hee-kwan said, “After a long deliberation, I have decided to retire. First of all, I want to express my gratitude to all the fans who have supported me in good times and bad times.” “After last season, I thought a lot. Watching my juniors grow up, I thought that it was time to step down for them.”
Hee-kwan Yoo continued, “I want my juniors to grow well and lead the future of the Bears. Although the mound has come down, I will always cheer for the Bears off the field. Thank you once again to the owner, coach Kim Tae-hyung, coaching staff, front desk, colleagues, and all the fans.”
By Cha Seung-yoon, staff reporter cha.seunyoon.joongang.co.kr
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