Beom-ho Lee and Hyun-jin Ryu share a high-five during the first semi-PO game against the Samsung Lions in 2007. PICTURED
“If possible, try to avoid conflict with us…”
Lee Beom-ho, the new manager of the KIA Tigers, shared his honest feelings about meeting his former teammate Ryu Hyun-jin as his enemy. Director Beom-ho Lee said, “It’s a great honor. “You’re welcome,” he said, but smiled sheepishly, saying, “I hope you’re not coming to the KIA game.”
‘Korean Monster’ Ryu Hyun-jin’s return to Korea is just around the corner. It is known that Ryu Hyun-jin has agreed to a four-year contract with Hanwha worth a total of 17 billion won. All that remains is the official announcement. This is his return to Korea 12 years after leaving for the United States Major League Baseball (MLB) through the mail system in 2013.
Ryu Hyun-jin, who made his Hanwha debut in 2006, performed brilliantly in his first year of debut, ranking first in wins (14 wins), ERA (2.23), and strikeouts (204), and winning the ‘Triple Crown’ and ‘Rookie of the Year Award’ for 7 seasons. In 190 games, he recorded 98 wins, 52 losses, 1 save, and an ERA of 2.80, establishing himself as the ace of Hanwha and Korean baseball. Ryu Hyun-jin, who later left for the US stage, demonstrated his status as a ‘Korean Monster’ in MLB by achieving outstanding results of 78 wins, 48 losses, and an average ERA of 3.28 in 186 games over 11 seasons . .
Hanwha’s Ryu Hyun-jin takes on Lee Beom-ho, who transferred to KIA on June 14, 2011. IN photo
Ryu Hyun-jin returns to Korea. It is a welcome event for his home team, Hanwha, but it is a significant burden for the opposing team that has to deal with Ryu Hyun-jin. The same was true of coach Beom-ho Lee, who took over the new leadership of the KIA Tigers. For director Lee Beom-ho, Ryu Hyun-jin was once younger in Hanwha (2006-2009), but now he reunites with him as a formidable enemy who has returned after conquering the American stage.
Coach Beom-ho Lee, who returned to Korea after completing Australia’s spring camp on the 21st, said of Ryu Hyun-jin’s return, “It’s a great honor.” Manager Lee said, “It’s an honor (for Korean baseball) to have such a great pitcher come to Korea. “I believe it will be a season where our players will feel many things, and it will also be an opportunity for Korean baseball to grow further,” he said, welcoming the return of the younger team.
The KIA Tigers team returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 21st after completing the first spring camp held in Canberra, Australia. Director Beom-ho Lee greets fans. The team is due to leave for the second camp, Okinawa, the next day, the 22nd, and plans to play a total of six practice games. Incheon Airport = Reporter Jeong Si-jong capa@edaily.co.kr /2024.02.21. The KIA Tigers team returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 21st after completing the first spring camp held in Canberra, Australia. Director Beom-ho Lee is interviewed by reporters. The team is due to leave for the second camp, Okinawa, the next day, the 22nd, and plans to play a total of six practice games. Incheon Airport = Reporter Jeong Si-jong capa@edaily.co.kr /2024.02.21.
But reality is reality. As KIA’s coach, who aims to win the championship this season, Ryu Hyun-jin is a mountain that must be overcome. In response, coach Lee Beom-ho expressed his honest feelings, saying, “I’m not too worried if Ryu Hyun-jin doesn’t appear much in the game against our KIA.” Coach Lee laughed, saying, “I welcome Ryu Hyun-jin back to Korea, but if possible, I hope he avoids (taking the mound) and throws when playing against us.”
Reporter Seungjae Yoon yogiyoon@edaily.co.kr
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