Songwon University Ace Jeong Hyeon-soo Expresses Gratitude to Senior Teammate Lee Dae-ho and Fondness for Hometown Team Lotte
By Gil Joon-young, OSEN Reporter | September 17, 2023
In the recent ‘2024 KBO Rookie Draft’, Jeong Hyeon-soo (22), the talented left-handed pitcher from Songwon University, was selected by the Lotte Giants as the 13th overall pick in the second round. With great enthusiasm, Jeong expressed his gratitude towards his senior teammate, Lee Dae-ho, and his immense fondness for his hometown team, Lotte.
Jeong, known as the best left-handed pitcher in college, showcased his skills in 11 games this year, pitching a total of 42⅔ innings and achieving 4 wins, 2 losses, and an impressive average ERA of 2.09.
Reflecting on his journey, Jeong stated, “After leaving my hometown four years ago, it feels surreal to return. There is a sense of novelty in the air. Back in high school, I was a hitter, and it was disappointing not to be drafted as a professional player. So, I persevered and worked hard for four years. Now, being part of my hometown team, Lotte, is a truly special feeling.”
Recalling his memories, Jeong shared, “As a child, I frequented Sajik Stadium and vividly remember using the orange baton. I started playing baseball after being inspired by the great Lee Dae-ho. I aspire to step onto the mound at Sajik Stadium, following in the footsteps of senior Lee Dae-ho, which further solidifies my affection for Lotte.”
Jeong recently gained popularity through his appearance on the television baseball entertainment program, ‘Strongest Baseball’. While playing at Kangang Baseball, he had the opportunity to meet his childhood idol, Dae-ho Lee, personally. Jeong enthusiastically recounted, “Since Dae-ho Lee was such a revered figure, I never thought I would meet him in person until we filmed ‘Strongest Baseball’ this year. His inspiring presence left a profound impact on me.”
Jeong also shared the valuable advice he received from Lee, stating, “He emphasized the importance of the right mindset and attitude towards baseball. Lee stressed the significance of starting with the proper fundamentals, highlighting that every step in the game is vital. Even after the cameras were turned off, he continued to provide guidance and motivation. His words reassured me that this is not the end, and it is crucial to keep moving forward and perform well.”
Expressing his admiration for another Lotte pitcher, Jeong expressed his desire to meet Kim Won-jung, saying, “I have heard great things about senior Kim Won-jung, who graduated from Gwangju Dongseong High School and even trained with one of our teachers. He is a closing pitcher whom I have seen on television, and I truly want to emulate his skills and cool demeanor.”
Looking ahead, Jeong eagerly awaited the opportunity to meet Lotte fans at Sajik Stadium and remarked, “I still can’t believe that Lotte picked me. It’s quite overwhelming. Representing my hometown team on the mound holds immense significance for me. Sajik Stadium attracts numerous fans, and this has been my dream since childhood. I will channel all my efforts to become a standout pitcher for the Lotte Giants. I promise to make a memorable debut for the team.”
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Provided by OSEN | 2023.09.17 06:00
[OSEN=길준영 기자] Songwon University ace Jeong Hyeon-soo (22), who was drafted in the second round by the Lotte Giants, expressed his gratitude to his senior team, Lee Dae-ho, and his fondness for his hometown team, Lotte.
Hyunsoo Jeong was selected by Lotte as the 13th overall pick in the second round of the ‘2024 KBO Rookie Draft’ held at the Westin Chosun Hotel Grand Ballroom in Seoul on the 14th. Hyunsoo Jeong, considered the best left-handed pitcher in college, pitched in 11 games (42⅔ innings) this year with 4 wins, 2 losses, and an average ERA of 2.09.
Jeong Hyun-soo, who played at Songwon University after attending Busan High School, said, “I returned to my hometown four years after leaving. Something feels new. I was a hitter during my time at Busan High School, but I was very disappointed because I wasn’t drafted as a pro. So, I worked very hard for four years, and it’s a very nice feeling to finally come to my hometown team, Lotte,” he said of his nomination.
Jeong Hyun-soo, who said, “When I was young, I really went to Sajik Stadium a lot,” said, “I still remember using the orange baton at Sajik Stadium when I was young. I started playing baseball after watching an older Lee Dae-ho. “I want to step quickly on the mound at Sajik Stadium, where senior Lee Dae-ho played,” he said, expressing his fondness for Lotte.
Jeong Hyun-soo recently gained popularity by appearing on the television baseball entertainment program ‘Strongest Baseball’. At Kangang Baseball, I had the opportunity to play baseball with Dae-ho Lee, whom I had admired since childhood. Jeong Hyun-soo said, “When I was young, I never had the chance to meet him in person because he was so great older,” and added, “I met him for the first time while filming Strongest Baseball this year, and his tone was so cool. “It was a really amazing experience,” he said with a laugh.
Jeong Hyun-soo, who received a lot of advice from Dae-ho Lee, said, “He told me a lot about the mentality and attitude towards baseball in the future. He told me that I have to do it right from the time I play catch, and that my attitude towards baseball and every step I take is very important. He gives me a lot of advice even after the camera is off. “He advised me that this is not the end and that it is important to go on and do well,” he said of Dae-ho Lee’s advice.
Jeong Hyun-soo, who chose Kim Won-jung as the pitcher he most wanted to meet at Lotte, said, “Senior Kim Won-jung graduated from Gwangju Dongseong High School and is said to have worked out with a teacher at our school. “I’ve heard a lot of stories and seen him as a closing pitcher on TV, and I really want to be like him and he’s so cool,” he said, looking forward to meeting Kim Won-joong.
Jeong Hyun-soo, who said he wanted to meet the fans on the mound at Sajik Stadium as soon as possible, said, “I still can’t believe that I was nominated by Lotte. I’m dumbfounded. It means a lot to me to be on the mound for my hometown team. If you go to Sajik Stadium, there will be many fans. I think I will concentrate more because I have dreamed of such scenes since I was young. “I want to work hard and become a good pitcher for the Lotte Giants,” he said, promising to make his first team debut. /fpdlsl72556@osen.co.kr
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