Samsung Lions outfielder Kim Hyun-jun could make the baseball team for the Hangzhou Asian Games in dramatic fashion. Samsung coach Park Jin-man, the “national shortstop,” strongly recommended Kim as a replacement for Lee Jung-hoo (Kiwoom Heroes).
Kim appeared in 86 games this season, batting .296 with 104 hits, two home runs, 34 RBIs, five doubles, and a .352 on-base percentage. After a slow start to the season due to injury, Kim has been hitting consistently since returning to the first team. After a brief hiatus in August (.261 batting average), Hyun-jun found his swing again in September (.286 batting average).
Kim has been in the conversation as a possible replacement for the Korean National Baseball Team at the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games. This is because Lee Jung-hoo, who was selected as the main outfielder for the team, was unable to make the squad due to an unfortunate long-term injury. Without Lee, there are only two professional outfielders on the national team, Choi Ji-hoon (SSG Landers) and Choi Won-jun (KIA Tigers). With the need for a replacement outfielder who can hit, run, and play defense, Kim Hyun-jun is the one who fits the bill.메이저놀이터
Samsung outfielder Kim Hyun-jun hopes to make the team for the Hangzhou Asian Games in dramatic fashion.
Samsung outfielder Kim Hyun-jun hopes to make the team for the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Manager Park Jin-man also mentioned Kim Hyun-jun’s chances of making the Asian Games team. Speaking to reporters before the game against the Doosan Bears in Jamsil on September 10, Park said, “The national team strength committee is looking at not only (Kim) but also other outfielders. I think Hyun-joon’s recent pace is enough to earn a spot on the national team. It will be a great opportunity for him in his baseball career.”
The KBO Power Enhancement Committee, which is in charge of selecting players for the national team, plans to observe the players’ physical condition and performance as much as possible before announcing the replacements.
A KBO official said, “There is no reason to rush the selection of replacements for the Asian Games baseball team. We will observe the candidates until the last possible moment and make a decision just before the team is called. It is important to select players who are in the best shape for the tournament.”
The Asian Games baseball team will play KBO games through Sept. 22 before convening on Sept. 23 to train at the Gocheok Dome. Alternates will likely be named during the week of the call-up. In fact, this week’s KBO League games will be the final showcase for the alternates.
Kim Hyun-joon will also need to make a last-minute impression to make the squad. Samsung has five games remaining on its schedule this week. They start the week on September 12 against the KIA Tigers in Daegu, followed by the KT WIZ in Daegu on September 14, the NC Dinos in Changwon on September 15-16, and the Lotte Giants in Daegu on September 17. If Kim Hyun-jun can continue his steady performance in the air, water, and on the field during these five games, he could drive a wedge into the national team. It will be interesting to see if Kim is recognized as Lee Jung-hoo’s replacement and makes a dramatic return to the Asian Games squad.