“It’s not about expectations.”
Kim Bum-seok, a catcher from the youth national team who LG selected with the seventh pick in the first round of the 2023 rookie draft. He was highly regarded as an offensive catcher in high school. Following his time at Nexen and SK, Yoon Kyung-yeop organized a “major tour” for prospects at LG. The theory is that even if the prospects don’t play in the first team, they can benefit from training and learning. Kim Bum-seok was a natural candidate.
Coach Yeom Kyung-yup even put him in the first team last week. He got a couple at-bats against Jamsil LG Electronics on the 3rd, and even made his first start as the 9th designated hitter against Gochuk Kiwoom on the 6th. Of course, Yeom said he didn’t expect anything from Kim Bum-seok right away.
Experience, process, and consideration. But when a prospect like that gets on base and gets an RBI, it’s something to smile about for LG. Although he didn’t get his first hit, Kim Bum-seok had a great day.
In his first at-bat with the bases loaded in the third inning, Kim drew a walk against Kiwoom’s Eric Yokishi. SBS Sports commentator Lee Soon-cheol was surprised. “For hitters, Yokishi is a pitcher who doesn’t see the ball at all (his deception is so good). For a rookie to draw a walk in his first at-bat against such a pitcher? That’s amazing.” 메이저사이트
It wasn’t over. In the fourth inning, with runners on first and third, Kim took advantage of Yokishi’s curveball and hit a sacrifice fly to center field. He timed his curveball well. The ball went quite far. Kiwoom center fielder Lee Jung-hoo almost couldn’t handle it.
Kim Bum-seok then retired on a strikeout and an outfield fly ball. Despite Coach Yeom’s “no expectations” comment, Kim’s performance was something to look forward to. Coincidentally, Kiwoom’s starting catcher on this day was Kim Dong-heon, who was called the best catcher in high school along with Kim Bum-seok. The Gocheok Sky Dome was a stage where the future of Korean baseball showed their potential.