Lee Ji-young (37) of Kiwoom Heroes expressed her feelings about being selected for the national team for the first time since her professional debut.
Lee Ji-young had the best season last year. He played in 137 games with a batting average of 2.6 par 7 (112 hits in 420 at-bats), 2 home runs, 37 RBIs, and an OPS of . beaten up In the postseason, he played as the starting catcher in all games and led Kiwoom to runner-up in the Korean Series.
Although the season was good enough to be called the second heyday, not many people expected Lee Ji-young to be selected for the Korean national team for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) to be held in March. There are many large catchers who have heated up the Stove League, including Yang Eui-ji (Doosan), who won the highest FA contract ever (4+2 years, 15.2 billion won), Yoo Kang-nam (Lotte, 4 years, 8 billion won), and Park Dong-won (LG, 4 years, 6.5 billion won). Because. However, national coach Lee Kang-cheol and the technical committee chose Lee Ji-young as the national team’s backup catcher.
Manager Lee Kang-cheol said, “The main catcher is Yang Eui-ji. While watching last year’s postseason and Korean Series, Lee Ji-young thought that although she was a little older, she could move well and play a good role as a backup catcher. He explained the reason for choosing Lee Ji-young, saying, “I consulted with Jin Gap-yong Battery Coach, but he has grown a lot in his skills, and he has not lacked skills while playing baseball diligently.”
Lee Ji-young, who joined Samsung as a training player in 2008, debuted in the first team in 2009 and played 12 seasons in total until last year. However, he has never represented his country in an international competition. This is his first national team selection in 15 years since joining the professional team.
“It’s the first time I’ve been selected for the national team,” said Lee Ji-young. She hasn’t even called up the national team, so she’s still working out as usual. She doesn’t really touch me yet,” he said.
During the postseason last year, Lee Ji-young responded to the selection of the WBC national team by saying, “I’m looking forward to it, but will I be able to be selected?” But now I can confidently say that I am the national team catcher.
Lee Ji-young, who said, “I always thought it would be an honor to be in the preliminary roster,” said Lee Ji-young, “I can’t describe how good it feels to be selected for the national team. Since I am a national representative representing the country, of course I have a great desire to go and do well. I’m not the starting player, but I’m going to play in the back, but I’ll become a player who can help the team without being a nuisance in an important situation.”
In Kiwoom, in addition to Lee Ji-young, Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hye-seong were selected as national representatives. Lee Ji-young said, “Congratulations to (Lee) Jeong-hoo for going with me. I hope we can work hard together.” (Kim) Hyesung also contacted me and said let’s do well together. I also replied, ‘You guys work hard and I will work hard as a backup’” she laughed.
In Group B, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, Korea Republic will face Australia, Japan, Czech Republic and China. Lee Ji-young said, “It is not yet time to pay attention to the strength of other teams. Now, when I receive the data analyzed by the power analysis team, I think I will prepare in earnest from then on. Right now, I am just working hard to do well in competitions.”
The WBC, which is held before the KBO League season, can be a physical burden for players. This is because we have to pick up the pace faster than in other seasons. However, Lee Ji-young said, “If the competition period goes back to normal, it will be an exhibition game. That’s why I camped and competed in a state where my body was ready anyway. Rather than preparing especially quickly, it is about starting the exercise a little faster. I don’t think there will be a big burden,” he expressed confidence.
Yang Eui-ji will be the main catcher for the Korean national team. However, there is a high possibility that Lee Ji-young, who is in charge of backup catcher, will also play at a crucial moment in the second half of the game. Fans are already anticipating what kind of activity Lee Ji-young will show as she is entering an international competition for the first time. 메이저사이트