Park Young-hyun, a second-year player who is in charge of one of the pillars of the KT Wiz bullpen, has had a more meaningful year than ever before, from being the first title holder since his debut to winning a gold medal in an international competition.

Park Young-hyun, who became a member of the Wizard Corps as the 2022 rookie first-round pick, pitched well last season with 52 games, 51⅔ innings, 1 loss, 2 holds, and an ERA of 3.66. This season, he recorded 3 wins, 3 losses, 32 holds, and 4 saves in 68 games, 75⅓ innings. SSG Landers beat Noh Kyeong-eun (30 holds) and took first place in the hold category for the first time since her debut.

Of course, the process was not smooth throughout the season. Park Young-hyun, who was cruising until June, showed a bit of a slump in July with 11 games, 8⅔ innings, 1 loss, 5 holds, and an ERA of 9.35, and he was allowed on base more often. However, Park Young-hyun, who did not collapse even in a crisis, lived up to the coaching staff’s expectations by showing off his powerful performance even after August.

Park Young-heon had an unforgettable experience earlier this month. As a member of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games baseball team, he played a vital role in the national team and contributed greatly to the national team’s 4th consecutive victory in the competition. He, along with Choi Ji-min of the KIA Tigers, showed dependability throughout the tournament, which relieved the coaching staff of worrying about the bullpen.

Young-Hyun Park, who successfully completed his first international competition since his professional debut, entered a long break after the final game of the regular season against the Doosan Bears on the 10th (2 innings, 1 hit, 1 strikeout, no runs). We had nearly three weeks to reorganize ahead of the playoffs against NC Dinos.

After training for the playoffs held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 29th, Park Young-hyun said, “Rather than saying what I did for the past three weeks, I was restless with a lot of break time, so I wanted to keep moving. I worked out hard.”

Having a break is a plus. However, Park Young-hyun says that there are also some concerns. He said, “I’ve managed a lot of physical strength, but even in the last game, even though I got the results I wanted, I think I was a little stressed because of my velocity. I don’t know why my velocity isn’t going up, but I think it will go up as I play. Last year, I played fall baseball as well.” “I have experienced it and have some expectations,” he said. 

Park Young-hyun also said, “There were problems with my pitching form during the preparation process, and as I thought about that, I identified too many bad aspects. I guess I was so nervous after going to the Hangzhou Asian Games that I couldn’t come to my senses (laughter). I collected my thoughts. “I talked a lot with the coach and followed the same routine,” he said, adding, “I think that’s why I prepared a little harder. It starts tomorrow (30th), so now all that’s left is a game against the batters.”

In fact, it was not easy to participate in an international competition while completing the regular season schedule. However, I gained a lot from the Asian Games. Park Young-hyun said, “Because I had a good experience, I don’t think I can forget that feeling. I was also nervous. I think the biggest thing I learned was that I felt that way. I am very proud that everyone was looking at one thing and that we were able to overcome it in that atmosphere. “I think playing in that atmosphere was the greatest experience,” he said.

Park Young-hyun, who clearly made a mark, was also named on the Asian Professional Baseball Championship (APBC) 2023 list announced on the 24th. If the team advances to the Korean Series, it is unclear whether they will participate in the tournament considering the Korean Series and APBC schedule, but it is meaningful just to be a member of the national team again.

Park Young-hyun said, “I think I’m going in a good mood because my brothers who went to the Asian Games are also on the APBC team. We all said we would go to the APBC after winning a gold medal, and I feel good because that happened.” “I think doing it is an experience, and it feels good. When everyone was telling me to rest, I said I wanted to go and give it a try,” he said, expressing his determination.

For now, Young-Hyun Park is trying to focus on the playoffs against NC to help his team advance to the Korean Series. He said, “I’m looking forward to it because we’re playing in an atmosphere similar to the Asian Games, and I’m also looking forward to it because a lot of fans are coming.” He added, “We did (fight) in the Asian Games, so I think we should do a lot of fighting here as well.” “I think I will give it my all this time because the team’s challenge for the championship is at stake,” he said, emphasizing his sense of responsibility.

So, are there any hitters on the opposing team who are particularly cautious? Park Young-hyun’s answer was ‘nothing.’ He said, “I go in with confidence, and if (Kim) Joo-won (who is one year my senior at Yushin High School) is going to make fun of his older brother, I think I’ll have to do something to catch him (laughter). The opposing hitters were playing well. I catch those type of hitters. “It is also a pitcher’s duty, and I have to fulfill it one by one, so I am nervous,” he said. “(Obviously) I am conscious of it. The hitters’ sense of hitting has also increased, and playing in such an atmosphere is an adrenaline rush in itself. “I think that’s why I look forward to it,” he said.

From the first game of the series, the league’s leading aces, Eric Peddie and William Cuevas, will face off as starters. If the game progresses toward a pitcher’s battle, the role of relievers who take the mound after the middle of the game is expected to become important.굿모닝토토 주소

Park Young-hyun said, “I think I’ll watch from the dugout and then leave. Peddie is the best pitcher in the KBO league. Cuevas is also a very good pitcher. I think the fact that those two players face each other is very meaningful.” “I think our team will win. Peddie lost twice against our team, and the atmosphere is really good, so I’m looking forward to it,” he said, pledging to do well.