“It’s sad that the hyungs left, but the expectations are greater than the burden.”
Samsung Lions, led by coach Park Jin-man, left the team after two players qualified for FA after the end of the 2022 season. Kim Sang-soo and Oh Seon-jin. Kim Sang-soo was a player representing Samsung, and Oh Seon-jin also added strength by performing well in the infield. Now we have to play the upcoming season without both players.
Now, the role of infielder Kim Ji-chan, who is in his 4th year as a pro, has no choice but to become more important. Kim Ji-chan has been steadily receiving opportunities since his debut season in 2020. He played 135 games in the 2020 season and 120 games in the 2021 season.
However, last season, he played only 113 games, the lowest since his professional debut. This is because in June, when the season was in full swing, he suffered a left thigh injury.
But he got good grades. He broke the 100 mark for the first time since his debut. He also batted 0.280. Kim Ji-chan’s record for the 2022 season was a batting average of 0.280, 101 hits, 25 RBIs, 62 points and 25 stolen bases.
On the 30th, Kim Ji-chan, who met with reporters before leaving for Okinawa, Japan, where Samsung’s 2023 spring camp training ground was set up, said, “I left spring camp overseas after a long time and came here nervous. He didn’t play baseball last fall, so he went overseas for finishing camp. At that time, he said that the coach had already started the season. Even then he practiced a lot, but this time is closer to the season. I think the atmosphere and the amount of practice will be different,” he said, expressing his determination to face the spring camp.
As mentioned above, Kim Sang-soo and Oh Seon-jin have left. Samsung is highly likely to prepare for the 2023 season with second baseman Kim Ji-chan and shortstop Lee Jae-hyun. Here, Kim Young-woong and Jo Min-seong are also looking for opportunities. When they are shaken, Kang Han-wool, who can digest all positions in the infield, will add strength wherever he is.
Kim Ji-chan said, “It’s unfortunate that the hyungs left, but I don’t have any thoughts. All we have to do is do our best no matter who goes out. Everyone is preparing hard. I am very worried and there is nothing like that.” 스포츠토토
He said, “I don’t know who will leave the place rather than the burden, but the expectations are higher. With more young players on the team, I think it will be more fun than burdensome.”
Samsung fans have higher expectations than ever for the Keystone combination with Lee Jae-hyun. Kim Ji-chan, along with Lee Jae-hyeon and outfielder Kim Hyeon-jun, is loved so much that Samsung fans nicknamed him ‘Gul Biz’. Even though it was early on this day, fans from all over the country came to support Kim Ji-chan.
Kim Ji-chan said, “I have to do better. You also have to talk a lot. Last year, we talked a lot not only on the field but also on our usual days. I think we should do the same,” he laughed.
Finally, Kim Ji-han said, “This is my fourth year as a pro. I have been running the game ever since. You should show better grades. This year, I will show a better image than last year.”