Ha Jae-hoon (33), the ‘last piece’ of the SSG Landers’ outfield, is back in form. It’s good news to see him back in the lineup, but there’s no better outcome than to see him leading the team’s offense.
On the 26th, Ha started in left field as the seventh batter against the Doosan Bears in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Jamsil Stadium.
On the 24th, Ha joined the first team roster for the first time this season. On the 25th, he appeared as a pinch-hitter against the Incheon LG Twins and hit a double to mark his return. Continuing his momentum, Ha came up big in the game and helped the team win 메이저사이트.
In the top of the third inning, Ha led off with a single to left field against Doosan ace Raul Alcantara. With the score tied at 2-2 in the top of the fifth inning, he led off with a double and came around to score on a single by Kim Min-sik.
Ha Jae-hoon took a break in the third inning with a single to left field. In the top of the eighth, he walked, and with runners on first and second in the bottom of the ninth, he hit a 115-meter solo home run (his first of the season) over the left field fence to seal the 14-3 victory.
He also shined on defense. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, he made a long, hard running catch on a big hit by Lee Yoo-chan to take the pressure off reliever Choi Min-jun.
Ha’s final line on the day was 3-for-4 with one home run, three RBIs, and three runs scored. After the game, SSG manager Kim Won-hyung said, “(Ha) Jae-hoon made his first start after returning from injury, and he showed good form from the first at-bat, getting a home run and three hits. He gave us a lot of energy in the bottom of the order.” He received a generous applause.
In the off-season, SSG has assembled an outfield that will see them through the season, including Ha Jae-hoon. Ha plays left field, but his quick feet and strong shoulders give the team a new option in the outfield.
Ha had high expectations before the season, and he’s made a name for himself. He was sent to Geelong Korea of the Australian Baseball League (ABL) in the offseason and exploded with 11 home runs, leading the team in home runs and ranking third in the league in home runs. However, he suffered a setback during a scrimmage when he fractured his left shoulder blade while making a diving catch. Despite the setback, he returned to the field healthy and has been able to contribute to the team’s offense with his signature long ball.
If Ha continues to play as well as he has in the offense, SSG will be in good hands. The final piece of the puzzle is back, and we can’t wait to see what Ha Jae-hoon can do this year.