“Actually, it would be a lie if I said that I was completely healed. But in fact, who doesn’t get sick?”
SSG Landers Choi Ji-hoon started as designated hitter No. 1 in the game against the Hanwha Eagles in the ‘2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League’ held at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 13th and got 2 hits in 5 at bats. He played an active part with 2 RBIs and 1 goal. Thanks to Choi Ji-hoon’s performance, SSG won 8-5 come-from-behind and balanced 1 win and 1 loss over the weekend.
Choi Ji-hoon, who showed good performance as soon as he came back from an ankle injury, said in an interview after the game, “It’s better to get a good ball from the first day of my comeback than to have a bad one. Yesterday, I was actually worried about leaving the game in the Futures League, but it seems that good results are coming out after definitely analyzing the power and coming in.”
On this day, starting pitchers for both teams clashed with Song Young-jin and Moon Dong-ju, who are challenging for the Rookie of the Year award. Song Young-jin recorded a victory with 6 hits, 4 strikeouts and 4 runs in 5 innings, and won a decision victory over Moon Dong-ju, who recorded a loss in 2⅓ innings, 7 hits, 3 walks, 2 walks and 7 runs.
Choi Ji-hoon laughed and said, “I’m on the side of (Song) Young-jin.” But today, I went out as a designated hitter, so it’s fortunate that I can help with the batting. I was proud that Youngjin thanked me for extending it in the middle of the game.”
Regarding Moon Dong-ju, Choi Ji-hoon said, “I focused on the fast ball because I can be seen as the pitcher who throws the fastest ball in Korea. I am usually quick to prepare for hitting, but today I prepared faster and went in. I think that part went well,” revealing the secret to attacking Moon Dong-joo. 스포츠토토
Manager Kim Won-hyeong said, “Choi Ji-hoon can play anything now. However, he was sent out as a designated hitter today just in case.” Choi Ji-hoon said, “Actually, it would be a lie if I said I was completely healed. He was originally told that he needed two weeks to rest, but he was able to play for the first team in just two weeks. But in fact, is there anyone who doesn’t get sick? The coach was so considerate of me that he sent me out as the designated hitter, and he played well. The trainers also had a lot of trouble,” he said about his physical condition.
On that day, all 23,000 seats at SSG Landers Field were sold out and the crowd was full. Choi Ji-hoon said, “I am always very grateful. Everyone must be busy going to play on the weekend, so thank you for coming to the baseball field and cheering us on. I think we can show good play thanks to the support,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the fans.