The coach was also surprised by the 19-year-old rookie batting talent, shortstop → Will Kim Do-young be born as a third baseman's four-side lefty

Mar 05, 2025

사진=김용 기자

"I've been confident about the bat since I was in high school."

Kiwoom Heroes, who recruited Puig and Cardinez at the same time and formed a 'nuclear strike' camp.

There is only one empty seat. It is the third base that created a gap due to Captain Song Sung-moon's move to second base.

Coach Hong Won-ki first thought of Kang Jin-sung, who was recruited in the off-season, as a candidate. However, I changed my mind at the second spring camp in Taiwan. This is because the momentum of high school graduates was so good.

The start was Yeo Dong-wook, a promising player in Uta. Left-handed hitter Jeon Tae-hyun then took over the baton. Jeon Tae-hyun has established himself as the main third baseman from the middle of the practice game, leaving a strong impression, such as shooting his first home run in the spring camp.

A rising star who ranked first in shortstop homers (five) with Masan Yongmago last year. Even Hong, who was stingy about compliments on players, said, "(When I look back on my experience as a leader, few players were expected to play with a bat like this." First of all, the swing trajectory itself is very good and stable. The size is not big, but the bat speed is fast, so the distance is also 'strong' style.

사진=김용 기자

How do you feel about starting as a second-tier camp and returning as a contender for the first-tier mainstay. Jeon Tae-hyun, whom I met at Incheon International Airport, said, "I learned too much from the camp. I asked a lot of seniors, and the coaches taught me well. It was an opportunity to grow. I was so grateful for giving me the opportunity to play in the actual game. I worked really hard to make use of that opportunity", he expressed his feelings.

Jeon Tae-hyun introduced his batting style as "the batter who hits medium and long distances" and was confident in hitting since high school. However, professional and amateur players have completely different balls, so they still have to learn more," he said modestly.

When asked about his role model, Jeon Tae-hyun said "Song Sung-moon". When asked if he had changed to Kiwoom, he smiled shyly, saying, "In high school, it was Oh Ji-hwan (LG)." Oh Ji-hwan is the representative runner as a big guns shortstop.

KIA Tigers squad returned home through Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 on the afternoon of the 19th. Kia's team will depart for Okinawa, Japan, in the second camp on the morning of the 20th. Kim Do Young is interviewing. Incheon International Airport = Song Jeong-heon, reporter for @sportschosun.com/2025.02.19/

As mentioned above, Jeon Tae-hyun was a shortstop. I've never seen third base. However, he is trying to change his position with a professional player. It's still going through trial and error. Jeon Tae-hyun said "It's still awkward. The throw is high and supplementing that part. lack a lot. Still, I think it will be okay if I adapt well.'

Kim Do-young, who grew up from KIA Tigers to 'Superstar', was also a shortstop until high school, but he came to KIA and turned into a third baseman. It was to save his exceptional batting talent. Last year, he ranked first (30) in defensive errors in the MVP season, but his defense was buried due to his stellar bat performance.

Will there be a 'left-handed Kim Do-young' in Kiwoom. Jeon Tae-hyun said, "I'll work hard and make it to the opening entry," he said proudly.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.