Huge trade success! He's the new No. 1 hitter. → However, it is no match for Kang Baek-ho and Hong Chang-ki
Mar 25, 2025
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Kim Min-seok started as the first hitter and left fielder in the opening two consecutive games against SSG Landers. Doosan's leadoff has traditionally been Jung Soo-bin. Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop tried a new batting order this season to arrange the physical strength of veteran Jung Soo-bin and maximize Kim Min-seok's accurate hitting ability. Jung Soo-bin was placed at No. 9, and Kim Jae-hwan, a big shot, was immediately attached to No. 2 after No. 1 Kim Min-seok.
Kim Min-seok exploded with multiple hits in the opening game. He also posted two RBIs, including a triple. In the second game, he met SSG left-hander ace Kim Kwang-hyun and struggled, but eventually added a hit. He has a batting average of 0.333 and an on-base percentage of 0.400 in two consecutive games, which is the passing point of the leadoff.
Kim Min-seok is an outfielder acquired by Doosan through a trade with Lotte Giants in November last year. Kim Min-seok was a big prospect who was selected as the third overall pick in the first round of the 2023 Rookie Draft. Doosan gave up relief pitcher Jung Chul-won, a former rookie of the year, and infield utility Jeon Min-jae. Doosan immediately received power outfielder Kim Min-seok and Choo Jae-hyun and pitching prospect Choi Woo-in.
Kim Min-seok scratched Doosan's itchy spot, where one outfield was a concern. He proved his ability through off-season training and exhibition games and maintained his performance even in the regular season.
Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop also expressed satisfaction. Director Lee Seung-yeop said, "(The part that we expected from (Kim) Min-seok came out well enough. (Jeong)I think Subin's burden has decreased a lot as he went to number 9. Kim Min-seok is a player who is good at ball and plays a very good role in defense base. I think we'll continue to be a member of the lineup" he complimented.
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Kim Min-seok said, `I was very nervous because it was my first time at the opening game. The first batter is the one who announces the start of the game. It can have a big impact on the team atmosphere. But you can't hit it well every time. Still, he always tries to swing himself. That way, I think even if I'm out, the team's atmosphere will rise and I won't be pushed out of the competition with the opposing pitcher" he expressed his conviction.
Then there is Kang Baek-ho at KT and Hong Chang-ki at LG. I'm not even compared to these seniors yet. But I want to find my own direction and color so that I can follow it like that"I vowed.
Kim Min-seok himself knows that his popularity has increased under the spotlight. Kim Min-seok intends to focus only on baseball without paying attention.
Kim Min-seok said "Something like popularity follows later. I think the first thing to do is focus on baseball and the team performs well. Last year, I experienced a case of getting impatient when I was too motivated. I'm not nervous anymore after the opening game. I want to do well, but I want to do it more comfortably," he said, calling for support.
Reporter Han Dong-hoon dhhan@sportschosun.com
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
